Single crystal structure analysis of a single Sm₂Fe₁₇N₃ particle

We performed single crystal structure analysis of Sm₂Fe₁₇N₃ using X-ray diffraction. A pick-up system combined with a micromanipulation tool driven by piezoelectric actuators and a microgripper was used. A single Sm₂Fe₁₇N_x particle with the diameter of about 20 μm was picked up, and X-ray diffraction was measured using an X-ray diffractometer at the synchrotron radiation beamline at the Photon Factory, KEK. Single crystal structure analysis of a Sm₂Fe₁₇N₃ particle was performed and the structure was successfully determined from X-ray diffraction patterns. The space group and the lattice constants were determined to be R-3m (#166) a = b = 8.7206 Å and c = 12.6345 Å, respectively. Atomic positions of Sm and Fe atoms were accurately determined by single crystal structure analysis of only one particle.