Magnetic properties of quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnets (Y1−xNdx)2BaNiO5 (x=1, 0.15)

We present the magnetic properties of (Y1−xNdx)2BaNiO5 (x=1, 0.15) investigated by means of specific heat, magnetic susceptibility, and spectroscopic measurements. Magnetic ordering occurs at 47 K and 13 K in the compounds with x=1 and x=0.15, respectively. We estimate the magnetic contribution of the neodymium subsystem to magnetization and specific heat using temperature dependences of the splitting of ground Kramers doublet of Nd3+ ion obtained from spectroscopic experiment. We show that both Nd–Ni and Nd–Nd interactions should be taken into account. An origin of the observed spin-glass state below ∼5 K and a contribution of the Ni chain breaks to the magnetization and specific heat are discussed.

► Magnetic ordering occurs at 47 K (x=1) and 13 K (x=0.15) in (Y1−xNdx)2BaNiO5.
► Temperature-dependent splitting of the Nd3+ ground Kramers doublet is measured.
► Contribution of the Nd subsystem into magnetization and specific heat is evaluated.
► We show that both Nd–Ni and Nd–Nd interactions should be taken into account.
► Contribution of the Ni chain breaks into thermodynamic properties is estimated.