Low-field AC susceptibility in Pr1−xHoxMn2Ge2

We report the structure and magnetic properties of Pr_1−xHo_xMn₂Ge₂ (0.0≤x≤1.0) germanides by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques and AC magnetic susceptibility measurements. All compounds crystallize in the ThCr₂Si₂-type structure with the space group I4/mmm. Substitution of Ho for Pr leads to a linear decrease in the lattice constants and the unit cell volume. The samples with x=0 and x=0.8 have spin reorientation temperature. The results are collected in a phase diagram.     

Influence of Ho substitution for Nd on magnetic properties of the Nd1−xHoxMn2Ge2 germanides

The structure and magnetic properties of Nd_1−xHo_xMn₂Ge₂ (0.0≤x≤1.0) germanides were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques and AC magnetic susceptibility measurements. All compounds crystallize in the ThCr₂Si₂-type structure with the space group I4/mmm. Substitution of Ho for Nd leads to a linear decrease in the lattice constants and the unit cell volume, and the magnetic interactions in the Mn sublattice cross over from a ferromagnetic character to an antiferromagnetic one. A typical SmMn₂Ge₂-like behavior is observed for x=0.6 and 0.8. The results are collected in a phase diagram.     

Study of magnetic properties of Mn1−xCuxCr2S4 by: High-temperature series expansions

The high-temperature series expansions method applied in the systems Mn_1−xCu_xCr₂S₄ in the range 0?x?1. The exchange interactions and the magnetic exchange energies are calculated by using the probability law. The high-temperature series expansions have been applied in the spinel Mn_1−xCu_xCr₂S₄ systems, combined with the Padé approximants method, to determine the magnetic phase diagram, i.e. T_C versus dilution x. The critical exponent associated with the magnetic susceptibility (γ) is deduced. The obtained value of γ is insensitive to the dilution ratio x and may be compared with other theoretical results based on 3D Heisenberg model.     

Magnetic phase diagrams of Ho1−xDyxNi2B2C

We performed the magnetization measurement on Ho_1−xDy_xNi₂B₂C single crystals (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.6) with magnetic field applied perpendicular and parallel to the c-axis. But only for the magnetic field perpendicular to the c-axis, the increase of Dy³⁺ concentration affects the magnetically ordered states of HoNi₂B₂C compound and makes the phase diagram more complicated. The antiferromagnetic ordering state attributed to Dy³⁺ sublattice starts to appear from a case of x=0.2 and finally the magnetic phase diagram becomes analogous to that of DyNi₂B₂C as x is increased which is consistent with the neutron scattering result.     

Magnetic anisotropy of Tb1−xGdxMn6Sn6 compounds

Magnetization curves of Tb_1−xGd_xMn₆Sn₆ compounds (0?x?1) have been measured for aligned powder samples in the temperature range 4.2–300 K in pulsed magnetic fields up to 30 T. Temperature and concentration dependences of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy constants K₁ and K₂ and concentration dependence of the temperature of spontaneous spin-reorientation transition have been determined. Using these data, we estimated the contribution of the manganese and terbium atoms to the magnetic anisotropy of Tb_1−xGd_xMn₆Sn₆ and analyzed the origin of the appearance of field-induced first-order magnetic phase transition in these compounds.     

Magnetic properties of electron-doped Y1−xCexMnO3 compounds

Cerium-doped Y_1−xCe_xMnO₃ compounds have been prepared in single-phase form for x=0 to 0.10. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns could be analyzed by using P6₃cm space group. Temperature variations of ac susceptibility and magnetization measurements show that these Ce-doped materials exhibit weak ferromagnetic transition. The observed ferromagnetic transition is attributed to the double exchange ferromagnetic interaction between Mn²⁺ and Mn³⁺ ions due to electron doping. The M–H loops exhibit hysteresis along with linear contribution and were analyzed based on bound magnetic polaron (BMP) model. Increase in saturation magnetization and decrease in BMP concentrations have been observed with increase in Ce doping.     

