Mn K-edge XMCD in Mn3MC (M = Zn and Ga) perovskite

Abstract

Mn3MC (M=Zn and Ga) perovskite has attracted interest because of a variety of magnetic phase transitions. In this work, we measure temperature and magnetic field dependence of X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at Mn K-edge and discuss effect of second constituent metal on the magnetic states of Mn atoms. The spectrum in Mn3ZnC is characterized by a dispersion-type profile. In Mn3GaC, intensity of the positive peak at the edge is drastically reduced. The difference originates in charge transfer from Zn or Ga to Mn atoms. Temperature and magnetic field variations of the Mn K-edge XMCD spectrum suggest that orbital magnetic moments are closely related to the magnetic phase transition.