The order of magnetic phase transition in La(Fe1−xCox)11.4Si1.6 compounds

Magnetic transitions in La(Fe_1−xCo_x)_11.4Si_1.6 compounds with x=0–0.08, have been studied by DC magnetic measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The temperature dependence of the Landau coefficients has been derived by fitting the magnetization, M(μ₀H), using the Landau expansion of the magnetic free energy. For x0.02 there is a strongly first-order magnetic phase transition between ferromagnetic and paramagnetic (F–P) states in zero external field and a metamagnetic transition from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic (P–F) above T_c. Increasing the cobalt content drives the F–P transition towards second order and eliminates the metamagnetic transition.     

New Heusler alloys with a metamagnetostructural phase transition

Investigations of new ferromagnetic shape-memory Ni-Mn-Z Heusler alloys (Z = In, Sn, Sb) are reviewed. Experimental data are described and explained on the assumption that these alloys undergo a phase transition from the ferromagnetic to the antiferromagnetic state (metamagnetic transition). The results of theoretical studies of the phase diagrams of these alloys are considered with regard to the possible change in the character of magnetic ordering (from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic) and interaction of the structural martensitic transformation with the metamagnetic transition.     

The magnetic phase transitions and magnetocaloric effect in MnNi1−xCoxGe alloys

The magnetic phase transitions and the magnetocaloric effects in MnNi_1−xCo_xGe (x=0.38 and 0.40) alloys were investigated. The substitution of Co for Ni in the MnNiGe antiferromagnet results in the metamagnetic transitions from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic state, which associates with very small thermal and magnetic hystereses. Positive and negative values of magnetic entropy changes are exhibited around the metamagnetic transition temperature and Curie temperature, respectively. The relatively large refrigerant capacity in low magnetic field along with the good reversibility suggest that MnNi_1−xCo_xGe (x=0.38 and 0.40) alloys are potential candidates for magnetic refrigeration.     

Modeling of metamagnetism in metallic-based materials with first-order transitions

During the past decade, the magnetic properties of metallic-based materials with first-order transitions have been extensively studied, motivated in part by the observation of large magnetocaloric effect (MCE) peaks displayed by these materials near room temperature. These large peaks are believed to be the result of the materials' magnetic properties at the metamagnetic region, characterized by (i) the thermal-induced transition from the ferromagnetic state (FM) to the paramagnetic state (PM) near the Curie temperature (T_C) and (ii) the field-induced transition from PM state to FM state above T_C. We developed a phenomenological model that utilizes the materials' mixed-state probability function to model the materials' complex hysteretic and properties at metamagnetic region. The approximate probability functions are obtained from the first and second derivatives of the magnetization curve. The probability functions are used to separate the materials' magnetization into a FM state component and a PM state component. The applicability of the model is demonstrated for a metallic-based metamagnetic material, Gd₅Si₂Ge₂ compound, where the modeled behaviors show remarkable agreement with the experimental data at the metamagnetic region and provide new physical insights in this mixed-state region. Specifically, in the region of metamagnetic transition, the PM state component is non-reversible and is a function of the FM state component.     

Coexistence of itinerant antiferromagnetism with paramagnetism of localised moments in highly concentrated CrMn alloys

Magnetic susceptibility determinations were carried out for chromium-manganese alloys in the concentration range 32%–50% Mn. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility shows the coexistence of the itinerant antiferromagnetic phase with the paramagnetic state of the localised manganese magnetic moments up to equi-atomic concentration.     

Specific character of metamagnetic transitions in Fe2P

Temperature and field dependences of magnetization in the fields directed along the easy axis of magnetization are studied on Fe₂P single crystals under pressure. It is shown that the first-order magnetic transition from ferromagnetism to paramagnetism (FM-PM) usually observed in sufficiently strong fields can be resolved into two sequential transitions in weak fields (H ? 600 Oe): 1) from the PM state to the intermediate metamagnetic phase and 2) transition to the low-temperature magnetic phase. The temperatures of these transitions undergo a specific evolution under pressure. A theoretical model, in which the characteristic features of magnetic behaviour of Fe₂P are associated with the successive additional ordering of magnetic components of its composition, is proposed.     