Magnetism, magnetocaloric effect and positive magnetoresistance in Fe-doped antipervoskite compounds SnCMn3−xFex (x=0.05-0.20)

The effects of Fe substitution on the structure, magnetic properties, magnetocaloric effect and positive magnetoresistance (MR) effect in antipervoskite compounds SnCMn_3−xFe_x (x=0.05-0.20) have been investigated systematically. Partial substitution of Fe for Mn leads to the monotonic reduction in both the Curie temperature T_C and saturated magnetization (M_S). It can be attributed to the reduction of electronic density of state at the Fermi energy by Fe-doping. The maximum values of magnetic entropy change (−ΔS_M) and positive MR gradually decrease as x increases, due to the broadening of magnetic phase transition. The refrigerant capacity increases initially with x≤0.05, then decreases gradually as x increases further, which is suggested to originate from the competition between the decreasing −ΔS_M and broadening temperature span. Our result indicates that the chemical doping on Mn site is an effective method for manipulating the properties of antiperovskite compounds AXMn₃.     

Synthesis and magnetic characterization of cobalt-substituted ferrite (CoxFe3−xO4) nanoparticles

Cobalt-substituted ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized with a narrow size distribution using reverse micelles formed in the system water/AOT/isooctane. Fe:Co ratios of 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1 were used in the synthesis, obtaining cobalt-substituted ferrites (Co_xFe_3−xO₄) and some indication of γ-Fe₃O₄ when 4:1 and 5:1 Fe:Co ratios were used. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) verified the presence of cobalt in all samples. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) showed bands at ∼560 and ∼400 cm⁻¹, characteristic of the metal–oxygen bond in ferrites. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the number median diameter of the particles was ∼3 nm with a geometric deviation of ∼0.2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the inverse spinel structure typical of ferrites with a lattice parameter of a=8.388 Å for Co_0.61Fe_0.39O₄, which is near that of CoFe₂O₄ (a=8.394 Å). Magnetic properties were determined using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Coercivities higher than 8 kOe were observed at 5 K, whereas at 300 K the particles showed superparamagnetic behavior. The anisotropy constant was determined based on the Debye model for a magnetic dipole in an oscillating field and an expression relating χ′ and the temperature of the in-phase susceptibility peak. Anisotropy constant values in the order of ∼10⁶ erg/cm³ were determined using the Debye model, whereas anisotropy constants in the order of ∼10⁷ erg/cm³ were calculated assuming Ωτ=1 at the temperature peak of the in-phase component of the susceptibility curve as commonly done in the literature. Our analysis demonstrates that the assumption Ωτ=1 at the temperature peak of χ′ is rigorously incorrect.     

Magnetic properties of MnCr2O4 nanoparticle

The exchange interactions and the magnetic exchange energies are calculated by using the mean field theory and the probability law of Zn_1−xMn_xCr₂O₄ nanoparticles. The high-temperature series expansions have been applied in the spinels Zn_1−xMn_xCr₂O₄ systems, combined with the Padé approximants method, to determine the magnetic phase diagram, i.e. T_C versus dilution x. The critical exponent associated with the magnetic susceptibility (γ) is deduced. The obtained value of γ is insensitive to the dilution ratio x and may be compared with other theoretical results based on the 3D Heisenberg model.     

Effects of the substitution of gadolinium for neodymium on the crystal and magnetic properties of the Nd1−xGdxCo4B compounds

The crystal and magnetic properties of the Nd_1−xGd_xCo₄B compounds for 0?x?1 have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction, magnetization and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. These compounds crystallize in a hexagonal CeCo₄B-type structure with the P6/mmm space group. The substitution of Gd for Nd leads to a decrease of the unit-cell parameter a and the unit-cell volume V, while the unit-cell parameter c remains almost constant. Magnetic measurements indicate that all samples are ordered magnetically below room temperature. The Curie temperatures determined by the DSC technique increase linearly as Nd is substituted by Gd. The saturation magnetization at 5 K decreases upon the Gd substitution up to x=0.6, and then increases again.     

Magnetic phase diagram of diluted spinel Zn1−xCuxCr2Se4 system

By using mean field theory, we have evaluated the nearest-neighbour and the next-neighbour super-exchange J₁(x) and J₂(x), respectively, for Zn_1−xCu_xCr₂Se₄ in the range 0?x?1. The intraplanar and the interplanar interactions are deduced. High-temperature series expansions are derived for the magnetic susceptibility and two-spin correlation functions for a Heisenberg ferromagnetic model on the B-spinel lattice. The calculations are developed in the framework of the random phase approximation. The magnetic phase diagram is deduced. A spin glass phase is predicted for intermediate range of concentration. The results are comparable with those obtained by magnetic measurements. The critical exponents associated with the magnetic susceptibility (γ) and the correlation lengths (ν) have been deduced. The values are comparable to those of the 3D Heisenberg model, and are insensitive to the dilution x.     

