arXiv subjects

A. K. Pramanik

Publications and source records attributed to A. K. Pramanik.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2021

Large exchange bias and low temperature glassy state in frustrated triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Ba$_3$NiIr$_2$O$_9$

Here, we report both ac and dc magnetization, thermodynamic and electric properties of hexagonal Ba$_3$NiIr$_2$O$_9$. The Ni$^{2+}$ (spin-1) forms layered triangular-lattice and interacts antiferromagnetically while Ir$^{5+}$ is believed to act as magnetic link between the layers. This complex magnetic interaction results in magnetic frustration leading to a spin-glass transition at $T_f$ $\sim$ 8.5 K. The observed magnetic relaxation and aging effect also confirms the nonequilibrium ground state. The system further shows large exchange bias which is tunable with cooling field. Below the Curie-Weiss temperature $θ_{CW}$ ($\sim$ -29 K), the magnetic specific heat $C_m$ displays a broad hump and at low temperature follows $C_m = γT^α$ dependence where both $γ$ and $α$ show dependence on temperature and magnetic field. A sign change in magnetoresistace is observed which is due to an interplay among magnetic moment, field and spin-orbit coupling.

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arXiv2021

Low temperature ferromagnetism in perovskite SrIrO$_3$ films

The 5$d$ based SrIrO$_3$ represents prototype example of nonmagnetic correlated metal which mainly originates from a combined effect of spin-orbit coupling, lattice dimensionality and crystal structure. Therefore, tuning of these parameters results in diverse physical properties in this material. Here, we study the structural, magnetic and electrical transport behavior in epitaxial SrIrO$_3$ film ($\sim$ 40 nm) grown on SrTiO$_3$ substrate. Opposed to bulk material, the SrIrO$_3$ film exhibits a ferromagnetic ordering at low temperature below $\sim$ 20 K. The electrical transport data indicate an insulating behavior where the nature of charge transport follows Mott's variable-range-hopping model. A positive magnetoresistance is recorded at 2 K which has correlation with magnetic moment. We further observe a nonlinear Hall effect at low temperature ($<$ 20 K) which arises due to an anomalous component of Hall effect. An anisotropic behavior of both magnetoresistance and Hall effect has been evidenced at low temperature which coupled with anomalous Hall effect indicate the development of ferromagnetic ordering. We believe that an enhanced (local) structural distortion caused by lattice strain at low temperatures induces ferromagnetic ordering, thus showing structural instability plays vital role to tune the physical properties in SrIrO$_3$.

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arXiv2021

Magnetism and electrical transport in Y-doped layered iridate Sr$_2$IrO$_4$

Here, we report an investigation of structural, magnetic and electronic properties in Y-doped layered iridate (Sr$_{1-x}$Y$_x$)$_2$IrO$_4$ ($x$ $\leq$ 0.1). The parent Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ is a well-studied spin-orbit coupling (SOC) induced insulator with an antiferromagnetic ground state. The Y-doping here equivalently acts for electron doping without altering the vital parameters such as, SOC and electron correlation. Experimental results show a minute change in structural parameters and an equivalent charge conversion from Ir$^{4+}$ to Ir$^{3+}$. Unlike similarly other electron-doped system, the low temperature magnetic and electronic state in present series is minimally influenced. The charge conduction mechanism follows 2-dimensional hopping model in whole series. Magnetoresistance (MR) data show an interesting sign change with both temperature and magnetic field. The positive MR both at low temperature follows weak antilocalization behavior where the sign change in MR is believed to be caused by an interplay between SOC and magnetic moment.

