Suppression of the spin-glass state by indirect exchange via charge carriers in spinellides xCuCr2Se4-(1−x)Cu0.5Me0.5Cr2Se4 (Me = Ga, In)

Abstract Spin glass (SG) is observed in semiconducting solid solutions x CuCr 2 Se 4 -(1− x )Cu 0.5 Me 0.5 Cr 2 Se 4 (Me = In, Ga) for 0⩽ x ⩽0.1. For x 0.1 the material exhibits p-type metal conductivity. For x ⩾0.6 the magnetic properties are purely ferromagnetic (FM), while for 0.1 x ⩽0.2 an unusual mixed two-phase SG+FM state is found. Indirect exchange via charge carriers is assumed to be responsible for SG suppression.