Role of Spin-orbit Scattering in Complex Magnetoresistance behaviour in Mn intercalated NbS₂ compound: Mn_1/4NbS₂

In this report, the structural, magnetic and transport properties of single crystals of Mn-intercalated NbS₂ compound i.e., Mn_1/4NbS₂ through X-ray diffraction, magnetization, resistivity and magnetoresistance are presented. The X-ray diffraction has confirmed the phase purity and single phase of Mn_1/4NbS₂ single crystals. Mn_1/4NbS₂ displays a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition around 104 K. The metallic behaviour of as-synthesized crystals is confirmed by four terminal longitudinal resistivity measurements. The transverse magnetoresistance under perpendicular applied magnetic field exhibit a negative magnetoresistance with the highest value obtained around -23% at 6 T and 120 K. Further, the interplay between negative and positive magnetoresistance with the increasing magnetic field is observed and explained in terms of competition between quantum-based time scales where the spin-orbit scattering comes into play. We observe a sharp cusp-like feature in the weak field region at low temperatures implying the localization effects in Mn_1/4NbS₂.