Sm$_{2}$Ti$_{2}$O$_{7}$: An exchange spin ice candidate?

A phase pure single crystal of Sm$_{2}$Ti$_{2}$O$_{7}$ was grown from phase pure powder synthesized by a standard solid state reaction. A Curie-Weiss fit yielded a Curie constant corresponding to a smaller $\mu_{eff}$ compared to $\mu_{eff,free}$ and a value for $\theta_{CW}$ corresponding to dominant AFM interactions. C$_{p}$ measurements were performed at 0 T and 9 T down to 0.35 K with both yielding a low T anomaly but with the latter being shifted to lower T with an increase in $\Delta$ from a high T expansion of the Schottky anomaly. While the Schottky fit was successful for 0 T, the fit proved unsuccessful for 9 T indicating possible ordering. With the reduced $\mu_{eff}$ and the lack of an LRO state down to 0.35 K, providing an ${f}>>$1, the system is frustrated with its ${\cal H}$ being $J$ dominated. Future work will consist of growing an isotopically pure crystal for neutron scattering, lower T DC $\chi$ measurements to reduce CF effects, AC $\chi$ to yield $\tau$ through degenerate configurations with the objective for providing a comparison with spin ices in literature. Furthermore, additional C$_{p}$ at multiple H$_{o}$ and at lower T will be performed to determine both $\Delta(H_{o}$) and if the 9 T anomaly is indeed a transition that is electronic in origin.