Synthesis, crystal structure and physical properties of FeSr 2(Ce 3/2Ln 1/2)Cu 2O 10− δ (Ln=Eu, Gd, and Tb)

Abstract

We have successfully synthesized the new single-phase compounds FeSr 2(Ce 3/2Ln 1/2)Cu 2O 10− δ (Ln=Eu, Gd, and Tb). Rietveld refinements of the structure were carried out. This series of compounds have tetragonal structure with space group I4/ mmm. Magnetization measurements indicate that the magnetic properties of these compounds depend strongly on the magnetic nature of the rare earth atoms. The Ln=Eu sample exhibits antiferromagnetic order with T N=25 K, whereas for the Ln=Gd and Tb samples, χ changes with temperature in a Curie-type manner from 5 to 300 K. Resistance measurements indicate that these samples have a semiconductor-like behavior.