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Determination of magnetic symmetries by convergent beam electron diffraction

O. Zaiets1,2,*, C. Timm3,4, J. Rusz5, J.-Á. Castellanos-Reyes5, S. Subakti1, and A. Lubk1,2,4,†

  • *Contact author: o.zaiets@ifw-dresden.de
  • †Contact author: a.lubk@ifw-dresden.de
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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 013094 – Published 28 January, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/hf8x-79ry

Abstract

Convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED) is a well-established probe for spatial symmetries of crystalline samples, mainly exploiting the well-defined mapping between the diffraction groups (symmetry group of CBED patterns) and the point-group symmetries of the crystalline sample. In this work, we extend CBED to determine magnetic point groups. We construct all magnetic CBED groups, of which there exist 125. Then, we provide the complete mapping of the 122 magnetic point groups to corresponding magnetic CBED groups for all crystal orientations. In order to verify the group-theoretical considerations, we conduct electron-scattering simulations on antiferromagnetic crystals and provide guidelines for the experimental realization. Based on its feasibility using existing technology, as well as on its accuracy, high spatial resolution, and small required sample size, magnetic CBED promises to become a valuable alternative method for magnetic structure determination.

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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 013094– Published 28 January, 2026
  • Received 18 October 2024
  • Accepted 15 December 2025
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