Direct observation of low-temperature superstructure in spin- and charge-frustrated ferrite YFe₂ O_4-δ

The low-temperature superstructure of YFe₂ O_4-δ was carefully investigated by transmission electron microscopy. We found that the unique superstructure at about 100 K is characterized by 1̄ /142/71/14 -type superlattice reflection spots, suggesting the presence of charge-reordering process. The low-temperature high-resolution images clearly show superlattice modulations in Y-O layers as well as Fe-O layers. The modification of intrabilayer charge interactions due to lattice distortions in Y-O layers is discussed to play a crucial role in the stabilization of long-periodic superstructures at low temperatures.