Antiferromagnetism of ThCr2Si2

Neutron diffraction measurements indicate that the magnetic moments of chromium atoms in the ThCr₂Si₂ compound show long-range order. The Cr magnetic moment equal to 1.20(25)μ_B at 1.5 K lie in the basal plane and form magnetic structure AFl-type.     

Magnetic properties of rare-earth transition metal aluminides R6T4Al43 with Ho6Mo4Al43-type structure

The magnetic properties of 53 aluminium-rich intermetallic compounds R₆T₄Al₄₃ with R=rare-earth elements and T=Ti, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W were investigated using polycrystalline samples and a SQUID magnetometer in the temperature range from 2 to 300 K with magnetic flux densities up to 5.5 T. The yttrium and lutetium compounds are Pauli paramagnetic, indicating that the transition metal atoms do not carry magnetic moments. The samarium compounds show van Vleck behavior and antiferromagnetic order with Néel temperatures of less than 12 K. Of these Sm₆Ti₄Al₄₃ becomes metamagnetic. The ytterbium compounds show a mixed or intermediate valent behavior and no magnetic order down to 2 K. All other compounds obey the Curie–Weiss law above 30 K. Their effective magnetic moments correspond to the theoretical moments of the rare-earth ions. They show ferromagnetic or metamagnetic behavior with ordering temperatures all below 20 K. The magnetization curves of most compounds (recorded up to 5.5 T) reach about 50% of the theoretical magnetization already at 0.5 T. The gadolinium compounds are exceptional in that they reach at 0.5 T only about 10% of their theoretical magnetization. The crystal structures of the isotypic compounds Yb₆V₄Al₄₃ and Yb₆Ta₄Al₄₃ were refined from single-crystal X-ray data.     

Magnetic orderings in La- and Y-substituted PrCo2Si2 compounds

The results of heat capacity (C), electrical resistivity (ρ) and magnetoresistance (Δρ/ρ) measurements on the compounds Pr_1−xLa_xCo₂Si₂ (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) and Pr_1−yY_yCo₂Si₂ (y=0.2, 1.0) are reported. The Pr sub-lattice dilution studies on the PrCo₂Si₂ compound indicate that in spite of the anomalously high antiferromagnetic ordering temperature (31 K), the RKKY interaction is responsible for magnetic ordering in this compound. The paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition temperature in Pr_0.8Y_0.2Co₂Si₂ is lower than that expected due to the positive chemical pressure effect. In contrast to the three magnetic transitions in PrCo₂Si₂ at 31, 17 and 9 K, there are only two magnetic transitions in Pr_0.8La_0.2Co₂Si₂ and Pr_0.8Y_0.2Co₂Si₂ above 3 K. The Δρ/ρ of PrCo₂Si₂ at 3 K is large (>20%) and positive for fields around 40 kOe. The metamagnetic transition observed in the Δρ/ρ data of Pr_1−xLa_xCo₂Si₂ and Pr_0.8Y_0.2Co₂Si₂ compounds has a systematic variation with composition.     

Neutron diffraction study of the CeFeSi-type RTiGe compounds (R=Pr,Nd, Tb–Er)

Neutron diffraction experiments were carried out on polycrystalline RTiGe (R=Pr, Nd, Tb–Er) samples. These compounds crystallise with the tetragonal CeFeSi-type structure (space group P4/nmm). This structure is closely related to the ThCr₂Si₂-type and can be described as “BaAl₄ blocks” connected via R–R contacts (“W blocks”). All the compounds are antiferromagnetic. PrTiGe and NdTiGe are characterised by an easy-plane sine-modulated structure characterised by a wave vector k=0,0,q_z=0.242 and 0.334 below 62 and 128 K, respectively. Below 80 K, NdTiGe exhibits a commensurate arrangement, which consists on ferromagnetic (0 0 1) Nd layers coupled antiferromagnetically along the c direction with the sequence ++−−. This commensurate magnetic ordering also occurs in TbTiGe, DyTiGe, HoTiGe and ErTiGe below 312, 185, 124 and 36 K, respectively. In the first three compounds (R=Tb−Ho), the magnetic moment is aligned along the c-axis whereas it is localised in the basal plane in ErTiGe. In all the RTiGe compounds, the magnitude of the ordered moments at 2 K amounts nearly to the free ion magnetic moment (gJ) values for the respective R³⁺ ions.     

