Structure and magnetic properties of new Be-substituted langasites A{sub 3}Ga{sub 3}Ge{sub 2}BeO{sub 14} (A=Pr, Nd, and Sm)
Langasites have been studied extensively in past for their functional properties and use in telecommunication. A thorough understanding of their ground state is limited by the difficulty in synthesizing new members belonging to this series due to the formation of competing phases such as the garnets. Three magnetic langasites A{sub 3}Ga{sub 3}Ge{sub 2}BeO{sub 14} (A=Pr, Nd, and Sm) and a non-magnetic lattice standard La{sub 3}Ga{sub 3}Ge{sub 2}BeO{sub 14} were synthesized using the ceramic method. These were further characterized by X-ray diffraction, magnetization, magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements. All three langasites exhibit net antiferromagnetic interactions at low temperatures and no evidence of long range magnetic ordering was observed down to 0.350 K. - Graphical abstract: Kagome network formed by the magnetic ions in the new Be-langasites. The ground states of three new members were explored using different physical property measurements such as X-ray diffraction, magnetization, magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity (a–d show refinement patterns for the langasites). These can be added to the list of candidate spin liquid materials. - Highlights: • Four new langasites A{sub 3}Ga{sub 3}Ge{sub 2}BeO{sub 14} (A=La, Pr, Nd, and Sm) were synthesized. • These were characterized using physical and magnetic property measurements. • These langasites exhibit net antiferromagnetic interactions at low temperatures. • No evidence of long range magnetic ordering was observed down to 0.350 K. • Can be potential Spin liquid candidates.