The Zn1−xPbxCr2Se4—Single Crystals Obtained by Chemical Vapour Transport—Structure and Magnetic,Electrical, and Thermal Properties

Monocrystalline chalcogenide spinels ZnCr₂Se₄ are antiferromagnetic and semiconductor materials. They can be used to dope or alloy with related semiconducting spinels. Therefore, their Pb-doped display is expected to have unique properties and new potential applications. This paper presents the results of dc and ac magnetic measurements, including the critical fields visible on the magnetisation isotherms, electrical conductivity, and specific heat of the ZnCr₂S₄:Pb single crystals. These studies showed that substituting the diamagnetic Pb ion with a large ion radius for the Zn one leads to strong short-range ferromagnetic interactions in the entire temperature range and spin fluctuations in the paramagnetic region at H_dc = 50 kOe.