# Itinerant G-type antiferromagnetic order in SrCr$_2$As$_2$

## TL;DR

This study reveals that SrCr₂As₂ exhibits itinerant G-type antiferromagnetic order below 590 K, with magnetic moments aligned along the c axis, and shows evidence of magnetoelastic coupling and hybridization effects.

## Contribution

It provides the first detailed neutron diffraction and magnetic susceptibility analysis of SrCr₂As₂, demonstrating its itinerant antiferromagnetic nature and the role of hybridization in reducing magnetic moments.

## Key findings

- Neel temperature T_N = 590 K
- Magnetic moments aligned along c axis
- Reduced ordered moment due to itinerant behavior

## Abstract

Neutron diffraction and magnetic susceptibility studies of a polycrystalline SrCr$_2$As$_2$ sample reveal that this compound is an itinerant G-type antiferromagnet below the N${\rm \acute{e}}$el temperature $T_{\textrm N}$ = 590(5) K with the Cr magnetic moments aligned along the tetragonal $c$ axis. The system remains tetragonal to the lowest measured temperature ($\sim$12 K). The lattice parameter ratio $c/a$ and the magnetic moment saturate at about the same temperature below $\sim$ 200 K, indicating a possible magnetoelastic coupling. The ordered moment, $\mu=1.9(1)~\mu_{\rm B}$/Cr, measured at $T = 12$ K, is significantly reduced compared to its localized value ($4~\mu_{\rm B}$/Cr) due to the itinerant character brought about by the hybridization between the Cr $3d$ and As $4p$ orbitals.