Magnetic ordering of divalent europium in double perovskites Eu2LnTaO6 (Ln=rare earths): Magnetic interactions of Eu2+ ions determined by magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and 151Eu Mössbauer spectrum measurements

Structures and magnetic properties of double perovskite-type oxides Eu2LnTaO6 (Ln=Eu, Dy–Lu) were investigated. These compounds adopt a distorted double perovskite structure with space group P21/n. Magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and 151Eu Mössbauer spectrum measurements show that the Eu2+ ions at the 12-coordinate sites of the perovskite structure are antiferromagnetically ordered at ∼4 K, and that Ln3+ ions at the 6-coordinate site are in the paramagnetic state down to 1.8 K.

Graphical abstractMagnetic properties of double perovskite-type oxides Eu2LnTaO6 (Ln=Eu, Dy–Lu) were investigated. Magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and 151Eu Mössbauer spectrum measurements show that the Eu2+ ions at the 12-coordinate sites of the perovskite structure are antiferromagnetically ordered at ∼4 K.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Crystal structures of double perovskites Eu2LnTaO6 (Ln=rare earth) were determined. ► We found that these compounds show an antiferromagnetic ordering at ∼4 K. ► The magnetic ordering is due to the interactions of Eu2+ ions. ► It was elucidated by specific heat and 151Eu Mössbauer spectrum measurements.