Cr-doped TiSe2 – a layered dichalcogenide spin glass

Abstract

We report the magnetic characterization of the Cr-doped layered dichalcogenide TiSe2. The temperature dependent magnetic susceptibilities are typical of those seen in geometrically frustrated insulating antiferromagnets. The Cr moment is close to the spin-only value, and the Curie–Weiss temperatures (θcw) are between −90 and −230 K. Freezing of the spin system, which is glassy, characterized by peaks in the ac and dc susceptibility and specific heat, does not occur until below T/θcw = 0.05. The CDW transition seen in the resistivity for pure TiSe2 is still present for 3% Cr substitution but is absent by 10% substitution, above which the materials are metallic and p-type. Structural refinements, magnetic characterization, and chemical considerations indicate that the materials are of the type Ti1–xCrxSe2-x/2 for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6.