Magnetic Properties of (Cr_1−yRh_y)₃Te₄

Abstract

Magnetization and susceptibility are investigated on a solid solution between Cr₃Te₄ [a ferromagnetic (F) and canted ferromagnetic (CF) compound] and Rh₃Te₄ [a Pauli paramagnetic one]. The ferromagnetic Curie temperature T_c decreases with increasing y, while the transition temperature T_t between CF and F phases increases. In the higher y region, CF phase directly changes to the paramagnetic (P) phase at a transition temperature T_CF. The transition temperature T_CF decreases with increasing y, and disappears at y=0.47±0.02 and T=55±15 K. An extra phase (Q) is found beyond CF one. Some characteristics of spin glass or mictomagnetic states are observed in Q phase. Between 0.29±0.03≤y≤0.47±0.02, Q phase changes to CF one as the temperature increases. In the much higher y region, Q phase directly changes to P one. These features, together with the anomalous y-dependence of Weiss constant, are discussed on the competition between the negative and the positive exchange interactions.