Magnetic Properties of Layered Oxysulfide (LnO)CuS: Ln: La, Pr, Nd.

Abstract We have prepared rare earth oxysulfides (PrO)CuS and (NdO)CuS in order to introduce magnetic moments into the non-magnetic p-type semiconductor (LaO)CuS. Both compounds are semiconductors with high electrical resistivity, and show the paramagnetic behavior. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility is well explained by the trivalent rare earth ion. However, it deviates from simple Curie Wiess law below 100 K due to the crystal field effect on rare earth ions. We have succeeded to reproduce their magnetic properties by the calculation taking the crystal field effect into account using the operator equivalent method.