Neutron scattering investigation of the spin-flop transition in MnCl24D2O

A detailed study of the spin-flop transition in MnCl24D2O has been carried out. The characteristics of the first-order "shelf," as determined by neutron scattering, were found to be in good agreement with the phase diagram derived here for the appropriate monoclinic symmetry. Experimental and theoretical analysis of the critical scattering observed at the spin-flop transition close to the bicritical point provide independent confirmation of the first-order nature of the transition. © 1981 The American Physical Society.