A Mössbauer Study of the β Phase of Iron–Germanium

Abstract

Measurements have been made of the Mössbauer spectra of 5 samples of the β phase of iron–germanium, covering the full range of composition, Fel+yGe (1/2 ≤ y ≤ 1), of this phase. Spectra were taken for both randomly oriented powders and also powders with the grains oriented with an easy direction of magnetization perpendicular to the plane of the absorber. The spectra resolved into 3 six-line patterns, indicating 3 inequivalent Fe sites. The occupation numbers and canting angles of each site were measured and the spins localized on each site were deduced to be 1/2, 2, and 2. The structure of this phase is discussed in the light of these observations.