Imaging Antiferromagnetic Domains in GdNi2Ge2 with X-Ray Resonant Magnetic Scattering

We describe investigations of antiferromagnetic domains by resonant magnetic diffraction using linearly polarized x rays at the L-2 edge of Gd in GdNi2Ge2. Studies of single domains and images of these domains provide details of the magnetic transition from a collinear antiferromagnetic structure for 16 K < T < 27.5 K to a spiral structure for T < 16 K. This technique may be used to discriminate between antiferromagnetic domains that differ in their modulation or moment direction, and between the ordering of different magnetic species. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.