Magnetic Spin Clusters in Ni₂InVO₆

Abstract

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and direct current (dc) magnetisation have been used to investigate the magnetic properties of Ni 2 InVO 6 . Previous study demonstrated the presence of a spin-glass phase in this compound at low temperature. EPR spectra have shown the existence of four different components, attributed to nickel(II) and additionally to iron(III) as an unintentional admixture. The most intense, very broad line was assigned to the nickel spin clusters with strong ferromagnetic short-range interactions. DC magnetisation measurements as a function of temperature and an external magnetic field indicated the presence of the spin clusters in paramagnetic phase and transition to the cluster spin-glass state below 4.75 K due to competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. EPR and magnetisation results are analysed and compared to draw a comprehensive picture of magnetism in Ni 2 InVO 6 .