Contrasting Magnetic Structures in SrLaCuSbO$_{6}$ and SrLaCuNbO$_{6}$: Spin-1/2 Quasi-Square-Lattice $J_1 {-} J_2$ Heisenberg Antiferromagnets

TL;DR

This study compares the magnetic structures of SrLaCuSbO$_{6}$ and SrLaCuNbO$_{6}$, revealing contrasting spin arrangements and the influence of exchange interactions and disorder on their magnetic properties.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed comparison of magnetic structures in these double perovskites, highlighting the dominant exchange interactions and the impact of site disorder on magnetic moments.

Findings

SLCSO exhibits Néel antiferromagnetic order; SLCNO shows collinear antiferromagnetic order.

Ordered magnetic moments are smaller than theoretical predictions, indicating disorder effects.

The dominant exchange interaction differs between the two compounds, with nearest-neighbor in SLCSO and next-nearest in SLCNO.

Abstract

We report the magnetic properties of the double perovskites SrLaCuSbO$_6$ (SLCSO) and SrLaCuNbO$_6$ (SLCNO). The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibilities of both compounds shows a broad maximum characteristic of an $S\,=\,1/2$ square lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet. Magnetic ordering occurs at $T_{\rm N}\,{=}\,13.6$ and 15.7 K for SLCSO and SLCNO, respectively. Neutron powder diffraction measurements reveal contrasting spin structures in both compounds. The spin structures of SLCSO and SLCNO below $T_{\rm N}$ are N\'{e}el antiferromagnetic and collinear antiferromagnetic, respectively. This result demonstrates that the nearest-neighbor interaction is dominant in SLCSO, whereas the next-nearest-neighbor interaction is dominant in SLCNO. The magnitude of the ordered moment was evaluated at 3.5 K to be $m\,{=}\,0.39(3)\,\mu_{\rm B}$ for SLCSO and $0.37(1)\,\mu_{\rm B}$ for SLCNO, which are significantly smaller than those calculated using linear spin wave theory. We infer that the small ordered moment is caused by the effect of exchange bond randomness arising from the site disorder of Sr and La ions.