1/3 and other magnetization plateaus in a quasi-one-dimensional Ising magnet $\mathbf{TbT}{\mathbf{i}}_3\mathbf{B}{\mathbf{i}}_4$ with zigzag spin chain

Abstract

We report the magnetic properties of newly synthesized, single crystals of $\mathrm{TbT}{\mathrm{i}}_3\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_4$ whose crystal structure is highlighted by the stacking of terbium-based zigzag chains and titanium-based kagome lattices. This compound demonstrates extreme easy-axis magnetic anisotropy due to the crystalline-electric-field effect which aligns the $\mathrm{T}{\mathrm{b}}^{3+}$ moments along the zigzag chain direction. As the result of the strong single-ion anisotropy and multiple magnetic interactions, $\mathrm{TbT}{\mathrm{i}}_3\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_4$ behaves as a quasi-one-dimensional Ising magnet with a remarkable antiferromagnetic ordering at $T_{\mathrm{N}}$ = 20.4 K. When a magnetic field is applied along the direction of the zigzag chain, multiple meta-magnetic transitions occur between 1/3 and other magnetization plateaus. We have created a field-temperature phase diagram and mapped out the complex magnetic structures resulting from frustration.

10 pages, 10 figures