Micelle-smectic phase coexistence: Origin of the maximum swelling of a mixed lamellar phase

By use of a mean-field approach the spin-wave dispersion of the Cu degrees of freedom in the undoped high-T _C material Nd₂CuO₄is investigated. The experimentally observed sharp decrease of the Cu spin-wave gap with increasing temperature in the range is explained by a paramagnetic-like susceptibility of the Nd spins which couple to the Cu subsystem. The degeneracy of the “in-plane” and “out-of-plane” polarized Cu spin-wave branches is shown to be lifted by the uniaxial anisotropy of the Cu-Cu nearest-neighbor interaction. Received: 13 August 1997 / Revised: 4 December 1997 / Accepted: 11 December 1997     

Magnetic properties of the S = 1/2 one-dimensional antiferromagnet MgVO

The magnetic susceptibility and the electron spin resonance in the X-band of the transition metal oxide compound MgVO₃ are reported. We show that this compound, made of weakly coupled infinite chains of VO₅ pyramids, behaves as a S =1/2 one-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet. From the ESR and magnetic experiments we deduce the Néel temperature K, the in-chain coupling constant K and the g-factor values g x = g z =1.972(2), g y =1.946(1) for V⁴⁺ ions in MgVO₃. Received 14 July 1999     

Magnetization and specific heat of DyFe3(BO3)4 single crystal

We present thermodynamic and magnetic studies of single crystalline DyFe₃(BO₃)₄. The data indicate an easy axis antiferromagnetic order below T_N~ 38 K which we attribute to the Fe subsystem. The Dy subsystem remains paramagnetic down to the lowest investigated temperatures of 2 K, but it is polarized by the Fe spins due to a f-d interaction. External magnetic field leads to a spin-flop transition in the iron subsystem as well as to superposed magnetization in the Dy subsystem. The repopulation of two low-lying Kramers doublets in Dy³⁺ ions results in well defined Schottky anomalies in specific heat and magnetization.     

Magnetic phase transition and magnetic structure of ground state in CsDyW O

Magnetic phase transition in the CsDyW₂O₈ magnet has been studied by means of low temperature specific heat C ( T ) measurements. The magnetic ordering temperature of the Dy³⁺ sublattice was established to be 1.34 K. The experimental results indicate on the antiferromagnetic character of interactions between Dy³⁺ ions. The behavior of the C ( T ) dependencies above and below T _N is discussed in frames of different theoretical models. The measurements data on temperature and field dependencies of magnetization are used to calculate the exchange and dipole-dipole interactions energy and to determine the possible magnetic structure of the ground state. Received 7 January 2002 / Received in final form 15 May 2002 Published online 7 September 2002     

Magnetic structure and phase diagram of the frustrated spinel Cd1−xZnxCr2Se4

In attempt to characterise the magnetic ordering in the whole composition range of the Cd_1−xZn_xCr₂Se₄ system, various magnetic measurements were performed on both crystalline and polycrystalline samples with 0?x?1. The magnetic properties of the system are typical of a ferromagnet below x=0.4 and of a complex antiferromagnet one above x=0.6. In this work the intermediate region was carefully studied. The variations of both M(T) and χ_ac at low fields suggest that transitions from ferromagnetic to Gabay–Toulouse ferromagnetic-spin-glass mixed phase at low temperature occur in the range 0.41?x?0.58. The high-temperature susceptibility measurements show that for the whole concentration range the system obeys Curie–Weiss laws. The results can be explained by the coexistence of competing interactions (ferromagnetic between nearest neighbours and antiferromagnetic between higher order neighbours) and disorder due to the random substitution between zinc and cadmium ions in the tetrahedral sites of the spinel lattice. An experimental magnetic phase diagram of the system is established.     

