Abstract
A single crystal of MnSi 2− x was obtained by a modified Czochralski pulling technique in a cold copper crucible. The quality and the nature of the sample were checked by an accurate crystal structure determination, which revealed the sample to be Mn 4Si 7. Resistivity and magnetic measurements were performed on this sample in the temperature range between 2 K and room temperature and in magnetic fields up to 7.5 T. Mn 4Si 7 shows a metallic behaviour and the good crystal quality was revealed by the high residual resistance ratio of 360. For the magnetic susceptibility we observed a Curie–Weiss law above about 40 K with a low effective moment of p eff=0.365 μ B/Mn. Below this temperature, moments order in an anisotropic helical state, and in fields above 1 T, they align with a saturation moment of p sat=0.012 μ B/Mn. Mn 4Si 7 is a weak itinerant magnetic system that could be a good candidate for the observation of the critical quantum fluctuations expected for marginal Fermi liquids.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
