Effect of Co doping on structural and magnetic properties of kagome like La based cuprate francisite Cu₃La(SeO₃)₂O₂Cl

The effects of Co doping on the structural and magnetic properties of a frustrated layered rare earth based synthetic analog of mineral francisite [Cu3La(SeO3)(2)O2Cl;(LaCufr)] have been investigated experimentally with a prior theoretical input. We have estimated intra-layer and inter-layer exchange interactions from density functional theory, which reveals the strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) nature of the studied compounds. 10 at. % Co-doped CuLafr confirms incorporation of Co2+ at the Cu2+ site with the local environment around dopant Co nearly similar around that of host Cu. An observed field-induced meta-magnetic transition and a spin reorientation transition have been interpreted considering magnetic exchange interactions. Co-doped LaCufr exhibits a decrease in the AFM ordering temperature and the critical field corresponding to a meta-magnetic spin-flip type transition. The competition and modulation among different intra-layer exchange interactions upon incorporation of Co into the Cu site may lead to such situations. The evidence of spin-phonon coupling from Raman analysis in both compounds is noteworthy and enriches their magnetic properties.