Magnetic properties investigations of Mn substituted ABX 2 chalcopyrites

Powder samples of Mn 2 x Cu 1– x InS 2 ( x = 0.03) and Mn 2 x Cu 1– x AlS 2 ( x = 0.01) were studied by X‐ray diffraction and magnetization measurements. With regard to the variation of structural parameters with Mn substitution it is evident, that Mn 2+ is built into the chalcopyrit structure. For both samples the field dependence of the magnetization is characterized by a dominating linear behaviour with a positive and strongly temperature dependent susceptibility as expected for paramagnets. After subtraction of the linear part the almost no temperature dependent curves are s‐formed, ferromagnetic‐like loops with no hysteresis. In the sample with B III = Al a magnetic transition is observed at about 48 K. We conclude that the dominating paramagnetism is superimposed by a small ferromagnetic part and speculate that the effect is of intrinsic nature. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)