Unconventional magnetotransport and antiferromagnetic order in Eu2⁢InTe5

Abstract

We report on the structural characterization and physical properties of Eu2⁢InTe5, a distorted square-net motif antiferromagnetic semiconductor. Single crystal x-ray diffraction measurements reveal a distortion of the Te square-net layers such that an orthorhombic supercell is necessary to accurately describe the structure. Magnetization, resistivity, and specific heat measurements confirm antiferromagnetic ordering at 𝑇𝑁=7.3K. Anisotropy in magnetization data suggests the magnetic moments are oriented parallel to the 𝑐 axis. We observe an unconventional transverse magnetoresistance and Hall resistivity in the paramagnetic state (𝑇≤80K), indicating strong coupling between localized Eu2+ magnetic moments and conduction electrons. Resistivity and Hall measurements indicate the material is a heavily doped semiconductor, with impurity states related to disorder. Our findings highlight a relatively unexplored Eu-based antiferromagnetic semiconductor with unconventional magnetotransport behavior.