Magnetic properties of half-metallic semi Heusler Co1−xCuxMnSb compounds

A study of the half-metallic character of the semi Heusler alloys Co_1−xCu_xMnSb (0?x?0.9) is presented. We investigated the saturation magnetization M_S at temperatures from 5 K to room temperature and the temperature dependence of the DC magnetic susceptibility χ above Curie temperature T_C. The magnetic moments at 5 K, for most compositions are very close to the quantized value of 4 μ_B for Mn³⁺ ion, the compound with 90% Co substituted by Cu is still ferromagnetic with M_S (5 K)=3.78 μ_B/f.u. These results emphasize the role of Co atoms in maintaining the ferromagnetic order in the material. The Curie temperature is decreased from 476 K to about 300 K as the Cu content increases from 0% to 90%. Above T_C, the χ⁻¹ vs T curves follow very well the Curie–Weiss law. The effective moment μ_eff and paramagnetic Curie temperature θ are derived. A comparison between the values of M_S at 5 K and μ_eff shows a transition from localized to itinerant spin system in these compounds.     

Investigation on the magnetocaloric effect in DyNi2, DyAl2 and Tb1−nGdnAl2 (n=0, 0.4, 0.6) compounds

The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in the DyNi₂, DyAl₂ and Tb_1−nGd_nAl₂ (n=0, 0.4, 0.6) was theoretically investigated in this work. The DyNi₂ and DyAl₂ compounds are described considering a model Hamiltonian which includes the crystalline electrical field anisotropy. The anisotropic MCE was calculated changing the magnetic field direction from 〈1 1 1〉 to 〈0 0 1〉 in DyNi₂ and from 〈1 0 0〉 to 〈0 1 1〉 in DyAl₂. The influence of the second- and first-order spin-reorientation phase transitions on the MCE that occurs in these systems is discussed. For the calculations of the MCE thermodynamic quantities in the Tb_1−nGd_nAl₂ systems we take into account a two sites magnetic model, and good agreement with the available experimental data was obtained.     

Magnetic properties on shape memory alloys Ni2Mn1+xIn1−x

X-ray powder diffraction and magnetization measurements were done on the magnetic shape memory alloys Ni₂Mn_1+xIn_1−x. On the basis of the results, the magnetic phase diagram was determined for Ni₂Mn_1+xIn_1−x alloys. Magnetization measurements make clear that the excess Mn atoms, which substitute for In sites, are coupled ferromagnetically to the ferromagnetic manganese sublattices. A magnetic phase diagram of Ni₂Mn_1+xIn_1−x alloys is discussed qualitatively on the basis of the interatomic dependence of the exchange interactions.     

Heat capacity measurements of itinerant electron magnetism in Y3Ni13−xCOxB2 system

The heat capacity of the Y₃Ni_13−xCo_xB₂ series has been measured from 300 mK to RT. The magnetic ordering phase transitions have been characterized as second-order type and the T_c's determined. The electronic contribution to the low-temperature heat capacity for x=0 yields an electronic constant γ=54 mJ mol K², which is higher than those of YNi₅ and YNi₄B, proving experimentally that its density of states at the Fermi surface is larger than in those other compounds. The substitution of Ni by Co increases γ linearly. Electronic band calculations could explain these features.     

Influence of MNi2 (M=Sc,Y, La,Lu) compounds on the ferromagnetism of HoNi2–MNi2 solid solutions

Ferromagnetic properties of HoNi₂–MNi₂ solid solutions were studied. HoNi₂ is a typical rare earth ferromagnet with the Curie temperature equal to 17.6 K. The source of ferromagnetic order are exchange interaction between magnetic moments of holmium atoms. In the case of solid solutions HoNi₂–MNi₂ for M=Sc, Y and La, the disappearance of ferromagnetic order has been observed for concentrations of M higher than 60 atomic % whereas for the system HoNi₂–LuNi₂ the ferromagnetic order is observed even in Lu_0.80Ho_0.20Ni₂ solid solution. Values of the magnetic saturation moment μ_s for M_xHo_1−xNi₂ solid solutions with x?0.60 are close to the value of μ_s of undiluted HoNi₂. Moreover, the value of μ_s of HoNi₂ suggests that, apart from the contribution of holmium a small contribution of Ni atoms is added. The paramagnetic Curie temperatures Θ are somewhat lower than the values typical of ferromagnets: usually Θ is almost equal to T_C. Paramagnetic moments of the solid solutions are similar or higher than that found for pure HoNi₂. On the basis of the results obtained one may have to state that the influence of the LuNi₂ is the weakest and this compound may be regarded as the best diluter and, in the case of heat capacity measurements, also as the best reference material.     

