Structure, Transport and Magnetic properties in La_(2x)Sr_(2-2x)Co_(2x)Ru_(2-2x)O₆

The perovskite solid solutions of the type La$_{2x}$Sr$_{2-2x}$Co$_{2x}$Ru$_{2-2x}$O$_{6}$ with 0.25 $\leq$ x $ \leq $ 0.75 have been investigated for their structural, magnetic and transport properties. All the compounds crystallize in double perovskite structure. The magnetization measurements indicate a complex magnetic ground state with strong competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. Resistivity of the compounds is in confirmation with hopping conduction behaviour though differences are noted especially for $x$ = 0.4 and 0.6. Most importantly, low field (50Oe) magnetization measurements display negative magnetization during the zero field cooled cycle. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements indicate presence of Co$^{2+}$/Co$^{3+}$ and Ru$^{4+}$/Ru$^{5+}$ redox couples in all compositions except $x$ = 0.5. Presence of magnetic ions like Ru$^{4+}$ and Co$^{3+}$ gives rise to additional ferromagnetic (Ru-rich) and antiferromagnetic sublattices and also explains the observed negative magnetization.