Gapless Fermi surfaces of anisotropic multiband superconductors in a magnetic field

We propose that a new state with a fully gapless Fermi surface appears in quasi-2D multiband superconductors in magnetic field applied parallel to the plane. It is characterized by a paramagnetic moment caused by a finite density of states on the open Fermi surface. We calculate thermodynamic and magnetic properties of the gapless state for both s-wave and d-wave cases, and discuss the details of the first order metamagnetic phase transition that accompanies the appearance of the new phase in s-wave superconductors. We suggest possible experiments to detect this state both in the s-wave (2-H NbSe2) and d-wave (CeCoIn5) superconductors.     

Magnetic phase diagram of the FexMn0.7-xAl0.3 alloys series obtained by Mössbauer spectroscopy

By Mössbauer spectroscopy the magnetic phase diagram of the Fe_xMn_0.7-xAl_0.3 spin glass alloy has been obtained. X-ray diffraction (XRD) has shown that all the alloys are in the BCC phase. The broad spectral lines observed in the Mössbauer spectra are indicative of the disordered character of these alloys. Depending on the composition and the temperature the alloys behave as paramagnetic (P), ferromagnetic (F) and reentrant spin glass (RSG). For the alloys rich in iron the only detected magnetic transition is from F to P. For medium iron content two transitions were observed, namely from RSG to F and from F to P. The RSG phase is obtained as a consequence of the disordered character of the alloys and the competitive exchanges due to iron and manganese atoms.     

Landau theory of magnetic phase diagrams and first order magnetisation processes

The Landau free energy expansion up to sixth order in the magnetisation has been used to study ferro- and paramagnetic phases in zero and finite applied magnetic fields. Magnetic phase diagrams are determined in terms of Landau coefficient ratios which indicate first order and metamagnetic phase transitions. In addition the critical magnetic field and specific magnetisations corresponding to first order magnetisation processes are calculated in terms of these coefficients. A method of evaluating Landau coefficients is also demonstrated.     

Magnetic phase transitions and magnetocaloric effect in the Fe-doped MnNiGe alloys

The magnetic phase transition and magnetocaloric effects in Fe-doped MnNiGe alloys are investigated. The substitution of Fe for Ni decreases the structural transition temperature remarkably, resulting in the magnetostructural transition occurring between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states in MnNi_{1 - x}Fe_xGe alloy. Owing to the enhanced ferromagnetic coupling induced by the substitution of Fe, metamagnetic behaviour is also observed in TiNiSi-type phase of MnNi_{1 - x}Fe_xGe alloys at temperature below the structural transition temperature.     

Magnetic and ferroelectric ordering in BiMn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> oxide

A group-theoretical analysis of the magnetic phase of BiMn₂O₅ oxide is performed using the space symmetry group of the compound. Using the projection operator method, we determine the basis functions of the irreducible representation of the space group, which are expressed in terms of the magnetic vector components. This representation can govern two phase transitions from the paramagnetic state to the antiferromagnetic phase with close temperatures and ordering of the spins of manganese ions in two crystallographic positions. It is found from renorm group analysis of these transitions that when these transitions occur as second- order transitions, the electric polarization does not appear in the system because spin fluctuations in this case elevate the symmetry of the system. Polarization appears when at least one of these transitions becomes a first-order transition as a result of spin fluctuations.     