Magneto-structural correlations in Pr0.15Gd0.85Mn2Ge2

Magneto-structural correlations in Pr_0.15Gd_0.85Mn₂Ge₂ have been studied by synchrotron diffraction in the temperature range between 11 and 300 K. This compound crystallizes in the ThCr₂Si₂-type structure (space group ). The unit cell parameters a and c were determined by Rietveld refinements as a function of temperature. Anomalies in the temperature dependence of the unit cell parameters a and c, the c/a ratio and the unit cell volume V at about 240 and 140 K, which is close to the magnetic phase transition temperatures, indicate a pronounced magneto-structural correlation. Spontaneous volume change and linear magnetostrictions are derived as a function of temperature.     

Effect of Mn-site vacancies on the magnetic entropy change and the Curie temperature of La0.67Ca0.33Mn1−xO3 perovskite

Single-phase polycrystalline samples of La_0.67Ca_0.33Mn_1−xO₃ (x=0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06) have been prepared using the sol-gel method. The structure, magnetocaloric properties and the Curie temperature of the samples with different Mn vacancy concentrations have been investigated. The experimental results show that vacancy doping at the Mn-sites has a significant influence on the magnetic properties of La_0.67Ca_0.33Mn_1−xO₃. The Curie temperature decreases monotonically with increasing the Mn-site vacancy concentration x. A remarkable enhancement of the magnetic entropy change has been obtained in the La_0.67Ca_0.33Mn_0.98O₃ sample. The entropy change reaches |ΔS_M|=3.10 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ at its Curie temperature (264 K) under an applied magnetic field H=10 kOe, which is almost the same value as that of pure Gd.     

The structure and magnetic properties of Zn1−xNixFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles prepared by sol–gel auto-combustion

Zn_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by sol–gel auto-combustion and then annealed at 700 °C for 4 h. The results of differential thermal analysis indicate that the thermal decomposition temperature is about 210 °C and Ni–Zn ferrite nanoparticles could be synthesized in the self-propagating combustion process. The microstructure and magnetic properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and Vibrating sample magnetometer. It is observed that all the spherical nanoparticles with an average grain size of about 35 nm are of pure spinel cubic structure. The crystal lattice constant declines gradually with increasing x from 0.8435 nm (x=0.20) to 0.8352 nm (x=1.00). Different from the composition of Zn_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄ for the bulk, the maximum M_s is found in the composition of Zn_0.3Ni_0.7Fe₂O₄ for nanoparticles. The H_c of samples is much larger than the bulk ferrites and increases with the enlarging x. The results of Zn_0.3Ni_0.7Fe₂O₄ annealed at different temperatures indicate that the maximum M_s (83.2 emu/g) appears in the sample annealed at 900 °C. The H_c of Zn_0.3Ni_0.7Fe₂O₄ firstly increases slightly as the grain size increases, and presents a maximum value of 115 Oe when the grains grow up to about 30 nm, and then declines rapidly with the grains further growing. The critical diameter (under the critical diameter, the grain is of single domain) of Zn_0.3Ni_0.7Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles is found to be about 30 nm.     

Ferromagnetism in MnxGe1−x films prepared by magnetron sputtering

Mn_xGe_1−x thin films were prepared by magnetron sputtering with a substrate temperature of 673 K and subsequently annealed at 873 K. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements showed that all samples had a single Ge cubic structure. No films showed clear magnetic domain structure under a magnetic force microscope (MFM). Atom force microscope (AFM) measurements showed that the films had an uniform particle size distribution, and a columnar growth pattern. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements indicated that the valences of both Mn and Ge atoms increase with the Mn concentration. The resistance decreased with increasing temperature, suggesting that the films were typical semiconductors. Magnetic measurements carried out using a Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) showed that all samples exhibited ferromagnetism at room temperature. There was a small concentration of Mn₁₁Ge₈ in the films, but the ferromagnetism was mainly induced by Mn substitution for Ge site.