A field induced ferromagnetic-like transition below 2.8 K in Li2CuO2: An experimental and theoretical study

The low temperature magnetic properties of the Li2CuO2 compound have been investigated by means of superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. We find in addition to an antiferromagnetic phase below 9.5 K a ferromagnetic-like steep rise of the magnetization around 2.8 K. The observed low temperature behavior is discussed by considering second and fourth order magnetocrystalline effective anisotropy coefficients, in addition to the exchange couplings reported in the literature. Work at the Institut de Ciencia dels Materials was supported by the Spanish Comisión Interministerial de Ciencia y Technología Grant No. CICYT MAT 96-1037.