Analysis of Magnetic Point‐Defect Relaxations in Electron‐Irradiated Magnetite

Pronounced relaxation peaks occurring in the magnetic after‐effect (MAE) spectra of low‐temperature electron‐irradiated single‐crystalline magnetite (Fe3O4) are numerically analyzed and associated with anisotropic point defect configurations. As basic defects, cation interstitials and octahedral vacancies have been identified to exist, each in two closely related configurations, giving rise to reorientation‐type double peaks at 230 K (interstitials) and 300 K (vacancies). The analysis of these relaxations yields reorientation (migration) enthalpies of 0.69 eV and 0.73 eV for the interstitials and of 0.86 eV and 0.93 eV for the vacancies. The role of radiation damage for the relaxation mechanisms below the Verwey temperature (Tv = 125 K), i.e. tunnelling (4 K < T < 35 K) and hopping (45 K < T < 125 K) of electrons is discussed and a consistent recovery model, comprising all types of radiation‐induced lattice defects, developed.