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arXiv · 1707.07485

Magnetic properties of monoclinic lanthanide metaborates, $Ln$(BO$_2$)$_3$, $Ln$ = Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb

P Mukherjee·E Suard·S E Dutton
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Abstract

The bulk magnetic properties of the lanthanide metaborates, $Ln$(BO$_2$)$_3$, $Ln$ = Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb are studied using magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity and isothermal magnetisation measurements. They crystallise in a monoclinic structure containing chains of magnetic $Ln^{3+}$ and could therefore exhibit features of low-dimensional magnetism and frustration. Pr(BO$_2$)$_3$ is found to have a non-magnetic singlet ground state. No magnetic ordering is observed down to 0.4 K for Nd(BO$_2$)$_3$. Gd(BO$_2$)$_3$ exhibits a sharp magnetic transition at 1.1 K, corresponding to three-dimensional magnetic ordering. Tb(BO$_2$)$_3$ shows two magnetic ordering features at 1.05 K and 1.95 K. A magnetisation plateau at a third of the saturation magnetisation is seen at 2 K for both Nd(BO$_2$)$_3$ and Tb(BO$_2$)$_3$ which persists in an applied field of 14 T. This is proposed to be a signature of quasi one-dimensional behaviour in Nd(BO$_2$)$_3$ and Tb(BO$_2$)$_3$.

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P Mukherjee, E Suard, S E Dutton. 2017-07-24. Magnetic properties of monoclinic lanthanide metaborates, $Ln$(BO$_2$)$_3$, $Ln$ = Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648x%2Faa8160

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