Magnetic properties of the quasi two-dimensional centered honeycomb antiferromagnet GdInO$_3$

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetic properties of GdInO$_3$, revealing antiferromagnetic phase transitions, a magnetization plateau, and magnetic frustration, with theoretical modeling indicating a weak anisotropy and proximity to a triangular-lattice system.

Contribution

The paper combines experimental measurements and model calculations to elucidate the magnetic behavior and phase diagram of GdInO$_3$, highlighting its frustrated magnetism and lattice characteristics.

Findings

Two antiferromagnetic transitions at 2.3 K and 1.02 K.

Observation of a 1/3 magnetization plateau.

Large magnetic entropy change due to frustration.

Abstract

The crystal structure and magnetic property of the single crystalline hexagonal rare-earth indium oxides GdInO$_3$ have been studied by combing experiments and model calculations. The two inequivalent Gd$^{3+}$ ions form the centered honeycomb lattice, which consists of honeycomb and triangular sublattices. The dc magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements suggest two antiferromagnetic phase transitions at $T_\textrm{N1}$ = 2.3 K and $T_\textrm{N2}$ = 1.02 K. An inflection point is observed in the isothermal magnetization curve, which implies an up-up-down phase with a 1/3 magnetization plateau. We also observe a large magnetic entropy change originated from the magnetic frustration in GdInO$_3$. By considering a classical spin Hamiltonian, we establish the ground state phase diagram, which suggests that GdInO$_3$ has a weak easy-axis anisotropy and is close to the equilateral triangular-lattice system. The theoretical ground-state phase diagram may be used as a reference in NMR, ESR, or $\mu$SR experiments in future.