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arXiv2020

Structure, magnetism and electronic properties in 3$d$-5$d$ based double perovskite (Sr$_{1-x}$Ca$_x$)$_2$FeIrO$_6$ (0 $\leq$ $x$ $\leq$ 1): A combined experimental and theoretical investigation

The 3$d$-5$d$ based double perovskites offer an ideal playground to study the interplay between electron correlation ($U$) and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effect, showing exotic physics. The Sr$_2$FeIrO$_6$ is an interesting member in this family with ionic distribution of Fe$^{3+}$ (3$d^5$) and Ir$^{5+}$ (5$d^4$) where the later is believed to be nonmagnetic under the picture of strong SOC. Here, we report detailed investigation of structural, magnetic and electronic transport properties along with electronic structure calculations in (Sr$_{1-x}$Ca$_x$)$_2$FeIrO$_6$ series with $x$ from 0 to 1. While the basic interactions such as, $U$ and SOC are unlikely to be modified but a structural modification is expected due to ionic size difference between Sr$^{2+}$ and Ca$^{2+}$ which would influence other properties such as crystal field effect and band widths. While a nonmonotonic changes in lattice parameters are observed across the series, the spectroscopic investigations reveal that 3+/5+ charge state of Fe/Ir continue till end of the series. An analysis of magnetic data suggests similar nonmonotonic evolution of magnetic parameters with doping. Temperature dependent crystal structure as well as low temperature (5 K) magnetic structure have been determined from neutron powder diffraction measurements. The whole series shows insulating behavior. The electronic structure calculations show, SOC enhanced, a noncollinear antiferromagnetic and Mott-type insulating state is the stable ground state for present series with a substantial amount of orbital moment, but less than the spin magnetic moment, at the Ir site and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The obtained results imply that the Ca$^{2+}$ has large influence on the magnetic and transport properties, further showing a large agreement between experimental results as well as theoretical calculations.

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arXiv2020

Electronic properties in itinerant ferromagnet SrRu$_{1-x}$Ti$_x$O$_3$

Here, we study the electrical transport and specific heat in 4$d$ based ferromagnetic material SrRuO$_3$ and its Ti substituted SrRu$_{1-x}$Ti$_x$O$_3$ series ($x$ $\le$ 0.7). The SrRuO$_3$ is a metal and shows itinerant ferromagnetism with transition temperature $T_c$ $\sim$ 160 K. The nonmagnetic Ti$^{4+}$ (3$d^0$) substitution would not only weaken the active Ru-O-Ru channel but is also expected to tune the electronic density and electron correlation effect. A metal to insulator transition has been observed around $x$ $\sim$ 0.4. The nature of charge transport in paramagnetic-metallic state ($x$ $\leq$ 0.4) and in insulating state ($x$ $>$ 0.4) follows modified Mott's variable range hopping model. In ferromagnetic-metallic state, resistivity shows a $T^2$ dependence below $T_c$ which though modifies to $T^{3/2}$ dependence at low temperature. In Ti substituted samples, temperature range for $T^{3/2}$ dependence extends to higher temperature. Interestingly, this $T^{3/2}$ dependence dominates in whole ferromagnetic regime in presence of magnetic field. This evolution of electronic transport behavior can be explained within the framework of Fermi liquid theory and electron-magnon scattering mechanism. The negative magnetoresistance exhibits a hysteresis and a crossover between negative and positive value with magnetic field which is connected with magnetic behavior in series. The decreasing electronic coefficient of specific heat with $x$ supports the increasing insulating behavior in present series. We calculate a high Kadowaki-Woods ratio ($x$ $\leq$ 0.3) for SrRuO$_3$ which increases with substitution concentration. This signifies an increasing electronic correlation effect with substitution concentration.

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arXiv2020

Structural, magnetic and dielectric properties in 3$d$-5$d$ based Sr$_2$FeIrO$_6$ thin films

The structural, magnetic and dielectric properties have been investigated in 3$d$-5$d$ based double perovskite Sr$_2$FeIrO$_6$ thin films deposited by pulse laser deposition technique. To understand the effect of strain, epitaxial films are grown with varying thickness as well as on different substrates i.e., SrTiO$_3$ (100) and LaAlO$_3$ (100). The films with highest thickness are found to be more relaxed. Atomic force microscope images indicate all films are of good quality where grain sizes increase with increase in film thickness. X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements indicate a Ir$^{5+}$ charge state in present films while providing a detailed picture of hybridization between Fe/Ir-$d$ and O-$p$ orbitals. The bulk antiferromagnetic transition is retained in films though the transition temperature shifts to higher temperature. Both dielectric constant ($ε_r$) and loss ($\tanδ$) show change around the magnetic ordering temperatures of bulk Sr$_2$FeIrO$_6$ indicating a close relation between dielectric and magnetic behaviors. A Maxwell-Wagner type relaxation is found to follow over whole frequency range down to low temperature in present film. On changing the substrate i.e., LaAlO$_3$ (100), the $ε_r(T)$ and ($\tanδ(T)$) show almost similar behavior but $ε_r$ shows a higher value which is due to an increased strain coming from high mismatch of lattice parameters.

