Complex magnetic order in YbMn\(_2\)Sb\(_2\) single crystals observed by \(\mu\)SR

The crystal growth and the structural, transport and magnetic properties of the magnetically frustrated YbMn\(_2\)Sb\(_2\) single crystals are reported. The crystals show a trigonal symmetry (space group \(P\bar{3}m1\)), where corrugated honeycomb layers of MnSb are separated by Yb atoms. No structural phase transition was observed down to 22~K. The resistivity measurements show a predominantly insulating behavior. The combined resistivity, dc susceptibility and heat capacity measurements confirm successive transitions at 230~K, 116~K and 27~K, being the transition at \(T_N\)=116~K due to the Mn\(^{+2}\) lattice antiferromagnetic ordering. Muon spin rotation experiments (\(\mu\)SR) reveal a more complicated scenario, with temperature dependence of the magnetic volume fraction reflecting short range and long range magnetic order, and a strongly disordered magnetic ground state. The role of spin-lattice coupling and its relationship with exchange interactions between Mn moments are discussed as possible cause of the complex magnetic behavior observed.