Magnetisation distribution measurements from powders using a 3He spin filter: a test experiment

Magnetisation distribution maps deduced from the measurement of polarization dependent cross-sections have provided information that has been key to our understanding of the detailed electronic configurations and mechanisms of superconductors, colossal magnetoresistance and molecular magnets. Presently, the absence of any installation on a powder instrument limits its application largely to single crystals. This article details a test experiment carried out using polarized 3He spin filters on a powder diffractometer together with the technical background and data analysis considerations.