The magnetic states of Gd2CuIn3

A new intermetallic compound Gd2CuIn3, has been synthesised and the magnetic properties studied by AC–DC susceptibility measurements. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal AlB2-type structure (space group P6/mmm). Data analysis indicates that the principal type of interaction is antiferromagnetic (AF); the compound undergoes initially a long-range AF phase transition at 19.6 K, accompanied by the formation of spin clusters with random orientation. An additional transition observed around 13.8 K, is related to the establishment of a spin glass (SG) state at this temperature. The SG-like magnetic characteristics of the compound, are discussed on the basis of nonmagnetic atom-disordered (NMAD) lattice, local anisotropy, magnetic moment frustration and ferro–AF competition. The results are compared to other NMAD compounds observing the 2:1:3 stoichiometry.