High magnetic field study of the normal spinel MnV2O4

Detailed magnetization measurements are performed up to H=110 kOe in the temperature range 4.2 K2O₄ (T_c approximately=56 K). In the (M, T) plane, all isofield curves display hysteresis loops which are located between two temperatures T_a (H_i) and T_A" (H_i), increasing with H_i. From these T_a and T\´_a values, a (H, T) phase diagram is derived, delimitating five magnetic regions, which is in excellent agreement with the set of isotherm magnetization curves. It is assumed that both T_a (H) and T\´_a (H) are first-order transition lines, the increased stability of the triangular configuration with H being discussed in terms of a large spin-orbit coupling of the V³⁺ magnetic moments.