Weak Ferromagnetism in the Orthorhombic Perovskite SrIr_0.8Sn_0.2O₃

Abstract

We present a comparative study on the structure, resistivity, and magnetic properties of a SrIrO 3 and a 20% Sn-doped SrIr 0.8 Sn 0.2 O 3 perovskite both stabilized under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. We found that the substitution of isovalent, nonmagnetic Sn 4+ for Ir 4+ ions converts the ground state from a paramagnetic metal for SrIrO 3 to a weak ferromagnetic insulator with high transition temperature T c = 280 K for SrIr 0.8 Sn 0.2 O 3 . For the later compound, a temperature-driven conductor-to-insulator transition at T c clearly evidenced a band gap opening associated with the spin ordering.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Physical Properties of the Perovskite Iridates

“…Since the semimetallic ground state has been confirmed experimentally, it is of particular interest to achieve the proposed topological and/or magnetic states via tuning the SOC, U, and/or lattice symmetry. In this regard, Matsuno et al [45] of Pv SrIrO 3 to an antiferromagnetic insulator with a concomitant metal-insulator transition at T N [50]. These recent experimental efforts demonstrated that semimetallic Pv SrIrO 3 is a promising candidate for realizing distinct topological and magnetic insulating states that deserve further investigations in the near future.…”