Direct observation of t2g orbital ordering in magnetite

Using soft-x-ray diffraction at the site-specific resonances in the Fe L(2,3) edge, we find clear evidence for orbital and charge ordering in magnetite below the Verwey transition. The spectra show directly that the (001/2) diffraction peak (in cubic notation) is caused by t(2g) orbital ordering at octahedral Fe(2+) sites and the (001) by a spatial modulation of the t(2g) occupation.