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(RE)Ni₂B₂C; ErNi₂B₂C; vortex lattice; non-locality; magnetism; superconductivity

We have performed a series of neutron diffraction experiments from the magnetic order and the vortex lattice in single crystal ErNi₂B₂C. The incommensurate magnetic structure develops additional even harmonics below the ‘ferromagnetic’ ordering temperature, T_F of 2.3 K. This feature and the existence of rods of diffuse scattering suggest the development of ferromagnetic microdomain walls. The magnetic structure is very sensitive to the application of a magnetic field with changes in modulation vector and harmonic content. Studies of the vortex lattice show the presence of a 45° reorientation transition and a distorted hexagonal to square transition as a function of applied field. Further distortions of the vortex lattice occur at T_N, but no changes are seen at T_F.

NJ Bancroft¹ DMcK Paul¹ G McIntyre² CD Dewhurst² R Cubitt²

1. Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry - CV4 7AL, UK
2. Institut Laue Langevin, BP156-38042, Grenoble, France

Published

6 May 2002