ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal
This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.
Investigation of Altermagnetic Candidate Mn5Si3 and MnSi-Mn5Si3 Mixed Phases
Abstract: Altermagnets have attracted significant attention for combining antiferromagnetic features such as vanishing net magnetization and ultrafast spin dynamics with properties typically associated with ferromagnets, making them promising for spintronic applications. One candidate material for this emerging magnetic category is Mn5Si3. In this study, we propose using polarized neutron reflectometry on the POLREF instrument to investigate the magnetic structure of three thin film samples: pure Mn5Si3, MnSi and a mixed MnSix. These samples provide a platform to explore the emergence of altermagnetic order in Mn5Si3 and its possible interaction with the known helimagnet, MnSi. Magnetotransport measurements show an unexpected negative and isotropic magnetoresistance. Polarized neutron reflectometry will be used to determine the structural quality and phase uniformity of the Mn?Si? and MnSi films, and to assess whether the mixed phase MnSix forms distinct layers or uniformly distributed phase-separated clusters. The strong contrast in neutron scattering length density between Mn5Si3 and MnSi makes polarized neutron reflectometry especially effective for this system, where X-ray scattering lacks sufficient contrast. These measurements will enable depth-resolved profiles of the magnetic moment within each phase as well as allow us to better determine the distributions and changes in magnetization when both phases are present.
Principal Investigator: Mr Colin Langton
Experimenter: Dr Alexander Grutter
Experimenter: Mr Christopher James Jensen
Experimenter: Dr Julie Borchers
Local Contact: Dr Andrew Caruana
Experimenter: Professor Kai Liu
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520579
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2520579
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520579-1 | POLREF | 19 December 2028 | Download |
Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Data format: RAW/Nexus
Select the data format above to find
out more about it.
Data Citation
The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research
publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher],
[doi]
For Example:
Mr Colin Langton et al; (2025): Investigation of Altermagnetic Candidate Mn5Si3 and MnSi-Mn5Si3 Mixed Phases, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520579
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
