Neutron polarization analysis of nanostructured ZnFe2O4

We have investigated nanostructured ZnFe2O4 of mean particle size d ∼18(2) nm over the temperature range 24-300 K using neutron polarization analysis. Separation of the spin flip and non-spin flip neutron scattering demonstrates that the diffuse peak which appears at (0.66,0.66,0) at 24 K is of magnetic origin and is elastic. This antiferromagnetic diffuse scattering is likely to depend on the size of the nanoparticles and their fluctuations. Comparison of zero field and field cooled neutron depolarization measurements reveal the formation of oriented magnetic clusters at low temperatures in agreement with magnetization measurements.