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arXiv · 2509.04071

Magnetic behavior of the $5d^1$ Re-based double perovskite Sr$_2$ZnReO$_6$

Abstract

The subtle interplay between spin-orbit coupling, exchange interactions, and cation ordering can lead to exotic magnetic states in transition-metal ions. We report a comprehensive study of the Re-based (5$d^1$) ordered double perovskite oxide Sr$_2$ZnReO$_6$ combining synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic susceptibility, muon spin relaxation ($μ$SR) measurements, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. XRD reveals that Sr$_2$ZnReO$_6$ crystallizes in the monoclinic structure (space group $P2_1/n$) at low temperature. Magnetic susceptibility data indicate a transition below $\sim$13 K, with $M$--$H$ loops showing ferromagnetic-like hysteresis and an unusually high coercive field of 23 kOe at 2 K. Zero-field $μ$SR measurements detect static and spatially disordered internal fields below $T_M \simeq $ 12 K, consistent with a canted antiferromagnetic ground state determined by detailed DFT and force-theorem in Hubbard-I calculations. The reduced high-temperature effective moment ($\sim0.76~μ_B$) and very small static moment ($\lesssim 0.2~μ_B$) derived from $μ$SR analysis and local-field simulations indicate a decisive role of spin-orbit coupling. Through a combined experimental and computational approach we unambiguously determine the canted antiferromagnetic order in Sr$_2$ZnReO$_6$, showing that a very small ordered moment coexists with an exceptionally large coercivity. These results underscore the crucial role of spin-orbit coupling and orbital ordering, providing new insights into magnetism in 5$d^1$ double perovskites.

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BibTeXRIS

Muhammad Maikudi Isah, Biswajit Dalal, Xun Kang, Dario Fiore Mosca, Ifeanyi John Onuorah, Valerio Scagnoli, Pietro Bonfà, Roberto De Renzi, Alexei A. Belik, Cesare Franchini, Kazunari Yamaura, Samuele Sanna. 2026-03-19. Magnetic behavior of the $5d^1$ Re-based double perovskite Sr$_2$ZnReO$_6$. https://doi.org/10.1103/2ngs-7x82

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