Magnetic ordering in the frustrated system FeSc2S4

Abstract The sample of FeSc 2 S 4 was prepared by solid reaction method. The crystallographic structure and the magnetic properties of the fabricated compound were investigated by X-ray, and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The polycrystalline FeSc 2 S 4 confirmed the normal cubic spinel structure (space group Fd3m). The lattice constants a 0 and anion parameter u are 10.519 A and 0.255, respectively. The Mossbauer spectroscopy has been studied for the FeSc 2 S 4 at various temperatures, ranging from 4.2 K to room temperature. The spectra consist of two doublets at 4.2 K while a single line at room temperature. It is noticeable that the Mossbauer spectra of two doublet patterns with large electric quadrupole splitting (Δ E Q ) remain over the Neel temperature. Those are interpreted as a result of large electric quadrupole interaction compared to magnetic dipole interaction. The magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed with a SQUID magnetometer for temperatures 2 T Θ CW =−100 K, and frustration parameter f =− Θ CW / T N is of the order of 1000. We conclude that two sublattices are coupled antiferromagnetically, leading to strong frustration effects.