Metamagnetic Phase Transition Research Articles

Anomalous magnetic behavior in MnFePSi glass-coated microwires

We studied the MnFePSi glass-coated microwires (GCMWS) prepared by using Taylor–Ulitovsky technique at low magnetic fields and low temperatures. While regular ferromagnetic behavior has been observed at room temperature, anomalous magnetic behavior is observed for the glass-coated microwires samples. Notable metamagnetic phase transition is observed for bulk alloy sample from the magnetic hysteresis loops measured at 5 K. Meanwhile, extraordinary metamagnetic phase transition is seen at hysteresis loops measured at temperature below 100 K. In addition, M-H loops show harder magnetic properties compared to the bulk sample, where the coercivity, Hc, of glass-coated microwire is about 64 times higher than the one reported in bulk alloy. Additionally, the hysteresis loops of glass-coated microwires measured at temperature lower than 100 K show multistep magnetic behaviour. Zero Field Cooling (ZFC), Field Cooling (FC) and Field Heating (FH) curves of bulk samples show totally different magnetic behaviour compared to the microwire sample measured at the same conditions due to the different microstructure phases for the bulk and microwires samples. The present findings demonstrate the significant impact of drawing, quenching and stresses induced by glass-coating on the microstructure and magnetic characteristics of MnFePSi-metallic alloys as compared to their bulk form. Furthermore, we confirmed that, in contrast to the bulk form constraint, the Taylor-Ulitovsky process for metallic glass-coating microwires may alter the physical characteristics and extend the applications of MnFePSi alloys.

Antiferromagnetic ground state and evidence for metamagnetic transition in itinerant-electron compounds YCo12−xFexB6 (x = 1.5, 2, 2.5)

In contrast to the parent compound YCo12B6, the Fe-doped YCo12−xFexB6 (1.5 ≤ x ≤ 2.5) alloys exhibit an antiferromagnetic ground state. It is further revealed that the antiferromagnetic state gets transformed into a forced ferromagnetic state by way of a magnetic-field-induced metamagnetic transition. The results demonstrate a progressive reinforcement of the antiferromagnetic interactions upon increasing Fe content along the YCo12−xFexB6 series of compounds. The magnetic phase diagram of each (x = 1.5, 2, and 2.5) composition is determined by combining isothermal and isofield magnetization measurements. The composition and temperature dependencies of the critical field are derived and discussed. Whereas for x = 2 and 2.5, the magnetic state changes from antiferromagnetic (AFM) to ferromagnetic (FM) and then to the paramagnetic (PM) state upon heating, exhibiting three distinct temperature regions, a multicritical point of magnetic origin is proposed for the x = 1.5 compound at a temperature of about 117 K. The ordering temperature is found to decrease upon increasing Fe concentration, while the critical field of the AFM-FM metamagnetic phase transition shows the opposite trend. The critical transition field diminishes upon increasing temperature.

Speed limits of the laser-induced phase transition in FeRh

We use ultrafast x-ray diffraction and the polar time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect to study the laser-induced metamagnetic phase transition in two FeRh films with thicknesses below and above the optical penetration depth. In the thin film, we identify an intrinsic timescale for the light-induced nucleation of ferromagnetic (FM) domains in the antiferromagnetic material of 8ps, which is substantially longer than the time it takes for strain waves to traverse the film. For the inhomogeneously excited thicker film, only the optically excited near-surface part transforms within 8ps. For strong excitations, we observe an additional slow rise of the FM phase, which we experimentally relate to a growth of the FM phase into the depth of the layer by comparing the transient magnetization in frontside and backside excitation geometry. In the lower lying parts of the film, which are only excited via near-equilibrium heat transport, the FM phase emerges significantly slower than 8ps after heating above the transition temperature.

