Magnetic order in sulfide spinels MnLu1.8Me0.2S4 (Me=Ho, Er, Cr)

Magnetic properties of sulfide spinels derived from the lutetium manganese thiospinel MnLu2S4 are reported. In this first approach, we have partially substituted lutetium by other lanthanides or by some transition metal elements. The effective moment corresponds to Mn2+ (5.69μB and Θ=−15 K, for MnLu2S4). Partial substitution of Lu by Er and Ho weakens the parameter Θ due to a larger separation of the Mn2+ ions, but it does not trigger any magnetic interaction. Inversely, 10% substitution of Lu by chromium generates long-range ferromagnetic interactions below Tc=67 K, although the antiferromagnetic components still predominate, yielding a ferrimagnetic or AF-canted type state.