Colossal Magnetoresistance and Phonon Driven Exchange Dynamics in Eu$_5$Sn$_2$As$_6$

Abstract

The emergence of colossal magnetoresistance in a new generation of Eu$^{2+}$-based antiferromagnets is intriguing given stark contrasts to the archetypal perovskite manganites and doped Eu-chalcogenides. In this study the thermal conductivity and magnetostriction of Eu$_5$Sn$_2$As$_6$ -- one such representative -- have been measured to better understand the role of the crystal lattice. Both properties are strongly field-dependent and mirror the magnetization, saturating once the Eu$^{2+}$ moments are polarized. The field-enhancement of the phonon-dominated thermal conductivity is interpreted through the lifting of a degeneracy of spin configurations, and the subsequent saturation due to quenched magnetostrain in high field. Comparison with spin-glass insulators suggests that this phenomenon is not a byproduct but rather the driver of electron delocalization due to the suppression of strong phonon scattering arising from exchange frustration.