Crystal-field effects in the kagome antiferromagnet Ho3Ru4Al12
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Contributors
Abstract
In Ho3Ru4Al12, the Ho atoms form a distorted kagome lattice. We performed magnetization, magnetic-susceptibility, specific-heat, and ultrasound measurements on a single crystal. We find that the magnetic and magnetoelastic properties of Ho3Ru4Al12 result from an interplay between geometric frustration and crystal-electric-field (CEF) effects. The Ho atoms order antiferromagnetically at TN=4.5K with reduced magnetic moments. In applied field, the magnetization shows anomalies that can be explained by CEF level crossings. We propose a CEF level scheme for which the ground-state doublet and the first two excited singlets at about 2.7 K form a quasiquartet. Indirect interlevel transitions allow for a quadrupolar interaction. This interaction explains well changes in the elastic shear modulus C44 as a function of temperature and magnetic field.
Details
Original language | English |
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Article number | 184412 |
Journal | Physical Review B |
Volume | 97 |
Issue number | 18 |
Publication status | Published - 8 May 2018 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |