Magnetic order in the $S_{\mathrm{eff}}$ = 1/2 triangular-lattice compound NdCd$_3$P$_3$

TL;DR

This study introduces NdCd$_3$P$_3$, a new rare-earth compound with a triangular lattice that exhibits long-range antiferromagnetic order at very low temperatures, combining experimental and theoretical analyses.

Contribution

The paper reports the synthesis and characterization of NdCd$_3$P$_3$, revealing its magnetic ground state and electronic properties, and compares experimental results with density functional theory calculations.

Findings

Long-range antiferromagnetic order at 0.34 K

Likely $S_{eff} = 1/2$ ground state

Electronic properties characterized and compared to DFT

Abstract

We present and characterize a new member of the $R$Cd$_3$P$_3$ ($R$= rare earth) family of materials, NdCd$_3$P$_3$, which possesses Nd$^{3+}$ cations arranged on well-separated triangular lattice layers. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements demonstrate a likely $S_{\mathrm{eff}}$ = 1/2 ground state, and also reveal the formation of long-range antiferromagnetic order at $T_{N} = 0.34$ K. Via measurements of magnetization, heat capacity, and electrical resistivity, we characterize the electronic properties of NdCd$_3$P$_3$ and compare results to density functional theory calculations.