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arXiv2020

Magnetic and transport properties in pyrochlore iridates (Y$_{1-x}$Pr$_x$)$_2$Ir$_2$O$_7$: The role of $f$-$d$ exchange interaction and $d$-$p$ orbital hybridization

The $f$-$d$ magnetic exchange interaction is considered to be a key ingredient for many exotic topological phases in pyrochlore iridates. Here, we have investigated the evolution of structural, magnetic and electronic properties in doped pyrochlore iridate, (Y$_{1-x}$Pr$_x$)$_2$Ir$_2$O$_7$. Apart from geometrical frustration, pyrochlore iridates are well known for its active spin-orbit coupling effect. The substitution of Pr$^{3+}$ (4$f^2$) for the nonmagnetic Y$^{3+}$ (4$d^0$) acts as a magnetic doping, which provides an ideal platform to study $f$-$d$ exchange interaction without altering the Ir-sublattice. With Pr substitution, system retains its original cubic structural symmetry but the local structural parameters show an evolution with the doping concentration $x$. The robust magnetic-insulating state in Y$_2$Ir$_2$O$_7$ is drastically weakened, while Pr$_2$Ir$_2$O$_7$ ($x$ = 1.0) shows a paramagnetic-metallic behavior. A metal-insulator transition is observed for $x$ = 0.8 sample. This evolution of magnetic and electronic properties are believed to be induced by an exchange interaction between localized Pr-4$f$ and itinerant Ir-5$d$ electrons as well as by an increased hybridization between Ir-$t_{2g}$ and (basal) O-$p$ orbitals as observed in XAS study. The resistivity in insulating materials follows a power-law behavior with a decreasing exponent with $x$. A negative magnetoresistance is observed for present series of samples at low temperature and where the magnetoresistance shows a quadratic field dependence at higher fields.

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arXiv2019

Nonmagnetic substitution in pyrochlore iridate Y$_2$(Ir$_{1-x}$Ti$_{x}$)$_2$O$_7$: Structure, magnetism and electronic properties

Tuning of spin-orbit coupling and electron correlation effects in pyrochlore iridates is considered for many interesting phenomena. We have investigated the temperature evolution of structural, magnetic and electronic properties in doped Y$_2$(Ir$_{1-x}$Ti$_{x}$)$_2$O$_7$ ($x$ = 0.0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) where the substitution of nonmagnetic Ti$^{4+}$ (3$d^0$) for Ir$^{4+}$ (5$d^5$) amounts to dilution of magnetic network and tuning of these parameters in opposite way. The system retains its original structural symmetry but local structural parameters show an evolution with Ti content. While the magnetic transition temperature is not largely influenced, both magnetic moment and magnetic frustration decreases with Ti doping. Magnetic relaxation measurement shows the parent compound Y$_2$Ir$_2$O$_7$ as well as its Ti doped analogues are in nonequilibrium magnetic state where the magnetic relaxation rate increases with Ti. Temperature dependent Raman measurements indicate no changes in structural symmetry, however, across the magnetic transition temperature an anomaly in A$_{1g}$ Raman mode is observed. Temperature dependent x-ray diffraction data also support the Raman spectroscopy data, however, an evolution of lattice parameters with temperature is observed. The electrical resistivity data of Y$_2$(Ir$_{1-x}$Ti$_{x}$)$_2$O$_7$ series exhibits insulating behavior throughout the temperature range, however, the resistivity decreases with Ti doping. The nature of charge conduction is found to follow power-law behavior in whole series but the validity of this model varies with temperature. A negative magnetoresistance has been observed at low temperature in present series which is explained with weak localized mechanism. Similar to other Ir based oxides, a crossover from negative to positive MR has been observed in present system.

