Magnetic Property Determination of Nickel Niobate (NiNb2O6)

We have synthesized a novel polymorph of the material nickel niobate, NiNb2O6, in a previously undetermined space group. We have examined the material using SQUID magnetometry and have observed a magnetic transition at approximately 14 K, and a second magnetic feature below 2 K. We have determined these materials using muon spin rotation and relaxation at TRIUMF National Lab in Vancouver, Canada and using neutron scattering on the HB-3A beamline of the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Labs, TN. Using these techniques we were able to determine that the magnetic structure is highly two-dimensional. This talk will discuss the nature of the phase transition and its evolution through low temperatures.