X-ray magnetic linear dichroism in α-Fe_2O_3

We report soft X-ray fluorescence and total electron yield measurements for α - Fe_2O₃ (hematite) at the Fe L_2,3 and oxygen K edges. α - Fe_2O₃ is antiferromagnetic below the Morin transition temperature of 256 K. Below this temperature, the magnetic moments are aligned parallel to the trigonal c-axis. Above the transition temperature, the moments are canted and have a net magnetic moment with respect to the c-axis. By taking the difference in absorption spectra above and below the transition temperature, we will show that a strong magnetic dichroism exists in this material at the Fe L_2,3 edge. The results could be compared to known theoretical models.