Neutron scattering study of novel magnetic order in Na0.5CoO2

We report polarized and unpolarized neutron scattering measurements of the magnetic order in single crystals of Na0.5CoO2. Our data indicate that below T_N=88 K the spins form a novel antiferromagnetic pattern within the CoO2 planes, consisting of alternating rows of ordered and non-ordered Co ions. The domains of magnetic order are closely coupled to the domains of Na ion order, consistent with such a two-fold symmetric spin arrangement. Magnetoresistance and anisotropic susceptibility measurements further support this model for the electronic ground state.