Anomalous low-field magnetoresistance in Fe$_3$Ga$_4$ single crystals

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Authors: Steven Bennett, Gregory M. Stephen, D. Heiman, Radhika Barua, Joseph Prestigiacomo, Brandon Wilfong, David E Graf, Frank M. Abel, Michelle E. Jamer
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Abstract

Fe$_3$Ga$_4$ possesses a helical spin spiral with a complex competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic ground states. This competition generates multiple metamagnetic transitions that are governed by both applied magnetic field and temperature. At intermediate temperatures between T$_1$ (68 K) and T$_2$ (360 K), the ferromagnetically aligned spins transition to an antiferromagnetic spin spiral. In this study, magnetoresistance (MR) measurements are performed on an aligned single crystal and compared to magnetization properties in order to gain insight into the unique alignment of the spins. The high-field MR is positive at low temperatures, indicating cyclotronic behavior, and negative at high temperature from electron-magnon scattering. Of particular significance is a large anomalous positive MR at low fields, possibly due to emergent spin fluctuations thus prompting further exploration of this multifaceted material.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Magnetic properties of thin films Magnetic and transport properties of perovskites and related materials Advanced Condensed Matter Physics

Publication details

Journal / source
AIP Publishing
Publication date
1 January 2026