Electronic and magnetic properties of highly ordered Sr2FeMoO6

The electronic and magnetic properties of the colossal magneto resistance (CMR) compound Sr2FeMoO6 have been studied using different experimental techniques, namely X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Furthermore, the magnetic properties have been studied in the temperature range of 4.2 K–800 K. The data confirm a highly ordered double perovskite crystal structure and is consistent with the tetragonal structure with 14/mmm symmetry. The Fe L edge has been probed by means of XAS, and comparison with results for a series of other iron oxides reveals a mixed valence state of Fe2+ and Fe3+. XPS of the Mo 3d and Fe 3s core levels confirms this point of view indicating a mixed valence state involving around 30% Fe3+–Mo5+ and 70% Fe2+–Mo6+ states, in good agreement with paramagnetic measurements which suggest 60% Fe2+ ions. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)