The Magnetic Properties of Single Crystals of Chromium Selenide

Abstract

The magnetic susceptibilities of the single crystals as well as powder specimen of chromium selenides with the composition, CrSe_1.00, CrSe_1.04 and CrSe_1.07 were measured from the boiling point of liquid helium up to 900°K. The susceptibility vs. temperature curves showed a break at 279°K, 271°K and 232°K for CrSe_1.00, CrSe_1.04 and CrSe_1.07 respectively. The anisotropy of the susceptibility increases rapidly from these breaking points to lower temperatures. There exists also a peak of the specific heat just above the room temperature which, however, lies a little higher than the breaking point mentioned above. This peak temperature of specific heat is considered to be the antiferromagnetic Néel point. Asymptotic Curie temperature, θ_p, Curie constant C_M and spin quantum number S were determined from the susceptibility data in the paramagnetic region.