Abstract
The ErNi1−xCuxAl compounds have been studied from the view of crystallographic structure and magnetic properties by means of X-ray and neutron diffraction, magnetization and heat capacity measurements. The hexagonal ZrNiAl-type crystal structure adopted by the parent compounds ErNiAl and ErCuAl is conserved over the entire composition range. The concentration dependence of lattice parameters shows a discontinuity between x=0.5 and 0.6 both in paramagnetic and magnetically ordered phase. The evolution of magnetism from antiferromagnetism (AF) with Er-moments within the basal plane in ErNiAl to the simple ferromagnetism (F) with moments along the c-axis in ErCuAl is rather complex. The AF ordering is characterized by a propagation vector (12,0,12) with moments within the basal plane in the low Cu-concentration region for x up to 0.40. An incommensurate component with Er-moments along c develops within the range of 0.20⩽x⩽0.40 and grows on account of the commensurate one. The ErNi0.5Cu0.5Al is a simple F with moments along c. For concentrations with x=0.6 and 0.8 signs of short-range ordering were revealed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
