Spin-phonon coupling and exchange interaction in Gd substituted YFe0.5Cr0.5O3

Abstract

We report the evolution of physical properties due to partial substitution of Gd on the Y site in a mixed metal oxide YFe0.5Cr0.5O3. This compound exhibits negative magnetization at low applied fields. Our investigations on Y1-xGdxFe0.5Cr0.5O3 (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6) compounds is carried out through magnetization and Raman spectroscopy studies. It is observed that even with 20% Gd substitution, the negative magnetization observed in YFe0.5Cr0.5O3 is suppressed. Due to magnetic rare earth ion Gd3+, additional exchange interaction of the form Gd-O-Fe/Cr dominates the magnetic interaction arising due to the transition metal ions. This results in positive magnetization in Gd-substituted compounds. Temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy along with magnetization studies revealed that the observed shifts of Raman mode is due to spin-phonon coupling. Hardening of Raman mode observed below 240K in YFe0.5Cr0.5O3 weakens and softening of phonon modes was observed for Y0.4Gd0.6Fe0.5Cr0.5O3 compound. This implies that additional magnetic interactions due to Gd ions play a dominating role in dictating the behavior of the Gd-substituted compounds.