The "in-plane" angular spin distribution in layered systems as obtained by 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy

A practical approach for in-plane angular spin distributions in layered systems, as obtained by Mossbauer spectroscopy, is discussed. The line intensity ratio R-23 of a Mossbauer pattern is expressed versus particular distribution parameters in unidirectional, step-shaped and ellipse-type models. The distribution parameters are deduced from experimental spectra taken by rotating the sample in its own plane. Three-dimensional spin distributions with small out-of-plane components can be analysed using the same method. The procedure is exemplified on four samples containing metallic nano-particles. The in-plane angular magnetic moment distributions derived with this method are compared with the results from bulk vector vibrating sample magnetometry in order to prove the accuracy of the described technique. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.