Electronic transport of Mn_2-xZn_xSb

Mn₂Sb and MnZnSb are characterized in a Cu₂Sb-type tetragonal layered structure but exhibit different magnetic and transport properties. Mn₂Sb displays a ferrimagnetic order below T_c ∼ 550K with magnetic moments aligned collinearly along the c-axis. It undergoes another phase transition around 240K characterized by a spin rotation toward the ab plane. We successfully grew Mn_2-xZn_xSb (0≤X≤1) single crystals and characterized their magnetic and electronic transport properties. We found interesting evolution of electronic transport with varying the Zn content: The Zn-rich samples display a non-metallic behavior, whereas metallic transport is observed in Zn-less samples. Such unusual evolution is likely attributed to the coupling between transport and magnetism, which possibly enables opportunities for exotic phenomena and new spintronic devices.



We acknowledge the MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry supported by the National Science Foundation Q-AMASE-i program under NSF award No. DMR-1906383