Accumulating evidence for the two-step magnetic ordering in the borocarbides DyNi2B2C and DyCo2B2C

Accumulating evidence for a two-step magnetic ordering in the borocarbide DyNi₂B₂C is summarized, including earlier overlooked evidence for the initial magnetic transition and a recent magnetization study of polycrystalline samples. The two-step ordering involves initial two-dimensional ferromagnetic ordering in the DyC (basal) planes at T_N (=16.3 K), gradual build-up of the three-dimensional (3D) alternate stacking of ferromagnetic planes, and a final 3D ordering in the AF–I-related structure at a lower temperature T_o (=10.4 K), depicting a first-order transition. Supporting evidence for the two-step magnetic ordering in DyNi₂B₂C comes from point-contact spectroscopy measurements in the normal state for DyNi₂B₂C–Ag contact, and from similar behaviour of PrNi₂B₂C and (Pr_0.91Dy_0.09)Ni₂B₂C. In the isostructural borocarbide DyCo₂B₂C the two magnetic transitions (at 7.8 and 2.6 K) deduced from the specific-heat measurements are also attributed to a two-step magnetic ordering.     

Structural and magnetic properties of the double perovskite Sr2MnWO6

The nuclear and magnetic structure and the magnetic properties of the polycrystalline double perovskite Sr₂MnWO₆ have been studied. Rietveld analysis of neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data at T=295 K shows that the sample is tetragonal (space group P4₂/n, a=8.0119(4) Å, c=8.0141(8) Å). Some additional magnetic diffraction peaks were found in the NPD pattern at 10 K, which can be accounted for by antiferromagnetic ordering of spins at the Mn sites. The magnetic unit cell is doubled in all three unit axes directions (a=b=15.9984(8) Å, c=16.012(2) Å) and the manganese moments are coupled antiferromagnetically along the unit cell axes. The total magnetic moment of Mn²⁺ is found to be 2.27(7) μ_B. The antiferromagnetic behaviour was confirmed from magnetisation measurements. The transition from a paramagnetic to an antiferromagnetic state takes place at 13.0±0.1 K.     

Magnetism in PrIr2Si2: A single crystal study

We present the results of magnetization, susceptibility and specific-heat measurements of the high-temperature (HT) and low-temperature (LT) phases of PrIr₂Si₂ performed on single-crystalline samples. The HT and LT phases adopt the tetragonal CaBe₂Ge₂-type and ThCr₂Si₂-type structure, respectively. We have found no magnetic phase transition for the HT phase at temperatures down to 2 K. On the other hand, the LT phase apparently orders antiferromagnetically (AF) at 45.5 K and undergoes a transition to another AF phase at T_t=23.7 K. Complexity of the magnetic phase diagram is amplified by two metamagnetic transitions induced by magnetic field applied along the c-axis at temperatures below T_t. The results will be discussed with respect to other polymorphic compounds PrNi₂As₂ and UCo₂Ge₂.     

Magnetic ordering and the Kondo effect in the alloys,Ce2Co1−xPdxSi3

The compound Ce₂CoSi₃, crystallizing in a AlB₂-derived hexagonal structure, has been recently identified as a Kondo lattice with a non-magnetic ground state. Here, we report the influence of gradual replacement of Co by Pd on the magnetic behaviour in the pseudo-ternary solid solution, Ce₂Co_1−xPd_xSi_3, by magnetization (2–300 K), electrical resistivity (2–300 K) and heat-capacity (0.7–30 K) measurements to bring out a transformation from non-magnetic to magnetic ordering. Distinct features attributable to the existence of a competition between the Kondo effect and magnetic ordering with varying x and temperature are observed in the electrical resistivity data. The results reveal that small substitutions of Pd (x=0.2–0.3) are sufficient to induce magnetic ordering of the Ce ions at low temperatures. The strength of the Kondo interaction as indicated by the paramagnetic Curie temperature decreases monotonically with increasing Pd content. A notable finding is that there are qualitative changes in the isothermal magnetization data in the magnetically ordered state, as if there are modifications in the magnetic structure with changes in the Co/Pd composition. The importance of electronic structure relative to unit-cell volume in deciding magnetic characteristics of this class of compounds is brought out taking into account the trends in the magnetic behaviour of isostructural Ce compounds.     

