Colossal negative thermal expansion induced by magnetic phase competition on frustrated lattices in Laves phase compound (Hf, Ta)Fe2

Competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases on frustrated lattices in hexagonal Laves phase compound Hf0.86Ta0.14Fe2 is investigated by using neutron diffraction as a function of temperature and magnetic fields and density-functional-theory calculations. At 325 K, the compound orders into the 120 degrees frustrated antiferromagnetic state with a well-reduced magnetic moment, and an in-plane lattice contraction simultaneously sets in. With further cooling down, however, the accumulated distortion in turn destabilizes this susceptible frustrated structure. The frustration is completely relieved at 255 K when the first-order transition to the ferromagnetic state takes place, where a colossal negative volumetric thermal expansion, -123 x 10(-6)/K, is obtained. Meanwhile, the antiferromagnetic state can be suppressed by few-tesla magnetic fields, which results in a colossal positive magnetostriction. Such delicate competition is attributed to the giant magnetic fluctuation inherent in the frustrated antiferromagnetic state. Therefore, the magnetoelastic instability is approached even under a small perturbation.