MAGNETIC AND CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC PROPERTIES OF MNAS0.92P0.08

The magnetic and crystallographic properties of polycrystalline MnAs 0.92P0.08. were studied over a range of temperatures. A gradual distortion of the NiAs to the MnP structure coincides with an anomaly in the susceptibility curve, similar to that found with MnAs. It is suggested that the distortion of the NiAs structure results primarily from anion-anion bonding. The susceptibility anomaly is attributed to an increase in the strength of the antiferromagnetic exchange coupling resulting from a decrease in Mn-Mn separation during distortion. The appearance of metamagnetism at low temperatures is shown to be consistent with this view. © 1968 The American Institute of Physics.