The evolution of the magnetic phases of Sb-doped Mn5Sn3 compounds

The structural and magnetic properties of Mn5(Sn1−xSbx)3 compounds (x = 0-0.4) were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements. All samples crystallize in Ni2In-type structure (P63/mmc) with the lattice parameters changing anisotropically with the increase of Sb concentration. Sb doping leads to the merging of the ferrimagnetic transition temperature Tc and the re-entrant spin-glass transition temperature Tf, indicating a direct transition from spin-glass state to paramagnetic state. The M(H) curve at 5 K evolves with x from a soft-magnet type to a linear-like shape. We proposed a basic explanation for the evolution of the magnetic properties in terms of crystal structure and magnetic interactions, which can be applied to other related compounds.