Neutron diffraction study of NdCrGe3

The hexagonal perovskite (BaNiO3-type) structure of NdCrGe3 and its ferromagnetic order at TC=122 K have been confirmed by neutron powder diffraction measurements. The magnetic structure is characterized by an axial ferromagnetic arrangement of both the Cr and Nd sublattices below TC. The relatively high Curie temperature of this compound is mainly driven by the magnetic ordering of the Cr sublattice with Nd–Cr magnetic interactions also playing a role. The magnetic ordering of the Nd sublattice, deduced from the thermal variation of the magnetic moments, occurs at around T≈70 K. The absence of a spin reorientation of the Nd and Cr magnetic order allows us to conclude that the complex magnetic behaviour previously observed at low temperatures in macroscopic magnetic measurements is a consequence of strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy effects.

► Determination of the magnetic structure of NdCrGe3 by neutron powder diffraction.
► Crucial role of Cr sublattice on the magnetic ordering of NdCrGe3.
► Axial orientation of both Cr and Nd magnetic moments.