Neutron diffraction determination of Mn and Zn structure positions in MnZnSb

The experimental evidence by means of neutron diffraction analysis of distribution of Mn and Zn cations in the sublattices I and II in MnZnSb polycrystals is presented. The comparison of calculated and experimental intensities of the nuclear reflections rules out the variant of 'mixed' distribution of Mn and Zn in the sublattices I and II and gives evidence for the fact that Mn and Zn are mainly ordered on structure points I and II, respectively. The substitution of Mn by Zn occurs mainly in the sublattice II. The trend of the concentration dependence of saturation magnetization in the Mn2-xZnxSb solid solution system has been discussed in the frame of disorder in occupying the positions I and II by manganese and zinc