Giant Uniaxial Magnetocrystalline\nAnisotropy in SmCrGe<sub>3</sub>

Magnetic anisotropy is a crucial characteristic for enhancing\nthe\nspintronic device performance. The synthesis of SmCrGe<sub>3</sub> single crystals through a high-temperature solution method has led\nto the determination of uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Phase\nverification was achieved by using scanning transmission electron\nmicroscopy (STEM), powder, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques.\nElectrical transport and specific heat measurements indicate a Curie\ntemperature (<i>T</i><sub>C</sub>) of approximately 160\nK, while magnetization measurements were utilized to determine the\nanisotropy fields and constants. Curie–Weiss fitting applied\nto magnetization data suggests the contribution of both Sm and Cr\nin the paramagnetic phase. Additionally, density functional theory\n(DFT) calculations explored the electronic structures and magnetic\nproperties of SmCrGe<sub>3</sub>, revealing a significant easy-axis\nsingle-ion Sm magnetocrystalline anisotropy of 16 meV/fu. Based on\nthe magnetization measurements, easy-axis magnetocrystalline anisotropy\nat 20 K is 13 meV/fu.