Magnetism of the geometrically frustrated spin-chain compound Sr_3HoCrO_6: Magnetic and heat capacity measurements and neutron powder diffraction

摘要

This paper reports on the complex magnetic properties of Sr_3HoCrO_6, which is a spin-chain compound subject to geometrical frustration. This experimental study is based on magnetization and heat capacity measurements, combined with neutron powder diffraction. Our investigations provide evidence of a long-range antiferromagnetic ordering, taking place at T_N approx = 15 K. We focus on the nature of this magnetic ordering in zero field, as well as on the characteristics of the magnetization process at T < T_N. Particular attention is paid to the hysteresis loops recorded at T < < T_N, which exhibit a peculiar succession of magnetization steps.