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arXiv2019

Interface induced exchange bias effect in La$_{0.67}$Sr$_{0.33}$MnO$_3$/SrIrO$_3$ multilayer

Epitaxial superlattices of ferromagnetic/paramagnetic La$_{0.67}$Sr$_{0.33}$MnO$_3$/SrIrO$_3$ materials have been prepared on SrTiO$_3$ (100) substrate using pulse laser deposition technique. An unexpected onset of interface magnetic interaction has been observed around 40 K. Interestingly, magnetic exchange bias effect has been observed in both field cooled and zero field cooled magnetization loops, however, the shifting of loop is opposite in both measurements. Exchange bias field vanishes as temperature increases to interface magnetic ordering temperature. Moreover, exchange bias field is found to decrease with increasing cooling field. We believe that tuning of magnetic exchange at interface during field cooling induces this evolution in nature of exchange bias field.

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arXiv2019

Insight into the magnetic behavior of Sr$_2$IrO$_4$:A spontaneous magnetization study

Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ is a weak ferromagnet where the spin arrangement is canted anti-ferromagnetic (AF). Moreover, the spin-structure coupling plays and important role in magnetic behavior of Sr$_2$IrO$_4$. In this concern the magnetization under zero applied field i.e. spontaneous magnetization would be interesting to study and would give insight into the novel magnetic behavior of Sr$_2$IrO$_4$. Sophisticated techniques like neutron diffraction, $μ$ \textit{SR} etc has been used to understand the magnetic behavior of Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ under zero applied field. To understand the magnetic behavior we have performed detail field and temperature dependent magnetization study, the measured field and temperature dependent magnetic data is analyzed rigorously. We have attempted the understand the temperature dependance of spontaneous magnetization, remanent magnetization and coercive force. We observe that the spontaneous magnetization extracted from Arrott plot shows that the Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ is not an ideal ferromagnet. The temperature dependent coercive field is found to follows Guant's model of strong domain wall pinning. Our investigation explicit the temperature dependence of various magnetic properties shows the magnetic transitions from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase with $T_c$ around 225 K and a low temperature evolution of magnetic magnetic moment around $T_M$ $\sim$90 K.

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arXiv2019

Spin-phonon coupling in hole-doped pyrochlore iridates Y$_2$(Ir$_{1-x}$Ru$_x$)$_2$O$_7$: A Raman scattering study

Temperature dependent Raman scattering measurements have been performed to explore unusual coupling between magnetism and crystal structure in doped pyrochlore iridate Y$_2$(Ir$_{1-x}$Ru$_x$)$_2$O$_7$ with $x$ = 0.0, 0.05 and 0.2. The parent Y$_2$Ir$_2$O$_7$ shows an onset of magnetic ordering around $\sim$ 160 K ($T_{N}$) which monotonically decreases with Ru doping. Further, magnetic moment also decreases with progressive substitution of Ru. Substitution of Ru$^{4+}$ (4$d^4$) for Ir$^{4+}$ (5$d^5$) does not introduce significant modification in structural parameters, however, the magnetic transition temperature decreases systematically with doping. Raman scattering data show an anomalous change in $A_{1g}$ and $P_3$ Raman mode frequency and line-width across $T_{N}$ of individual samples. We further show that the shifting of Raman mode frequency with temperature exhibits a strong deviation from anharmonic decay around and below the $T_{N}$ of respective samples which underlines a spin-phonon coupling in these materials.

