Magnetic phase transitions and electrical switching in Gd5(Sn0.3Ge3.7) induced by magnetic field

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 2013 · Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmmm.2013.04.002· OSTI ID:1127451

Levin, E. M.

Temperature and magnetic field dependences of the magnetization and electrical resistivity of zero-field-cooled (ZFC) Gd₅(Sn_0.3Ge_3.7) with a distinctly layered crystal structure have been studied. The unit cell of Gd₅Ge₄-based compounds is formed by 2D-like fragments, so-called slabs. Between 4.2 and 17 K, ZFC Gd₅(Sn_0.3Ge_3.7) shows an antiferromagnetic state [AFM(I)], which can be irreversibly transformed by a magnetic field to the ferromagnetic (FM) state. The critical magnetic field required for the irreversible AFM(I)-FM transition in Gd₅(Sn_0.3Ge_3.7) at 4.2 K is 38 kOe, which is 2-fold larger than observed in Gd₅Ge₄, 19 kOe. Additionally, ZFC Gd₅ Sn_0.3Ge_3.7) above ˜30K shows another antiferromagnetic state [AFM(II)], which can be reversibly transformed by a magnetic field to the FM state. The difference between FM(I) and AFM(II) states (phases) in Gd₅(Sn_0.3Ge_3.7) can be attributed to the orientation of Gd magnetic moments, i.e., their orientation perpendicular or parallel to the slabs. In the temperature range of 17 K≤T≤30 K, both AFM(I) and FM(II) states (phases) may coexist in the alloy and can be irreversibly or reversibly transformed to the FM state. Magnetic phase transitions in Gd₅(Sn_0.3Ge_3.7) are accompanied with reversible or irreversible switching between the low- [AFM(I) and AFM(II)] and high-resistivity (FM) states.

• Research Organization: Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-07CH11358
• OSTI ID: 1127451
• Report Number(s): IS-T-8142
• Journal Information: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, Vol. 340, Issue C; ISSN 0304-8853
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
Gadolinium-based alloy
Magnetic phase transition
Electrical switching
Magnetic diagram