Multi-step magnetic ordering in frustrated thiospinel MnSc ₂S₄

Energy resolved neutron diffraction elucidates the magnetic ordering process in the magnetic A-site thiospinel compound MnSc₂S ₄, which reveals two magnetic transitions at T_N1 ≤ 2.3K and K. The coexistence of long range magnetic order and remaining short range contributions with different propagation vectors for clarifies that the transition at K is first order. The ordering process can be described in the framework of single-and double-q short range order fluctuations around approaching the magnetic ordering transition at T_N1 ≤ 2.3K from the high temperature paramagnetic state. The double-q short range contribution may serve as a precursor for the finally stabilized spiral structure with for . Anisotropic magneto-elastic coupling is suggested to induce the magnetic ordering and to lift a possible exchange frustration via an associated lattice distortion.