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arXiv2018

Critical behavior in itinerant ferromagnet SrRu$_{1-x}$Ti$_x$O$_3$

SrRuO$_3$ presents a rare example of ferromagnetism among the 4$d$ based oxides. While the nature of magnetic state in SrRuO$_3$ is mostly believed to be of itinerant type, recent studies suggest a coexistence of both itinerant and localized model of magnetism in this material. Here, we have investigated the evolution of magnetic state in doped SrRu$_{1-x}$Ti$_x$O$_3$ through studying the critical behavior using standard techniques such as, modified Arrott plot, Kouvel-Fisher plot and critical isotherm analysis across the magnetic transition temperature $T_c$. The substitution of nonmagnetic Ti$^{4+}$ (3$d^{0}$) for Ru$^{4+}$ (4$d^4$) would simply dilute the magnetic system apart from modifying the electron correlation effect and the density of states at Fermi level. Surprisingly, $T_c$ does not change with $x$. Moreover, our analysis show the exponent $β$ related to spontaneous magnetization increases while the exponents $γ$ and $δ$ related to initial inverse susceptibility and critical magnetization, respectively decrease with Ti substitution. The estimated exponents do not match with any established theoretical models for universality classes, however, the exponent obey the Widom relation and the scaling behavior. Interestingly, this particular evolution of exponents in present series has similarity with that in isoelectronic doped Sr$_{1-x}$Ca$_x$RuO$_3$. We believe that site dilution by Ti leads to formation magnetic clusters which causes this specific changes in critical exponents.

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arXiv2017

Effect of Cu$^{2+}$ substitution in Spin-Orbit Coupled Sr$_2$Ir$_{1-x}$Cu$_x$O$_4$: Structure, magnetism and electronic properties

Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ is an extensively studied spin-orbit coupling induced insulator with antiferromagnetic ground state. The delicate balance between competing energy scales plays crucial role for its low temperature phase, and the route of chemical substitution has often been used to tune these different energy scales. Here, we report an evolution of structural, magnetic and electronic properties in doped Sr$_2$Ir$_{1-x}$Cu$_x$O$_4$ ($x$ $\leq$ 0.2). The substitution of Cu$^{2+}$ (3$d^9$) for Ir$^{4+}$ (5$d^5$) acts for electron doping, though it tunes the related parameters such as, spin-orbit coupling, electron correlation and Ir charge state. Moreover, both Ir$^{4+}$ and Cu$^{2+}$ has single unpaired spin though it occupies different $d$-orbitals. With Cu substitution, system retains its original structural symmetry but the structural parameters show systematic changes. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy measurements show Ir$^{4+}$ equivalently converts to Ir$^{5+}$ and a significant enhancement in the density of states has been observed at the Fermi level due to the contribution from the Cu 3$d$ orbitals, which supports the observed decrease in the resistivity with Cu substitution. While the long-range magnetic ordering is much weakened and the highest doped sample shows almost paramagnetic-like behavior the overall system remains insulator. Analysis of resistivity data shows mode of charge conduction in whole series follows 2-dimensional variable-range-hopping model but the range of validity varies with temperature. Whole series of samples exhibit negative magnetoresistance at low temperature which is considered to be a signature of weak localization effect in spin-orbit coupled system, and its evolution with Cu appears to follow the variation of resistivity with $x$.

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arXiv2017

Evolution of structure, magnetism and electronic transport in doped pyrochlore iridate Y$_2$Ir$_{2-x}$Ru$_{x}$O$_7$

The interplay between spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and electron correlation ($U$) is considered for many exotic phenomena in iridium oxides. We have investigated the evolution of structural, magnetic and electronic properties in pyrochlore iridate Y$_2$Ir$_{2-x}$Ru$_{x}$O$_7$ where the substitution of Ru has been aimed to tune this interplay. The Ru substitution does not introduce any structural phase transition, however, we do observe an evolution of lattice parameters with the doping level $x$. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) study indicates Ru adopts charge state of Ru$^{4+}$ and replaces the Ir$^{4+}$ accordingly. Magnetization data reveal both the onset of magnetic irreversibility and the magnetic moment decreases with progressive substitution of Ru. These materials show non-equilibrium low temperature magnetic state as revealed by magnetic relaxation data. Interestingly, we find magnetic relaxation rate increases with substitution of Ru. The electrical resistivity shows an insulating behavior in whole temperature range, however, resistivity decreases with substitution of Ru. Nature of electronic conduction has been found to follow power-law behavior for all the materials.

