Antiferromagnetic Arrangements in Ferrites

Abstract

The molecular field treatment of the magnetic properties of ferrites given by N\'eel is extended to take into account the antiferromagnetic exchange interactions within the two magnetic sublattices. On further subdividing the two lattices, we show that the ground state may, (1) have an antiparallel arrangement of the spins on the two sites; or (2) consist of a triangular arrangement of the spins on the sublattices; or (3) have antiferromagnetism in each of the two sites separately. We also show that transitions between various configurations may occur in the same substance at different temperatures, without the assumption of temperature-dependent interactions. Neutron diffraction experiments and specific heat measurements are suggested for the detection of the predicted arrangements.