Influence of symmetry on Sm magnetism studied on SmIr2Si2 polymorphs

TL;DR

This study investigates how the crystal structure symmetry in SmIr2Si2 polymorphs affects their magnetic properties, revealing significant differences linked to phase structure and providing insights into the role of symmetry in Sm magnetism.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive analysis of the structural and magnetic differences between the polymorphs of SmIr2Si2, combining experimental and ab initio calculations to elucidate symmetry effects.

Findings

Large temperature hysteresis in phase transition (264°C).

Distinct magnetic phase transitions in the two polymorphs.

Magnetic behavior influenced by crystal field effects on Sm3+ ions.

Abstract

Polycrystalline samples of SmIr2Si2 formed at room temperature both the low temperature phase (LTP) and the metastable high temperature phase (HTP), respectively, depending on the heat treatment. The samples were studied by X-ray powder diffraction, DTA, specific-heat and magnetization measurements with respect to temperature and magnetic field. The first order LTP to HTP polymorphic phase transition has been determined showing the huge temperature hysteresis of 264{\deg}C caused by the high energy barrier due to the change of stacking of Sm, Ir and Si basal plane sheets within the transition. Both polymorphs show indications of antiferromagnetic order at low temperatures. The considerably different magnetic phase transitions determined for the LTP and HTP confirm the strong influence of crystal structure symmetry on magnetism in the two polymorphs. The magnetism in SmIr2Si2 exhibits typical features caused by the specific behavior of Sm3+ ion characterized by energy nearness of the ground state and first excited state and crystal field influence. Interpretation of experimental results is corroborated by results of ab initio electronic structure calculations.