Magnetic properties, magnetoresistance, and magnetic-field-induced phase transitions in Tb0.95Bi0.05MnO3 and Eu0.8Ce0.2Mn2O5 multiferroics

This paper reports on a study of the magnetic properties, magnetoresistance, and phase transitions in the semiconducting manganite multiferroics Tb_0.95Bi_0.05MnO₃ and Eu_0.8Ce_0.2Mn₂O₅ whose dielectric properties have been a subject of an earlier study. An analysis of these properties has led us to the conclusion that the above crystals at temperatures T ≥ 180 K undergo phase separation with the formation of a dynamic periodic alternation of quasi-2D layers of manganese ions in different valence states, i.e., charge-induced ferroelectricity. This state exhibits a giant permittivity and ferromagnetism in the layers containing Mn³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ ions. At low temperatures (T < 100 K), the phase volume is occupied primarily by the dielectric phase. Studies of the magnetic properties and the effect of the magnetic field on the dielectric properties of crystals substantiate the scenario of the formation of a state with giant permittivity put forward by us. At low temperatures, Tb_0.95Bi_0.05MnO₃ exhibits features at the points of phase transitions in pure TbMnO₃. A ferromagnetic moment is observed to exist at all the temperatures covered. At the boundaries of the quasi-2D layers, magnetic-field-induced jumps of the electrical resistivity caused by metamagnetic transitions in the layers with Mn³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ ions are observed. At temperatures T ≥ 180 K, the electrical resistivity undergoes a periodic variation in a magnetic field which is a manifestation of carrier self-organization. A high magnetic field is capable of shifting the phase transition from 180 K to higher temperatures and inducing additional phase transitions.     

Magnetic and structural transition of Ni50+xMn25−x/2Ga25−x/2 (x=2–5) alloys

Magnetic and structural transitions of non-stoichiometric Ni_50+xMn_25−x/2Ga_25−x/2 (x=2–5) alloys are systematically investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry and modified thermogravimetry (TG) are used to measure magnetic and structural transitions simultaneously. The structural transition temperatures increase monotonically with increasing Ni substitution for Mn and Ga. Different magnetic transition sequences on heating were observed from ferromagnetic martensite to ferromagnetic autensite, then to paramagnetic autensite, from ferromagnetic martensite to paramagnetic austensite or from ferromagnetic martensite to paramagnetic martensite, respectively. Three kinds of NiMnGa alloys were obtained according to the sequence of the structural and magnetic transition, whose structural transition temperatures are lower, equal to or higher than the magnetic transition temperatures.     

Ferromagnetism and magnetostructural coupling in V-doped MnNiGe alloys

The magnetostructural coupling between magnetic and structure transitions plays an important role in the multifunctional applications of magentocaloric materials. In this work, ferromagnetism and magnetostructural transformation are achieved in nonmagnetic V-doped MnNiGe alloys. With simultaneously reducing the transformation temperature and converting antiferromagnetic martensite to ferromagnetic state, the magnetostructural transformation between ferromagnetic orthorhombic phase and paramagnetic hexagonal phase is established in a temperature region as large as 130 K. The magnetic-field-induced magnetostructural transformation is accompanied by considerable magnetocaloric effect.     

Structure and magnetic properties of RAlSi(R=light rare earth)

We prepared the semimetals RAl Si(R = light rare earth), and systematically study their crystal structures and magnetic properties. X-ray diffractions confirm the coexistence of the site-disordered phase with group space of I41/amd and the noncentrosymmetrically ordered phase with space group of I41 md in RAl Si alloy. The ordered phase is the main phase in RAl Si alloy. RAl Si alloys show nonmagnetic character for R = La, low temperature ferromagnetic order for R = Ce, Pr, and paramagnetic character for R = Nd, respectively. Sm Al Si shows metamagnetic transition at 10 K and ferromagnetic order at 143 K, respectively. Sm Al Si follows the van Vleck paramagnetic model in its paramagnetic region. The magnetization curves of RAl Si(R = Ce, Pr, Sm) follow the mixed model of ferromagnetism and paramagnetism, and the fitted saturation moment MSdepends on the moment of trivalent rare earth. The paramagnetic susceptibility χ of RAl Si is going up with increasing the atomic order numbers of rare earth elements. This reveals that the magnetic property of RAl Si originates from the rare earth.     

