Order parameter segregation in Ce0.7La0.3B6: 4.f octopole and 5d dipole magnetic order -: art. no. 117206

The intriguing thermophysical properties of CeB6 have been subject to investigation for more than 20 years. In particular, an exotic ground state, phase IV, emerges under doping with La. We report resonant x-ray scattering results on the order parameter symmetries in phase IV of Ce0.7La0.3B6, which condenses below T-IV = 1.5 K. The results reveal a degree of mesoscopic 5d dipole antiferromagnetic order, with propagation vector Q(0) = (1/2 1/2 1/2), both below and above T-IV. Below T-IV, this polarization coexists with long-range 4f antiferro-octupole (AFO) order also at Q(0). The marked differences in temperature dependence and spatial correlation suggest a state of order parameter segregation at low temperature. A simple model of AFO order, consistent with the polarization dependent azimuth symmetries, the Bragg angle, and temperature dependence is given.