Effect of Ta<Superscript>5+</Superscript> substitution for Mn on the ground state of La<Subscript>0.67</Subscript>Ca<Subscript>0.33</Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3</Subscript>

We report the charge state modification effects at the Mn site on the ground state properties of colossal magnetoresistive manganites. Ta⁵⁺ substitution results in an appreciable increase in the lattice parameters and unit cell volume due to increased Mn³⁺ concentration. The ferromagnetic-metallic ground state modifies to a cluster glass insulator for . The reduction in the transition temperatures with increasing x is ∼39 K/at.%. Besides the modification of majority carrier concentration due to increased Mn³⁺ concentration and enhanced local structural effects, the local electrostatic potential of the substituent seems to contribute to the unusually strong reduction of the transition temperatures of the compounds. Thermo magnetic irreversibility just below Curie temperature (T_c), non-saturation of magnetization, two distinct magnetic transitions in ac susceptibility in an appropriate static field: close to T_c and other at low temperature (the spin freezing temperature (T_g)) and non-stationary dynamics with a characteristic maximum in the magnetic viscosity close to T_g confirm a cluster glass state for . These results find additional support from a linear low temperature magnetic specific heat of x = 0.10 with a characteristic broad maximum close to T_g.     

Nanoparticles of: Synthesis and superparamagnetic properties

By using oil in water micelles, cobalt ferrite particles having an average diameter around 3 nm were synthetised. These nanoparticles are characterized by the presence of cation vacancies and no Fe(II) is observed, as it has been described in literature previously. Chemical interfacial treatment allows to coat the particles with citrate derivatives. The magnetic properties of uncoated and coated particles strongly diluted in a polymer substrate are compared by magnetization measurements and ⁵⁷Fe M?ssbauer spectroscopy. The anisotropy constant is shown to be independent of coating, whereas the magnetization is found to be larger in the uncoated particles. Received 3 February 1998     

Mn-site doping induced CMR properties in calcium rich manganites Pr1‒xCaxMnO3(0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.7)

Doping of Mn-site by chromium, cobalt and nickel has been investigated in the calcium rich manganites and . Whatever the nature of the doping element, a rapid disappearance of the charge ordered (CO) state is observed, decreasing as the doping rate increases. But the most important result concerns the Cr-doped compounds for which a re-entrant insulator to metal transition at 90-120 K is observed for x =0.10-0.12, in a zero magnetic field. The possibility to induce colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) properties for high (IV) contents ((IV)/) for x =0.07-0.12 is shown for the first time, the resistance ratios reaching at 30 K. This study also shows differently that the small size of the A-site cation (Pr, Ca) is not a redhibitory obstacle to the appearance of CMR properties in manganites, in contrast with previously established phase diagrams. Received: 18 June 1997 / Revised: 4 August 1997 / Accepted: 10 November 1997     

Magnetic properties of MnCr2O4 nanoparticle

The exchange interactions and the magnetic exchange energies are calculated by using the mean field theory and the probability law of Zn_1−xMn_xCr₂O₄ nanoparticles. The high-temperature series expansions have been applied in the spinels Zn_1−xMn_xCr₂O₄ systems, combined with the Padé approximants method, to determine the magnetic phase diagram, i.e. T_C versus dilution x. The critical exponent associated with the magnetic susceptibility (γ) is deduced. The obtained value of γ is insensitive to the dilution ratio x and may be compared with other theoretical results based on the 3D Heisenberg model.     

Study of magnetic properties of Mn1−xCuxCr2S4 by: High-temperature series expansions

The high-temperature series expansions method applied in the systems Mn_1−xCu_xCr₂S₄ in the range 0?x?1. The exchange interactions and the magnetic exchange energies are calculated by using the probability law. The high-temperature series expansions have been applied in the spinel Mn_1−xCu_xCr₂S₄ systems, combined with the Padé approximants method, to determine the magnetic phase diagram, i.e. T_C versus dilution x. The critical exponent associated with the magnetic susceptibility (γ) is deduced. The obtained value of γ is insensitive to the dilution ratio x and may be compared with other theoretical results based on 3D Heisenberg model.     

First observation of ferromagnetism and ferromagnetic domains in a liquid metal

80 Pd₂₀ alloy below the Curie temperature T_C(l)=1257 K of the liquid state. The magnetization of the undercooled liquid sample has been measured as a function of temperature using a modified Faraday balance. Below T_C(l), the magnetization of the liquid metal shows a plateau in the weak external field of μ₀H_z=5.6 mT. The effect is comparable to the behaviour of the corresponding solid phase, indicating the onset of spontaneous magnetization with ferromagnetic domains. T_C(l) is about 20 K lower than the Curie temperature of the solid phase T_C(s). Received: 24 February 1997/Accepted: 16 May 1997     

