Doping tuned spin reorientation and spin switching in praseodymium–samarium orthoferrite single crystals

Abstract

We investigate the detailed analysis of the magnetic properties in a series of Pr1–x Sm x FeO3 single crystals from x = 0 to 1 with an interval of 0.1. Doping controlled spin reorientation transition temperature T SR Γ4 (G x , A y , F z ) to Γ2 (F x , C y , G z ) covers a wide temperature range including room temperature. A ‘butterfly’-shape type-I spin switching with 180° magnetization reversal occurs below and above the magnetization compensation points in x = 0.4 to 0.8 compounds. Interestingly, in Pr0.6Sm0.4FeO3 single crystal, we find an inadequate spin reorientation transition accompanied by uncompleted type-I spin switching in the temperature region from 138 to 174 K. Furthermore, a type-II spin switching appears at 23 K, as evidenced from the magnetization curve in field-cooled-cooling (FCC) mode initially bifurcate from zero-field-cooled (ZFC) magnetization curve at 40 K and finally drops back to coincide the ZFC magnetization value at 23 K. Our current research reveals a strong and complex competition between Pr3+–Fe3+ and Sm3+–Fe3+ exchange interactions and more importantly renders a window to design spintronic device materials for future potential applications.