Cluster spin-glass ground state in quasi-one-dimensional KCr$_{3}$As$_{3}$

TL;DR

This study reports the discovery of a quasi-one-dimensional KCr3As3 compound exhibiting a cluster spin-glass state below 5 K, characterized by structural analysis, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat measurements, distinct from its superconducting relatives.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new Cr-based compound with a unique spin-glass ground state, expanding understanding of magnetic behaviors in quasi-one-dimensional materials.

Findings

Exhibits a cluster spin-glass state below 5 K.

Shows deviation from Curie-Weiss law below 56 K.

Does not exhibit bulk superconductivity.

Abstract

We report structural and physical properties of a new quasi-one-dimensional Cr-based compound, KCr$_{3}$As$_{3}$, which is prepared by potassium deintercalation from the superconductive K$_{2}$Cr$_{3}$As$_{3}$. KCr$_{3}$As$_{3}$ adopts the TlFe$_{3}$Te$_{3}$-type structure with space group $P6_{3}$/$m$ (No. 176). The high-temperature magnetic susceptibility obeys the Curie-Weiss law with an effective magnetic moment of 0.68 $\mu_{\mathrm{B}}$/Cr. Below 56 K the susceptibility deviates from the high-temperature Curie-Weiss behavior, coinciding with the rapid increase in resistivity, which suggests formation of spin clusters. The short-range spin correlations are also supported by the specific-heat data. The title material does not exhibit bulk superconductivity; instead, it shows a cluster spin-glass state below $\sim$ 5 K.