The Zero-field Magnetic Structures of DyV6Sn6

REV6Sn6 (RE = Gd-Tm) are a family of magnetic materials which provide a new opportunity to study the combination of geometrically frustrated magnetism (of the rare earth lattice) with the exotic physics associated with non-magnetic V kagome layers. Our studies focus on DyV6Sn6 in which our preliminary characterisation shows evidence for two magnetic phases below the ordering temperature in zero-field, of which the magnetic structures are unknown. Additionally, it is currently ambiguous as to whether the magnetic interactions are principally antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic in this material. Neutron diffraction provides the most comprehensive method to establish the magnetic structures and the nature of the magnetic interactions, which are considered essential for the development of a complete understanding of the physics of this important new class of materials.