Giant Uniaxial Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy in SmCrGe$_3$

TL;DR

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of SmCrGe3 single crystals, revealing giant uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy with potential implications for spintronic devices, supported by experimental and theoretical analyses.

Contribution

The paper presents the first synthesis and detailed analysis of SmCrGe3 single crystals exhibiting giant uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy, combining experimental measurements and DFT calculations.

Findings

Curie temperature around 160 K

Magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of 13-16 meV/f.u.

Significant contribution of Sm and Cr to magnetic properties

Abstract

Magnetic anisotropy is a crucial characteristic for enhancing spintronic device performance. The synthesis of SmCrGe$_3$ single crystals through a high-temperature solution method has led to the determination of uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Phase verification was achieved using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), powder, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Electrical transport and specific heat measurements indicate a Curie temperature ($T_C$) of approximately 160 K, while magnetization measurements were utilized to determine the anisotropy fields and constants. Curie-Weiss fitting applied to magnetization data suggests the contribution of both Sm and Cr in the paramagnetic phase. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations explored the electronic structures and magnetic properties of SmCrGe$_3$, revealing a significant easy-axis single-ion Sm magnetocrystalline anisotropy of 16 meV/f.u.. Based on the magnetization measurements, easy-axis magnetocrystalline anisotropy at 20 K is 13 meV/f.u..