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Published on: June 7, 2018
Anisotropic Ferromagnetism in CrAu3Sb6
Michael A McGuire1, Nabaraj Pokhrel1, Matthew S Cook1
1Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States.
This study reveals CrAu3Sb6, a metallic and ferromagnetic compound with a Curie temperature of 164 K. Its unique crystal structure and strong spin-orbit coupling lead to anisotropic magnetic properties and an anomalous Hall effect.
Area of Science:
- Solid State Physics
- Materials Science
- Crystallography
Background:
- CrAu3Sb6 exhibits a trigonal structure (P31m) related to intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides.
- The structure features a CdI2-like AuSb2 sublattice with Cr in octahedral holes, showing strong Cr-Au interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the crystal structure and physical properties of CrAu3Sb6.
- To investigate its magnetic behavior, electronic structure, and anisotropic properties.
Main Methods:
- Single crystal and polycrystalline sample measurements.
- First-principles electronic structure calculations.
- Magnetization and Hall effect measurements.
Main Results:
- CrAu3Sb6 is a metallic ferromagnet with a Curie temperature (Tc) of 164 K.
- Observed anomalous Hall effect and quantum oscillations in magnetization.
- Ordered moments of 1.5 μB/Cr aligned along the c-axis with strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy.
Conclusions:
- The compound's unique structure and spin-orbit coupling drive its anisotropic ferromagnetic behavior.
- First-principles calculations confirm the ferromagnetic ground state and uniaxial anisotropy.
- This work provides a comprehensive understanding of CrAu3Sb6's fundamental properties.
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