Magnetization distribution in paramagnetic CoO: a?polarized neutron diffraction study

Unpolarized and polarized neutron diffraction by a single crystal have been used to study the magnetization distribution in the paramagnetic phase of cobalt oxide CoO. Highly accurate magnetic structure factors have been measured using the classical polarized beam method. A detailed description of the magnetization distribution is presented. The magnetization around the cobalt site has a radial distribution which is contracted by 5% with respect to that of the free ion and a symmetry which approximates more closely to eg than to the form t2g5/e g2 expected for the Co2+ 3d7 configuration. A significant magnetization, corresponding to some 8% of the total moment, is found at the oxygen site.