Magnetic order in hybrid frustrated magnets Gd(2-x)Tb(x)Ti2O7 (x = 0.2 and 0.5).

We report on the specific heat, magnetization and ac susceptibility measurements of single crystals of hybrid frustrated magnets Gd(1.8)Tb(0.2)Ti(2)O(7) and Gd(1.5)Tb(0.5)Ti(2)O(7). The analysis of experimental data revealed that, although partial replacing of the Gd(3+) ions by the Tb(3+) ions in the Gd(2)Ti(2)O(7) host lattice slightly enhances antiferromagnetic coupling, as inferred from the evolution of the paramagnetic Curie-Weiss temperature, the ordering temperature gradually decreases. Paramagnetic correlations introduced by the Tb(3+) ions cause this perturbation, altering the effective further neighbor interactions and destabilizing the ground state in Gd(2)Ti(2)O(7). In addition, the low-energy states of Gd(2-x)Tb(x)Ti(2)O(7) are suggested to possess a nature different from those in parent members Tb(2)Ti(2)O(7) and Gd(2)Ti(2)O(7). Finally, the frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility behavior in Gd(1.5)Tb(0.5)Ti(2)O(7) is consistent with the formation of a spin-glass-like state indicating a pronounced slowing down of the dynamical response of the studied hybrid magnets.