Frustrated fcc antiferromagnet Ba2YOsO6: Structural characterization, magnetic properties, and neutron scattering studies

E. Kermarrec, C. A. Marjerrison, C. M. Thompson, D. D. Maharaj, K. Levin, S. Kroeker, G. E. Granroth, R. Flacau, Z. Yamani, J. E. Greedan, B. D. Gaulin

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Abstract

We report the crystal structure, magnetization, and neutron scattering measurements on the double perovskite Ba2YOsO6. The Fm3¯m space group is found both at 290 K and 3.5 K with cell constants a0=8.3541(4) Å and 8.3435(4) Å, respectively. Os5+ (5d3) ions occupy a nondistorted, geometrically frustrated face-centered-cubic (fcc) lattice. A Curie-Weiss temperature θ∼-700 K suggests the presence of a large antiferromagnetic interaction and a high degree of magnetic frustration. A magnetic transition to long-range antiferromagnetic order, consistent with a type-I fcc state below TN∼69 K, is revealed by magnetization, Fisher heat capacity, and elastic neutron scattering, with an ordered moment of 1.65(6) μB on Os5+. The ordered moment is much reduced from either the expected spin-only value of ∼3 μB or the value appropriate to 4d3 Ru5+ in isostructural Ba2YRuO6 of 2.2(1) μB, suggesting a role for spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Triple-axis neutron scattering measurements of the order parameter suggest an additional first-order transition at T=67.45 K, and the existence of a second-ordered state. Time-of-flight inelastic neutron results reveal a large spin gap Δ∼17 meV, unexpected for an orbitally quenched, d3 electronic configuration. We discuss this in the context of the ∼5 meV spin gap observed in the related Ru5+,4d3 cubic double perovskite Ba2YRuO6, and attribute the ∼3 times larger gap to stronger SOC present in this heavier, 5d, osmate system.

Original languageEnglish
Article number075133
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume91
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 26 2015

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© 2015 American Physical Society.

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