Study of magnetic anisotropy in Co-doped Mn2Sb

We have grown single crystals of Mn2−xCoxSb with x =0.20 and 0.15. Magnetization studies show a first order ferrimagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition with lowering temperature at TN ≈ 160 K and ≈ 117 K for x = 0.20 and 0.15, respectively. TN is found to be independent of applied magnetic field (1000 Oe) direction. Besides TN, signature of a spin reorientation transition (TSR) has also been observed near room temperature for x = 0.15. Below spin reorientation transition, magnetization behavior is highly anisotropic and easy direction of magnetization are different for x = 0.20 and 0.15.