Effect of Cr substitution on the superconducting and magnetic properties of RuSr2Eu1.5Ce0.5Cu2O10−δ

In this paper we investigate the properties of polycrystalline series of Ru_1?xCr_xSr₂Eu_1.5Ce_0.5Cu₂O_10?δ (0.0 ? x ? 0.40) by resistivity, XRD and dc magnetization measurements. EuRu-1222 is a reported magneto superconductor with Ru spins magnetic ordering at temperatures near 100 K and superconductivity occurs in Cu–O₂ planes below T_c ? 40 K. The exact nature of Ru spins magnetic ordering is still being debated and no conclusion has been reached yet. In this work, we found the superconducting transition temperature T_c = 20 K from resistivity and dc magnetization measurements for pristine sample. DC magnetization measurements exhibited ferromagnetic like transition for all samples.     

Dependence of magnetic ordering temperature of doped and undoped EuFe2As2 on hydrostatic pressure to 0.8 GPa

The ac susceptibility of single crystalline tetragonal EuFe₂As₂, EuFe₂As_1.4P_0.6, and EuFe_1.715Co_0.285As₂ has been measured over the temperature and hydrostatic (He-gas) pressure ranges 10–60 K and 0–0.8 GPa, respectively. For all three samples the magnetic ordering temperature (17–19 K) from the Eu sublattice increases linearly with pressure, presumably due to the enhanced exchange coupling between Eu-layers. No evidence for a superconducting transition was observed in the susceptibility for any sample over the measured temperature/pressure range.     

Complex magnetism in a new alloy,Eu2PdSi3, with two crystallographically inequivalent sites

Lattice constants, electrical resistivity, heat capacity, AC and DC magnetic susceptibility and ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer effect studies on a new intermetallic compound, Eu₂PdSi₃, found to crystallize in an AlB₂-derived hexagonal crystal structure, are reported. The results establish that the Eu ions are in the divalent state down to low temperatures, undergoing two magnetic transitions, one at 40 K and the other at 10 K, pertaining to two different Eu sites. Interestingly, the minority Eu ions at the 2(b) sites order at a relatively high temperature (40 K) and this magnetic interaction is inferred to be ferromagnetic and quasi one-dimensional along the c-axis. The magnetic structure below 5 K following magnetic ordering (at 10 K) of the majority ions at 6(h) sites appears to be quite complex. In short, the crystallographic and (hence) the overall magnetic behaviors of this compound present an interesting situation.     

Giant magnetoresistance in the Ge-rich magnetocaloric compound,Gd5(Si0.1Ge0.9)4

We have measured the zero-field electrical resistivity in the temperature range 5–295 K and magnetoresistance in magnetic fields of up to 12 T of Gd₅(Si_0.1Ge_0.9)₄. The resistivity changes drastically at the magnetostructural first-order transition (T_C≅80 K on heating). This transition can be induced reversibly by the application of an external magnetic field above T_C, producing a concomitant giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect, Δρ/ρ≅−50%. This study demonstrates that (in addition to giant magnetocaloric and magnetoelastic effects) GMR can be tuned between ∼20 and ∼290 K in Gd₅(Si_xGe_1−x)₄ with x⩽0.5 by simply adjusting the Si : Ge ratio.     

Specific heat of TbMn2(H,D)2

Specific heat (SH) measurements on TbMn₂(H,D)₂ powders have been performed in the temperature range from 2 to 350 K, in zero magnetic field and in 9 T. Due to the low heat conductivity of the samples, the measurements were carried out on a mixed Cu- and sample-powder pellet. For TbMn₂, the anti-ferromagnetic phase transition was manifest by a single SH peak at T_N=47 K, whereas a double SH peak at 281 and 288 K and an upturn below 5 K were observed for the hydride sample. Upon applying the magnetic field of 9 T, the SH upturn was suppressed, whereas no visible influence was found on the specific heat in the whole temperature range above 10 K as well as on the double peak.     

