Canted antiferromagnetic order in EuZn2As2 single crystals

Abstract

AbstractCompounds containing Eu show a vast range of unique physical properties due to the interplay of electronic and magnetic properties, which can lead to a nontrivial electronic topology combined with magnetic order. We report on the growth of trigonal ($$P\overline{3 }m1$$ P 3 ¯ m 1 space group) EuZn2As2 single crystals and on the studies of their structural, electronic and magnetic properties. A range of experimental techniques was applied including X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, heat capacity and Mössbauer spectroscopy in the study. We found that Eu has solely a 2+ valence state and its magnetic moments below TN = 19.2 K form a canted antiferromagnetic structure, tilted from the basal plane.