NMR for magnetite

Abstract

Magnetite is the oldest magnet material known to mankind It is getting attention again from solid state physics researchers now a days because it is one of the most strongly correlated electron systems. Spin, charge, and orbital orders are interplaying with lattice and involved in the Verwey transition where magnetization, conductivity, and structure changes suddenly. The peculiar ordering states above and below the transition temperature mainly originate from the coexistence of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions in the B site of the inverse spinel structure. In particular, the state of the charge and orbital order was the oldest and most intriguing problem. NMR has made significant contribution to the investigation of this question. A. Abragam stated that there is no doubt that NMR is a very powerful tool for the study of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic materials. In this mini-review, a short history of NMR investigation of magnetite is presented, providing a support to Abragam's claim.