Studies of magnetic axis switching phenomenon in magnetite

Abstract

Abstract The results of magnetic and structural studies of magnetic easy axis switching in magnetite are presented. This phenomenon was first observed after the easy axis was established by the in-field cooling across the Verwey transition. Although the subsequent application of magnetic field at low temperatures along certain <1 0 0> is almost as effective in establishing the easy axis as field cooling, the repeated easy axis redirection below T V causes the field required to switch the axis to become lower. We have also shown that the change of magnetic easy axis is reflected in the change of crystallographic c direction. Finally, the energy required to switch the axis was calculated and was found comparable to the characteristic energy of the Verwey transition