Magnetic properties of R2Re2Si2C (R=Ho and Er)

We have investigated magnetic properties of R₂Re₂Si₂C (R=Ho and Er) using magnetic susceptibility, magnetization and heat capacity measurements. Both the materials order antiferromagnetically. The ordering temperatures (T_N) for Ho₂Re₂Si₂C and Er₂Re₂Si₂C are, ∼8.8 and ∼7.6 K, respectively. Our measurements indicate crystal field effects in the bulk properties of both these compounds. The experimental results have been analyzed by taking into account the effect of crystalline electric field and magnetic exchange interaction.     

On the low-temperature properties of TmCo2Ge2

In this paper low-temperature magnetic properties of TmCo₂Ge₂ are reported. The compound was investigated by means of magnetic, electrical transport, heat capacity and neutron diffraction measurements. Clear anomalies were found in all of the bulk characteristics at the onset of antiferomagnetically ordered state below 2.4 K. According to neutron diffraction data, Tm magnetic moments are aligned along the c-axis, forming the AFI-type magnetic structure. In the paramagnetic state, the specific heat reveals a distinct Schottky contribution with the total crystal field splitting of about 150 K.     

Superconductivity,magnetism and crystal chemistry of Ba1−xKxFe2As2

BaFe₂As₂ is the parent compound of the ‘122’ iron arsenide superconductors and crystallizes with the tetragonal ThCr₂Si₂-type structure, space group I4/mmm. A spin-density-wave transition at 140 K is accompanied by a symmetry reduction to space group Fmmm and simultaneously by antiferromagnetic ordering. Hole-doping induces superconductivity in Ba_1?xK_xFe₂As₂ with a maximum T_c of 38 K at x ≈ 0.4. The upper critical fields approach 75 T with rather small anisotropy of H_c2. At low potassium concentrations (x ? 0.2), superconductivity apparently co-exists with the orthorhombically distorted and magnetically ordered phase. At doping levels x ? 0.3, the structural distortion and antiferromagnetic ordering is completely suppressed and the T_c is maximized. No magnetically ordered domains could be detected in optimally doped Ba_1?xK_xFe₂As₂ (x ? 0.3) by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy in contrast μSR results obtained with single crystals. The magnetic hyperfine interactions investigated by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy are discussed and compared to the ZrCuSiAs-type materials.     

Structural and magnetic studies on RPtIn deuterides (R=Tb,Er, Tm)

In this communication, structural and magnetic properties of RPtInD_1.3 (R=Tb, Er, Tm) deuterides are reported. For the first time deuterium-rich compounds were synthesized for the RPtIn family. The investigated deuterides crystallize with the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type crystal structure, with slightly different lattice constants with respect to the basic compounds. In general, the a-lattice constant exhibit contraction, while the c-lattice constant tends to increase upon introducing deuterium. The compounds with Tb and Er shows magnetic ordering at 95 K and 15.5 K, respectively. On the other hand, for Tm based sample no magnetic ordering was evidenced down to 2 K.     

Superconductivity in Nb2InC

In this work the Nb₂InC phase is investigated by X-ray diffraction, heat capacity, magnetic and resistivity measurements. Polycrystalline samples with Nb₂InC nominal compositions were prepared by solid state reaction. X-ray powder patterns suggest that all peaks can be indexed with the hexagonal phase of Cr₂AlC prototype. The electrical resistance as a function of temperature for Nb₂InC shows superconducting behavior below 7.5 K. The M(H) data show typical type-II superconductivity with H_C1 ～ 90 Oe at 1.8 K. The specific heat data are consistent with bulk superconductivity. The Sommerfeld constant is estimated as γ ～ 12.6 mJ mol^?1 K^?1.     

Magnetism in nanocrystalline SiC films

Magnetism been studied in two series of nanocrystalline SiC films obtained by the method of direct deposition of ions with an energy of ~100 eV at temperatures 1150 °С and 1200 °С. There were separated the contributions of diamagnetism, paramagnetism and superparamagnetism+ferromagnetism. Magnetization value of the films correlates with the deposition temperature. In the films deposited at higher temperatures the value of magnetization was by 1.5 times lower. It was concluded that induced magnetism in nanocrystalline SiC films is caused by interaction of magnetic moments of neutral V_SiV_C divacancies in separate nanocrystals. The estimated concentration of neutral V_SiV_C divacancies in nanocrystalline SiC films is ~10²⁰ сm⁻³.