Neutron diffraction study of the La1-xPrxMn2Si2 (x=0.4, 0.7 and 1) compounds and the general description of the magnetic behavior of Mn in RMn2Ge2 and RMn2Si2

The magnetic structures of the La1-xPrxMn2Si2 (x=0.4, 0.7 and 1) have been investigated by powder neutron diffraction between 2 and 308 K. According to magnetic measurements, the x=0.4 sample shows a typical SmMn2Ge2-like magnetic behavior. Neutron diffraction indicates a canted antiferromagnetic structure below 130 K and a canted ferromagnetic structure above 240 K. Between 130 and 240 K, the canted ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic structures coexist. Since the magnetic moments of Mn atoms, the unit cell parameters and the scale parameters of the canted antiferromagnetism and canted ferromagnetism are highly correlated between 130 and 240 K, a special refinement procedure was introduced. The critical Mn-Mn value was determined as 2.87A˚, and the spontaneous volume change and linear magnetostriction are derived. Neutron diffraction revealed a canted antiferromagnetic structure for La0.3Pr0.7Mn2Si2. A canted antiferromagnetic structure was also detected for PrMn2Si2 by neutron diffraction in contrast to previous reports of a collinear arrangement. The present results are compiled together with previous ones on RMn2Ge2 and RMn2Si2 (R: Y, La and rare-earth) compounds in two magnetic phase diagrams. These two graphics summarize the general magnetic behavior of Mn in the RMn2Ge2 and RMn2Si2 compounds.