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Magnetoelastic effects in the metallic frustrated antiferromagnet CrB2

Tadataka Watanabe1,*, Mai Watanabe1, Sakurako Suganuma1, Andreas Bauer2,3, and Christian Pfleiderer2,3,4,5

  • *Contact author: watanabe.tadataka@nihon-u.ac.jp
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Phys. Rev. B 114, 144409 – Published 8 September, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/b4zd-yhkl

Abstract

Hexagonal chromium diboride CrB2 is a metallic frustrated antiferromagnet with a Néel temperature TN∼ 88 K. In CrB2, Cr 3d electrons not only give rise to localized magnetic moments but also contribute to metallic conduction. We perform ultrasound velocity measurements on a single crystal of hexagonal CrB2 to determine its elastic properties. The temperature dependence of the ab-plane shear elastic modulus exhibits Curie-type softening upon cooling from ∼120K down to TN. This behavior is interpreted as a precursor to a symmetry-lowering lattice distortion at TN, indicating that magnetic frustration is relieved via transverse magnetoelastic coupling. In addition, the a-axis and c-axis compressive elastic moduli show unusual softness and their suppression upon cooling, which are naturally explained by Fermi-surface nesting and its suppression upon cooling. The present results suggest that, in CrB2, longitudinal magnetoelastic coupling suppresses Fermi-surface nesting and enhances frustrated exchange interactions, while transverse magnetoelastic coupling plays a key role in relieving the frustration.

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Phys. Rev. B 114, 144409– Published 8 September, 2026
  • Received 25 May 2026
  • Revised 27 July 2026
  • Accepted 26 August 2026
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