Magnetic Properties and Crystal Distortion of Hexagonal Mn3 Ga

Magnetization measurements and X-ray diffraction experiments have been made on ε -Mn 3 Ga (71.4 at%Mn) having a triangular spin structure with a weak ferromagnetic component below 460 K. It has been found that the D0 19 -type hexagonal structure is slightly distorted to an orthorhombic structure below 170 K, and that the transition is accompanied by a steep increase of spontaneous magnetization. The crystal distortion may enhance the deviation from the ideal triangular spin configuration.