Magnetic properties of a GdMn6Sn6 single crystal

The magnetization of a GdMn6Sn6 single crystal has been measured in static magnetic fields up to 14 T as well as in pulsed fields up to 60 T. The easy magnetization direction has been confirmed to lie in the basal plane of the hexagonal crystal, the anisotropy within the plane being negligible. However, our data do not corroborate the earlier assertion that GdMn6Sn6 is a collinear ferrimagnet. This disagrees with the observed field dependence of magnetization along the easy direction as well as with the temperature dependence of spontaneous magnetization. A way out of the contradiction is to admit that GdMn6Sn6 has a more complex, non-collinear magnetic structure.

► We studied magnetization of a GdMn6Sn6 single crystal in very high magnetic fields up to 60 T.
► Our data do not corroborate the earlier assertion that GdMn6Sn6 is a simple collinear ferrimagnet.
► The observed field and temperature dependences of magnetization along the easy direction point to a complex, non-collinear magnetic structure.