Metamagnetic transition in Na 0.85 CoO2 single crystals

We report the magnetization, specific heat, and transport measurements of a high quality Na(0.85)CoO2 single crystal in applied magnetic fields up to 14 T. At high temperatures, the system is in a paramagnetic phase. It undergoes a magnetic phase transition below approximately 20 K. For the field H||c, the measurement data of magnetization, specific heat, and magnetoresistance reveal a metamagnetic transition from an antiferromagnetic state to a quasiferromagnetic state at about 8 T at low temperatures. However, no transition is observed in the magnetization measurements up to 14 T for H perpendicular c. The low temperature magnetic phase diagram of Na(0.85)CoO2 is determined.     

Low-temperature quasi-adiabatic magnetization reversal of rare-earth Ising metamagnets

The magnetization and magnetically induced elastic strains of rare-earth Ising antiferromagnets DyAlO₃ and TbAlO₃ are shown to exhibit an unusual behavior associated with low-temperature metamagnetic phase transitions. As an external magnetic field is applied and then removed slowly, the state of the magnetic system in these compounds follows quite different paths on the H-T diagram. Small alternating-sign variations in the field magnitude cause the magnetic system to switch reversibly from one path to another, which is accompanied by sharp changes in the magnetization and elastic strains. The observed anomalies are shown to be due to the magnetization process being quasi-adiabatic in character in the compounds under study. This fact should be taken into account in interpreting the data on the magnetization and magnetostriction in Ising antiferromagnets undergoing metamagnetic transitions at low temperatures. Experimentally, quasi-adiabatic magnetization makes it possible to determine the critical fields for metamagnetic transitions very exactly and to investigate the H-T phase diagram at temperatures that are far below the minimum temperature of a helium bath and are unattainable under strictly isothermal conditions.     

Generation of entanglement in finite spin systems via adiabatic quantum computation

For a finite XY chain and a finite two-dimensional Ising lattice, it is shown that the paramagnetic ground state is adiabatically transformed to the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state in the ferromagnetic phase by changing slowly the external magnetic field. It is found that the fidelity between the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state and an adiabatically evolved state depends on the interpolation schemes as well as the energy gap between the ground and exited states. A possibility whether quantum phase transitions can be simulated on adiabatic quantum computation is discussed.     

Magnetic properties and magnetoresistance of HfFe2Ge2-type Dy1-xGdxMn6Ge6 (x=0.1－0.6) compounds

The magnetic properties and magnetoresistance effects of Dy_{1-x}Gd_xMn_6Ge_6 (x=0.1－0.6) compounds have been studied by magnetic properties and resistivity measurements in applied magnetic fields up to 5T. The compounds with x=0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.5 order antiferromagnetically at 425, 428, 430 and 432K, respectively, and there are second magnetic phase transitions below 100K. The compound with x=0.6 exhibits a transition from ferrimagnetic to antiferromagnetic, then to ferrimagnetic state again with decreasing temperature. Furthermore, it displays a field-induced metamagnetic transition, and its threshold field decreases with increasing temperature. The magnetoresistance curve of the compound with x=0.6 in applied magnetic fields up to 5T is presented and the magnetoresistance effects are related to the metamagnetic transitions.     

Phase transitions in ferromagnetic Ni2+x Mn1−x Ga alloys with regard for the modulation order parameter

The phase diagram of ferromagnetic alloys Ni_2+x Mn_1?x Ga is reconstructed on the basis of temperature dependences of the resistance. It is seen from this diagram that for small x, structural transitions from the cubic to the tetragonal phase are preceded by structural transformations in the cubic phase. In the framework of the phenomenological Landau theory of phase transitions, phase diagrams of the structural and magnetic phase transitions in these alloys are analyzed with regard for the modulation order parameter. It is shown that premartensitic and postmartensitic phase transitions related to the appearance of the modulated structure can occur along with martensitic transformations. The strain and modulation order parameters substantially affect the magnetic phase transitions via the interaction with the magnetic order parameter.