Magnetic behavior of the diluted magnetic semiconductor (Zn1−xMnx)3As2

(${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\mathrm{-}\mathrm{x}}$ ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ ${)}_3$ ${\mathrm{As}}_2$, abbreviated as ZMA, can be considered as a new member of the group of diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS). Susceptibility and specific-heat measurements indicate a spin-glass transition for concentrations 0.005<x<0.14. The freezing temperature $T_f$ depends on x as $T_f$∼$x^{1.5}$, originating from a long-range interaction J between magnetic ions J(R)∼$R^{\mathrm{-}4.5}$. High-field magnetization and high-temperature susceptibility measurements yield evidence for an overall antiferromagnetic interaction, a strong antiferromagnetic coupling of nearest-neighbor Mn pairs, and a reduced (20%) local moment of the Mn ions. Calculations of M, χ, and $C_m$ with an extended nearest-neighbor pair-correlation approximation will be reported. A satisfactory, simultaneous description of the data can be obtained, providing the long-range character of the exchange is properly taken into account. The results will be compared with other DMS and recently prepared quaternary alloys of (${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{-}\mathrm{y}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{x}}$ ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{\mathrm{y}}$ ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ ${)}_3$ ${\mathrm{As}}_2$. Possible mechanisms for the interaction will be discussed.