Tracking the low temperature lattice ordering and strain distribution during Verwey phase transition in magnetite

We will investigate the coupling between strain and the metal-insulator phase transition (the Verwey transition) in the canonical compound, magnetite. We have shown (HC-4565) that strain caused by lattice imperfections affects the transition temperature, TV as the externally induced strain does. We have also proved before existence of the electronic phase separation below TV that certainly causes some intrinsic strain. Eventually, the low T phase does posssess natural crystallographic domains, i.e. also strain that may affect the transition. A picture of the extent and location of these strains, as well as their link with the transition temperature is clearly missing. We have good reasons to believe that we can close this gap with DFXM installed once in ID06-HXM, and now operating at ID03.