Magnetism of the geometrically frustrated spin-chain compound Sr3HoCrO6:: Magnetic and heat capacity measurements and neutron powder diffraction

This paper reports on the complex magnetic properties of Sr3HoCrO6, which is a spin-chain compound subject to geometrical frustration. This experimental study is based on magnetization and heat capacity measurements, combined with neutron powder diffraction. Our investigations provide evidence of a long-range antiferromagnetic ordering, taking place at T-N similar or equal to 15 K. We focus on the nature of this magnetic ordering in zero field, as well as on the characteristics of the magnetization process at T < T-N. Particular attention is paid to the hysteresis loops recorded at T < T-N, which exhibit a peculiar succession of magnetization steps.