Crystal growth of CeMn_0.85Sb₂: Absence of magnetic order of Ce-sublattice

Single crystals of CeMn_0.85Sb₂ have been successfully synthesized by using the Bi as flux. Analysis of single crystal x-ray diffraction data confirms that CeMn_0.85Sb₂ crystallizes in the HfCuSi₂-type structure with the space group P4/nmm (No. 129). In the case of H||c, CeMn_0.85Sb₂ displays a robust antiferromagnetic transition at ∼160 K for Mn-sublattice, and there is no sign of magnetic order regarding Ce-sublattice. In the case of H ⊥ c, the Mn-sublattice shows signs of magnetic order at 160 K and 116 K, indicating a possible spin reorientation. There is no sign of magnetic order for the Ce-sublattice either, but, alternating current magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal a spin glass state below 18 K in the case of H ⊥ c. Isothermal magnetization curves measured below magnetic order with H ⊥ c show saturation and even large hysteresis at 2 K, indicating the presence of a ferromagnetic component. In addition, a field-induced spin-flop transition is observed in the case of H ⊥ c, indicating a field-induced spin reorientation of Mn spins. Electrical resistivity measurements indicate a metallic nature for CeMn_0.85Sb₂ and large anisotropy which is consistent with its quasi-two-dimensional layered structure.