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arXiv2015

Insulating phase in Sr$_2$IrO$_4$: An investigation using critical analysis and magnetocaloric effect

The nature of insulating phase in 5$d$ based Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ is quite debated as the theoretical as well as experimental investigations have put forward evidences in favor of both magnetically driven Slater-type and interaction driven Mott-type insulator. To understand this insulating behavior, we have investigated the nature of magnetic state in Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ through studying critical exponents, low temperature thermal demagnetization and magnetocaloric effect. The estimated critical exponents do not exactly match with any universality class, however, the values obey the scaling behavior. The exponent values suggest that spin interaction in present material is close to mean-field model. The analysis of low temperature thermal demagnetization data, however, shows dual presence of localized- and itinerant-type of magnetic interaction. Moreover, field dependent change in magnetic entropy indicates magnetic interaction is close to mean-field type. While this material shows an insulating behavior across the magnetic transition, yet a distinct change in slope in resistivity is observed around $T_c$. We infer that though the insulating phase in Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ more close to be Slater-type but the simultaneous presence of both Slater- and Mott-type is the likely scenario for this material.

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arXiv2015

Nonequilibrium low temperature phase in pyrochlore iridate Y$_2$Ir$_2$O$_7$: Possibility of glass-like dynamics

Geometrical frustration and spin-orbit coupling effect together play vital role to influence properties in pyrochlore based iridium oxides. Here we have investigated detailed structural, magnetic, thermodynamic and transport properties of pyrochlore iridate Y$_2$Ir$_2$O$_7$. Magnetization data show onset of magnetic irreversibility around temperature $T_{irr}$ $\sim$ 160 K, however, no sign of long-range type ferromagnetic ordering is observed below $T_{irr}$. Specific heat data show no visible anomaly across $T_{irr}$, and the analysis of data indicate sizable density of states across Fermi level. Temperature dependent x-ray diffraction measurements show no change in structural symmetry down to low temperature. The material, on the other hand, shows significant relaxation and aging behavior similar to glassy dynamics. The electronic charge transport in this highly insulating system is found to follow power law dependence with temperature. The material shows negative magnetoresistance which is explained with quantum interference effect.

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arXiv2014

Temperature evolution of magnetic and transport behavior in 5\textit{d} Mott insulator Sr$_2$IrO$_4$: Significance of magneto-structural coupling

We have investigated the temperature evolution of magnetism and its interrelation with structural parameters in perovskite-based layered compound Sr$_2$IrO$_4$, which is believed to be a $J_{eff}$ = 1/2 Mott insulator. The structural distortion plays an important role in this material which induces a weak ferromagnetism in otherwise antiferromagnetically ordered magnetic state with transition temperature around 240 K. Interestingly, at low temperature below around 100 K, a change in magnetic moment has been observed. Temperature dependent x-ray diffraction measurements show sudden changes in structural parameters around 100 K are responsible for this. Resistivity measurements show insulating behavior throughout the temperature range across the magnetic phase transition. The electronic transport can be described with Mott's two-dimensional variable range hopping (VRH) mechanism, however, three different temperature ranges are found for VRH, which is a result of varying localization length with temperature. A negative magnetoresistance (MR) has been observed at all temperatures in contrast to positive behavior generally observed in strongly spin-orbit coupled materials. The quadratic field dependence of MR implies a relevance of a quantum interference effect.

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arXiv2013

Finite-size effect on evolution of Griffiths phase in manganite nanoparticles

The finite-size effect on the evolution of Griffiths phase (GP) is studied using nanoparticles of half-doped manganite Pr$_{0.5}$Sr$_{0.5}$MnO$_{3}$ with different average particle sizes but having similar structural parameters. All the samples exhibit pronounced GP behavior. With reducing particle size, the Griffiths temperature remains almost unchanged but the characteristic critical temperature $T_c^R$ decreases and the GP properties are strengthened. It is noteworthy that the shift of $T_c^R$ follows finite-size scaling with the particle size revealing an exotic interplay between the GP properties and the sample dimension. This reinforces an earlier proposal of length-scale related evolution of GP.

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