Magnetic Ordering in GdAuAl$_4$Ge$_2$ and TbAuAl$_4$Ge$_2$: layered compounds with triangular lanthanide nets

TL;DR

This study synthesizes a series of lanthanide-based compounds, focusing on GdAuAl$_4$Ge$_2$ and TbAuAl$_4$Ge$_2$, revealing complex magnetic phase diagrams with multiple ordered states and potential for topological electronic phenomena.

Contribution

It provides the first comprehensive synthesis and magnetic characterization of the entire $Ln$AuAl$_4$Ge$_2$ series, highlighting the role of lattice symmetry and RKKY interactions in complex magnetism.

Findings

Multiple magnetically ordered states at low temperatures.

Presence of metamagnetic phase transitions under in-plane magnetic fields.

Similar phase diagrams for Gd and Tb compounds despite different ion anisotropies.

Abstract

We report the synthesis of the entire $Ln$AuAl$_4$Ge$_2$ ($Ln$ = Y, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm) series and focus on the magnetic properties of GdAuAl$_4$Ge$_2$ and TbAuAl$_4$Ge$_2$. Temperature and magnetic field dependent magnetization, heat capacity, and electrical resistivity measurements reveal that both compounds exhibit several magnetically ordered states at low temperatures, with evidence for magnetic fluctuations extending into the paramagnetic temperature region. For magnetic fields applied in the $ab$-plane there are several ordered state regions that are associated with metamagnetic phase transitions, consistent with there being multiple nearly degenerate ground states. Despite Gd being an isotropic $S$-state ion and Tb having an anisotropic $J$-state, there are similarities in the phase diagrams for the two compounds, suggesting that factors such as the symmetry of the crystalline lattice, which features well separated triangular planes of lanthanide ions, or the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction as defined by the Fermi surface topography control the magnetism. We also point out similarities to other centrosymmetric compounds that host skyrmion lattices such as Gd$_2$PdSi$_3$, and propose that the $Ln$AuAl$_4$Ge$_2$ family of compounds are of interest as reservoirs for complex magnetism and electronic behaviors such as the topological Hall effect.