Magnetic field-induced narrow first-order and metamagnetic phase transitions of Nd5Ge3

We report on the magnetic behaviour of Nd5Ge3 by investigating through magnetization, neutron diffraction and muon spin relaxation measurements. Temperature dependent-magnetization, muon depolarization rate (λ), initial asymmetry (A0) and the stretched exponent (β) show a clear anomaly at the Néel temperature TN ∼ 54 K. However, the short-range correlated ferromagnetic interactions below TN are inferred from the diffuse scattering mechanism as revealed by zero-field neutron diffraction data. Narrow first order phase transition is due to the competing interaction of a high temperature weak-antiferromagnetic and low temperature glassy states. Magnetic field-induced reentrant spin glass state from a magnetic glass state is observed, before it transforms to a ferromagnetic state.

Finite size effects on the metamagnetic phase transition in a thick B2 FeRh nanocluster film.

FeRh alloys in the CsCl-type (B2) chemically ordered phase present an antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic order transition around 370 K observed in bulk and continuous films but absent in nanoclusters. In this study, we investigate the thermal magnetic behavior of a thick film composed of assembled FeRh nanoclusters preformed in the gas phase. This work reveals a broad and asymmetric metamagnetic transition with a consequent residual magnetization at low temperature. Due to the coexistence of different grain sizes in the sample, we confront the results with a description that involves two populations of B2-FeRh particles, and the existence of a discriminating size below which the magnetic order transition does not take place.

Metamagnetic phase transition induced large magnetocaloric effect in a Dy0.5Ho0.5MnO3 single crystal.

Magnetic refrigeration based on the magnetocaloric effect is gaining interest in orthogonal or hexagonal rare-earth manganite. However, a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism is still required. We grew a high-quality single crystal of Dy0.5Ho0.5MnO3 using the optical floating zone method, since the parent crystals DyMnO3 and HoMnO3 have orthogonal and hexagonal structures, respectively. The magnetic and magnetocaloric properties and refrigeration mechanisms are thoroughly investigated. Doping modifies the magnetism according to the results obtained from the investigation of magnetic and dielectric properties and heat capacity. The spin reorientation transition shifts towards low temperature in comparison to HoMnO3. Near the Néel temperature of rare-earth sublattices (5 K), the highest changes in negative magnetic entropy under 0-70 kOe are 18 J kg-1 K-1 and 13 J kg-1 K-1 along the a- and c-axes, respectively. The low-temperature metamagnetic phase transition caused by the alterations in the magnetic symmetry of Ho3+ contributes to an increased magnetocaloric effect in comparison to the parent crystals, rendering it a promising choice for magnetic refrigeration applications. Dy0.5Ho0.5MnO3 exhibits a clear magnetocrystalline anisotropy with enhanced refrigeration capacity and negative magnetic entropy change along the a-axis. The adiabatic temperature change of Dy0.5Ho0.5MnO3 is 8.5 K, larger than that of HoMnO3, rendering it a promising choice for low-temperature magnetic refrigeration applications.

Room-temperature spin reorientation transition and low-temperature significant magnetothermal effect in Mn-doped DyFeO3 single crystals

Rare-earth orthoferrites (RFeO3) promise in spin storage and spin sensing, but the majority of the magnetic phase transition and intriguing properties occur at low temperatures. Searching for higher-temperature or even room-temperature spintronics devices has been a critical challenge in the development of spintronics. We doped Mn ions into Fe sites of DyFeO3 in 10%–50 % ratios to coexist antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic coupling in the ab plane and elevate their spin reorientation transition (SRT) temperatures. The structural, magnetic, and magnetothermal properties of the Mn-doped DyFeO3 single-crystal system are investigated. With increasing doping ratio, the Néel temperature progressively falls, while the SRT temperature (TSR) continuously rises to the room temperature of 307 K with a 40 % doping ratio, making it promising for room-temperature spin storage devices. When the ratio reaches 50 % (half doping), the magnetic configuration of Dy sublattices changes and a significant magnetothermal effect is observed. Because of low-field metamagnetic phase transition, the magnetic entropy change along the c-axis approaches 10.41 J/kg·K for the half doping crystal at 5 K (0 J/kg·K for DyFeO3, 0.93 J/kg·K for orthorhombic DyMnO3). The large adiabatic temperature change contributed by magnon indicates the exceptional refrigeration efficiency in a direct way. Therefore, it is possible to convert DyFeO3 into a room-temperature spin storage device material or a magnetic refrigeration contender at low temperatures.

