Magnetic properties of Tm2AgIn3

The physical properties of the new ternary intermetallic compound Tm2AgIn3 are presented. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal CaIn2-type structure (space group P63/mmc). DC susceptibility and magnetization measurements indicate that the system undergo a magnetic transition at 3.2K. The dominant type of interaction is antiferromagnetic; however ferromagnetic correlations are present and play an important role in magnetic behavior of the alloy. Irreversibilities in the FC–ZFC curves appear at around 3K. Data analysis favors a model explaining the formation of spin glass states, which is discussed on the basis of lattice disorder, week magnetic exchange and magnetic moment frustration. The results are in agreement with other reported 2:1:3 compounds.