Equilibrium low temperature heat capacity of the spin density wave compound (TMTTF)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Br: effect of a magnetic field

We have investigated the effect of the magnetic field (B) on the very low-temperature equilibrium heat capacity c_eq of the quasi-1 D organic compound (TMTTF)₂Br, characterized by a commensurate Spin Density Wave (SDW) ground state. Below 1 K, c_eq is dominated by a Schottky-like A_ST^-2 contribution, very sensitive to the experimental time scale, a property that we have previously measured in numerous DW compounds. Under applied field (in the range 0.2–7 T), the equilibrium dynamics, and hence c_eq extracted from the time constant, increases enormously. For B ≥ 2–3 T, c_eq varies like B², in agreement with a magnetic Zeeman coupling. Another specific property, common to other Charge/Spin density wave (DW) compounds, is the occurrence of metastable branches in c_eq, induced at very low temperature by the field exceeding a critical value. These effects are discussed within a generalization to SDWs in a magnetic field of the available Larkin-Ovchinnikov local model of strong pinning. A limitation of the model when compared to experiments is pointed out.     

Magnetoquantum de Haas-van Alphen oscillations in spin-split two-dimensional Fermi liquid

Theory of magnetoquantum oscillations with spin-split structure in strongly anisotropic (two-dimensional (2D)) metal is developed in the formalism of level approach. Parametric method for exact calculation of oscillations wave forms and amplitudes, developed earlier for spin degenerate levels is generalized on a 2D electron system with spin-split levels. General results are proved: 1) proportionality relation between magnetization and chemical potential oscillations accounting for spin-split energy levels and magnetic field unperturbed levels (states of reservoir), 2) basic equation for chemical potential oscillations invariant to various models of 2D and 1D energy bands (intersecting or overlapping) and localized states. Equilibrium transfer of carriers between overlapping 2D and 1D bands, characterizing the band structure of organic quasi 2D metals, is considered. Transfer parameter, calculated in this model to be of the order of unity, confirms the fact that the wave form of oscillations in organic metals should be quasisymmetric up to ultralow temperature. Presented theory accounts for spin-split magnetization oscillations at magnetic field directions tilted relative to the anisotropic axis of a metal. Theoretical results are compared with available experimental data on organic quasi-2D metal α-(BEDT-TTF)₂KHg(SNC)₄ explaining the appearance of clear split structure under the kink magnetic field and absence above by the corresponding change in the electron g-factor rather than cyclotron mass. Received 20 December 2000 and Received in final form 13 July 2001     

Quenching of the Haldane gap in LiVSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> and related compounds

We report results of susceptibility χ and ⁷Li NMR measurements on LiVSi₂O₆. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility χ(T) exhibits a broad maximum, typical for low-dimensional magnetic systems. Quantitatively it is in agreement with the expectation for an S=1 spin chain, represented by the structural arrangement of V ions. The NMR results indicate antiferromagnetic ordering below T_N=24 K. The intra- and interchain coupling J and J_p for LiVSi₂O₆, and also for its sister compounds LiVGe₂O₆, NaVSi₂O₆ and NaVGe₂O₆, are obtained via a modified random phase approximation which takes into account results of quantum Monte Carlo calculations. While J_p is almost constant across the series, J varies by a factor of 5, decreasing with increasing lattice constant along the chain direction. The comparison between experimental and theoretical susceptibility data suggests the presence of an easy-axis magnetic anisotropy, which explains the formation of an energy gap in the magnetic excitation spectrum below T_N, indicated by the variation of the NMR spin-lattice relaxation rate at T≪T_N.     

Electronic structure and magnetism of RPdIn compounds (R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd)

RPdIn (R = La-Nd) compounds were studied by means of magnetic susceptibility, specific heat and photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The results prove that CePdIn is an antiferromagnetic Kondo lattice with T_N below 1.7 K. The Pr-based indide remains paramagnetic down to 1.7 K, and the lack of any magnetic ordering may be due to the presence of a singlet as the crystalline electric field ground state or/and strong hybridization between Pr 4f states and Pd 4d states. In turn, NdPdIn exhibits ferromagnetism below about 26 K. In contrast to CePdIn, for the Pr- and Nd-based compounds any significant enhancement of the electronic specific heat coefficient was observed.     

