Low-temperature magnetic structure of the olivine Mn2SiSe4

Abstract The low temperature magnetic structure of Mn 2 SiSe 4 is shown to consist of antiferromagnetically coupled planes of spins with an easy axis parallel to the c -axis. A weak spontaneous magnetization and diffuse scattering observed at T ≤ 66(2) K suggest that the spins are canted in a locally ordered manner. This spin configuration gives a new example of how B(II) moments may order within the B 2 AX 4 (A  Si, Ge: X  O, S, Se) olivine structure.