Single crystal growth of SmCrGe₃ with Cr Linear Chain in Hexagonal Lattice

SmCrGe3 was discovered in a polycrystalline form, with a reported Curie temperature of 155 K, the step-like M(H) at 2 K, and a low-temperature transition at 55 K. [1] Compared with itinerant magnet LaCrGe3, SmCrGe3 offers the opportunity to understand the interaction between localized 4f elections and itinerant electrons in this quasi-one-dimensional system and the role this interaction plays in domain pining changing, [2] which may explain “one domain” behavior in LaCrGe3 single crystals. Based on these points, single crystal SmCrGe3, with a hexagonal structure and the face-sharing Cr-centered octahedra aligned along the c-axis, was grown using the self-flux. Single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the sample. Transport, magnetization, and specific heat measurements were taken. There is no second transition observed around 55 K. According to the measurements, SmCrGe3 behaves like a hard ferromagnet, which is different from other RECrGe3 (RE = La - Nd). The coercivity field as a function of temperature and field-dependent pinning change is given, and the results will be discussed in detail.

[1], Haiying Bie, et al., Chem. Mater. 2007, 19, 4613-4620.

[2], M Xu, et al., Physical Review B 107 (13), 134437.