Magnetic interactions in the monoclinic ludwigite Cu FeO BO

The system Cu₂FeO₂BO₃ is an oxyborate belonging to the family of the ludwigites. In this paper we present AC susceptibility, magnetization measurements and M?ssbauer spectroscopy on this material which allows for a complete characterization of its complex magnetic behavior. We find an hierarchy of interactions which clearly defines three regimes with decreasing temperature. These are associated with, the freezing of the Fe moments, the antiferromagnetic ordering of the Cu sub-lattice and finally the coupling between both systems. Received 25 September 1998     

Nonlinear magnetic response in ruthenocuprates

We have performed an investigation of the nonlinear magnetic response in ruthenocuprates. A negative, diverging-like peak at the main magnetic transition T_N in RuSr₂ RECu₂O₈ (RE = Gd, Y) indicates a possible canted antiferromagnetic order. Another well defined feature above T_N points to a blocking of superparamagnetic particles through the T^-3 dependence of the third harmonic at higher temperatures. Below T_N a nondiverging peak appears, which is strongly affected by the addition of 10% of Cu ions in the RuO₂ planes. In RuSr₂ RE _2-xCe_xCu₂O₁₀ the main magnetic transition T_M is accompanied by two characteristic temperatures in the third harmonic of the ac susceptibility, in agreement with recent studies from μSR and M?ssbauer spectroscopy. We find that the spin-spin correlation temperature is the same in both families of ruthenocuprates.     

Ultrafast magnetization dynamics of Nickel

Received: 28 November 1998 / Revised version: 14 December 1998     

A new view of the electronic structure of the spin-Peierls compound -NaVO

The present understanding of the electronic and magnetic properties of -NaV₂O₅ is based on the hypothesis of strong charge disproportionation into V⁴⁺ and V⁵⁺, which is assumed to lead to a spin-1/2 Heisenberg chain system. A recent structure analysis shows, however, that the V-ions are in a mixed valence state and indistiguishable. We propose an explanation for the insulating state, which is not based on charge modulation, and show that strong correlations together with the Heitler-London character of the relevant intermediate states naturally lead to antiferromagnetic Heisenberg chains. The interchain coupling is weak and frustrated, and its effect on the uniform susceptibility is found to be small. Received: 28 January 1998 / Accepted: 17 March 1998     

Investigations of the sublattice magnetizations M(T) in antiferromagnets with fourth-order exchange interactions: EuSrTe

We present a neutron scattering study of the temperature and composition dependence of the MnO-type superstructure reflection intensities in the diamagnetically diluted antiferromagnetic compounds Eu_xSr_1-xTe. In these materials antiferromagnetic biquadratic and ferromagnetic three-spin interactions have been identified recently. These fourth-order non-Heisenberg interactions are able to create their own order parameter which is believed to govern the order of the transverse moment components and which, hence, is directed perpendicular to the common Heisenberg order parameter. The observed MnO-type diffraction intensities originate in the sublattice magnetizations, , of both order parameters. Due to the different composition dependencies for biquadratic interaction processes and three-spin interaction processes , the ferromagnetic three-spin interactions dominate for x > x c =0.85, while for x <0.85 the antiferromagnetic biquadratic interactions dominate. Associated with this sign change in the fourth-order interaction sum the transverse order parameter changes from the antiferromagnetic MnO type for x <0.85 to ferromagnetic for x >0.85. This is noticed as a sudden decrease of the low-temperature MnO scattering intensities at x c =0.85. Although susceptibility measurements reveal clearly a ferromagnetic component for x >0.85 no ferromagnetic Bragg intensities were observed in standard neutron scattering spectra using EuTe powder samples. We explain this by the competition of antiferromagnetic biquadratic and ferromagnetic three-spin interactions whereby a disturbed ferromagnetic superstructure may be generated which gives rise also to weak MnO-type diffraction lines. It is found that the resulting obeys a T² law until a temperature as large as 0.75T_N irrespective of the nature of the transverse order parameter. The T² law must, hence, be common to both types of order parameter showing that the fourth-order interactions re-define the spin dynamics of both completely. From the linear composition dependence of the normalized T² coefficient the existence of three-spin interactions is again confirmed. Received 23 July 1998 and Received in final form 12 October 1998