Complex magnetic behavior along the GdIn(NixCu1-x)4 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 1.00) series of compounds

Abstract

In this work, structural, magnetic, and local properties of GdIn(NixCu1−x)4 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 1.00) samples synthesized via the flux method are investigated by means of X-ray, magnetization, specific heat, and electron spin resonance measurements. The analysis of X-ray powder diffraction data taken at room temperature reveals that all samples belong to the cubic space group (Cl5b-type structure) with lattice parameters, a, ranging from 7.08 < a < 7.23 Å. Interestingly, the analysis of both T-dependence magnetic susceptibility and MvsH loops indicates a gradual transition from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic ground states as a function of the Ni-doping. The transition temperatures are confirmed via specific heat measurements. Finally, electron spin resonance data taken in the temperature range of 100 ≤ T ≤ 300 K show a single Dysonian line shape, which is characteristic of a metallic environment. A nearly T-independent g-value was observed and the value was concentration independent. Besides, the doped samples show an increase of the residual linewidth, which can be linked with the chemical disorder introduced by the Ni-doping. Our results are discussed considering the bottleneck and multiple band effects on the Gd3+ spin dynamics in this series and their implication in the magnetic frustration observed in these materials.