Effect of non-magnetic doping on multi-step magnetization behavior of Dy 50− xAl xAg 50

Abstract

The electrical transport and magnetization measurements have been carried out on Al-doped polycrystalline intermetallic compounds Dy 50− x Al x Ag 50 ( x = 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8) in a pulsed high magnetic field, in which multi-step magnetization is observed. Partial substitute of non-magnetic Al 3+ for Dy 3+ ions in the compounds increases the critical magnetic fields and the relative area of the magnetic hysteresis loop, which result from the pinning effect, lattice distortion, the change of coupling strength and dilution effect related to the Al 3+ doping.The experimental results indicate that non-magnetic Al 3+ ions and induced amorphous phase can pin the rotation and/or growth of magnetic domains, thus, the critical magnetic field can be enhanced by doping non-magnetic ions in the magnetic materials, especially in the permanent magnet materials.