Abstract
In this work we report detailed experimental results and band structure calculations to establish a subtle link between the crystal structure and Griffiths phase (GP) behavior for the geometrically frustrated intermetallic (M = Co, Ni, Cu; ) compounds. The crystal structure analysis through powder x-ray diffraction patterns reveals that the atomic positions of the M atoms in the GP analogs are slightly displaced in comparison to those of non-GP members of this series. Further, the band structure calculation shows that this slightly differing atomic position of M atoms results in narrowing in M d bands and the ferromagnetic clusters centered on the T atoms are responsible for GP behavior. This effect is insignificant in non-GP members.
- Received 14 June 2018
- Revised 27 September 2018
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.98.184419
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