Synthesis and Characterization of (Tb_xEr_1−x)₂Ti₂O_7 Pyrochlores

Pyrochlore materials exhibit multifaceted potential for energy materials and nuclear host materials. These materials can exhibit exotic magnetic groundstate configurations owing to a magnetic atom in either the A-or B-site. Combining different magnetic ions together allow for the study of complex quantum mechanical interactions that are yet to be fully understood. This study focuses on the pyrochlore (Tb_xEr_1−x)₂Ti₂O₇, which is of interest for its magnetic properties The pyrochlore structure is relatively well known, but some phases such as Tb₂Ti₂O₇ are still enigmatic with respect to its electronic structure. It is not fully understood as to why Tb₂Ti₂O₇ readily couples with the nearest neighbors and yet does not exhibit long range order. Meanwhile, Er₂Ti₂O₇, with the same Fd-3mZ spacegroup, experiences geometric magnetic frustration along with long-range AFM ordering. Here, we investigate how the interplay of Tb-Er influence the magnetic susceptibility and the specific heat capacity of (Tb_xEr_1−x)₂Ti₂O₇ solid solutions under applied magnetic fields. I will show how the magnetic and thermodynamic properties of these solid solutions evolve with varying levels of substitution