Magnetic structure determination using polarised resonant X-ray scattering

Abstract Full polarisation analysis of resonant X-ray magnetic scattering (RXMS) is shown to advance the determination of magnetic moment directions of complex magnetic structures within single crystals. Key features of this novel method are the variation of the incident beam polarisation through the use of an X-ray phase plate, and the measurement of the scattered beam polarisation in terms of Poincare–Stokes parameters. Contrary to the established method, no azimuthal rotation is required. Thus, the major sources of systematic error are eliminated, and the method is compatible with exotic and complex sample environments. The technique is demonstrated with the example of TbMn 2 O 5 . The RXMS theory briefly outlined in this paper was fitted to the data, and the local and delocalized, band-specific moment directions associated with the magnetic order of the resonating species was refined with a high degree of accuracy.