Magnetic anisotropy and spin-glass behavior in spin-chain compound Ca3Co1.62Mn0.38O6

Single crystals of spin-chain compound Ca3Co1.62Mn0.38O6 have been grown by flux method. The morphology and chemical composition were examined by a scanning electron microscopy and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope. Magnetization measurements were carried out by using a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer. As a result, we have observed a strong magnetic anisotropy in both ordered and paramagnetic states. The magnetization process is found to be strongly metastable. Furthermore, the time-dependent magnetization follows the stretched exponential function, the temperature-dependent magnetization presents striking memory effect, and the ac magnetic susceptibility exhibits significant frequency dependence. These results point to the presence of spin-glass-like freezing below TN = 17 K. Possible mechanisms are discussed, including chemical disorder, competition of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions.

► Single crystals with an intermediate Mn composition Ca3Co1.62Mn0.38O6 have been grown for the first time.
► Strong magnetic anisotropy in both ordered and paramagnetic states of Ca3Co1.62Mn0.38O6 has been observed.
► Spin-glass-like freezing at low temperature has been confirmed.