Polarization study of non-resonant X-ray magnetic scattering from spin-density-wave modulation in chromium

Abstract We present a polarization study of non-resonant X-ray magnetic scattering in pure chromium. Satellite reflections are observed at ± Q and ± 2 Q , where Q is the modulation wave vector of an itinerant spin-density-wave. The first and second harmonics are confirmed to have magnetic and charge origin, respectively, by means of polarimetry without using an analyzer crystal. This alternative technique eliminates intolerable intensity loss at an analyzer by utilizing the sample crystal also as an analyzer crystal.