Structure and magnetism of Cr-doped h-YMnO₃

The structures and magnetic properties of YMn_1−xCr_xO₃ (x=0-0.1) were investigated in this study. Powder x-ray diffraction shows that YMn_1−xCr_xO₃ (x=0-0.1) maintains a hexagonal structure with P6₃cm space group, as observed for YMnO₃. The temperature dependence of magnetization indicates that the magnetization of YMn_1−xCr_xO₃ increases as Cr doping concentration increases at low temperatures, and the spin-glass state appeared in the Cr doped samples. The antiferromagnetic transition temperature increases in the Cr-doped YMnO₃, which is originated from the magnetic coupling between the Mn³⁺ ions in the inter-plane. The spin glass phase providing a pinning force from some frozen spins to the rotatable spins gives the key to explain the exchange bias effects.