Theoretical investigations on pressure-driven large-volume-change martensitic phase transition in ductile all-d-metal Heusler compound Ni2MnTa

The creation of innovative functional materials with outstanding overall performance is the main challenge encountered in practical application. This study investigated the pressure-dependent martensitic phase transition in ductile compound Ni2MnTa and also revealed its physical mechanism. Theoretically, when pressure was applied, the martensitic phase transition in Ni2MnTa was accompanied by a significant volume change of −4 %. The results indicate that the inherent volume contraction leads to enhanced interatomic d–d orbital hybridization during the tetragonal deformation, a process in which thermodynamic driving force increases significantly and deformation ability is subsequently enhanced. Their synergistic interaction induced the large-volume-change martensitic transformation in ductile all-d-metal Heusler compound Ni2MnTa. A metamagnetic martensitic phase transition could occur due to the magnetic moment difference between the austenite and marensite phases. Practically and importantly, Ni2MnTa shows better ductile properties. The combination of excellent ductility and potential large-volume-change martensitic transformation in Ni2MnTa makes it an interesting candiade material. This study can provide significant research guidance for exploring and developing novel materials for future industrial application.

Monitoring structural transformations in metamagnetic shape memory alloys by non-contact GMI technology

Different applications based on metamagnetic shape memory alloy (MSMA) require monitoring the evolution of the martensitic transformation (MT) to optimize the actuation mechanism. To avoid interaction with the active material, a non-contact technique would be ideal. Nevertheless, non-contact detection involves complex methods like diffraction, optical analysis, or electromagnetic technology. The present work demonstrates that the MT can be monitored without interaction with the active material using a low-cost technology based on the Giant Magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect. The GMI sensor is based on a (CoFe)SiB soft magnetic wire submitted to an alternating current and whose second harmonic voltage variation allows to detect changes in the strength of the stray magnetic fields linked to the metamagnetic phase transition. The sensor has been tested using the MT of a NiMnInCo MSMA. A specific application for environmental temperature control using the non-contact GMI sensor is proposed.

Anomalous Hall effect in ferromagnetic LaCo2As2 and ferrimagnetic NdCo2As2

We conducted a comparative study of the magnetic and transport properties of single-crystalline LaCo2As2 and NdCo2As2. LaCo2As2 is a soft metallic ferromagnet which exhibits purely intrinsic anomalous Hall effect (AHE) due to Co-3d electrons. With Nd-4f electronic magnetism, ferrimagnetic NdCo2As2 manifests pronounced sign reversal and multiple hysteresis loops in temperature- and field-dependent magnetization, Hall resistivity, and magnetoresistance, due to complicated magnetic structural changes. We reveal that the AHE for NdCo2As2 is stemming from the Co sub-lattice and deduce its phase diagram which includes magnetic compensation and two meta-magnetic phase transitions. The sensitivity of the Hall effect on the details of the magnetic structures in ferrimagnetic NdCo2As2 provides a unique opportunity to explore the magnetic interaction between 4f and 3d electrons and its impact on the electronic structure.

Effect of Magnetic Field and Hydrostatic Pressure on Metamagnetic Isostructural Phase Transition and Multicaloric Response of Fe49Rh51 Alloy

The effect of a high magnetic field up to 12 T and a high hydrostatic pressure up to 12 kbar on the stability of the metamagnetic isostructural phase transition and the multicaloric effect of Fe49Rh51 alloy has been studied. The phase transition temperature shifts under the magnetic field and the hydrostatic pressure on with the rates of dTm/μ0dH = −9.2 K/T and dTm/dP = 3.4 K/kbar, respectively. The magnetocaloric and multicaloric (under two external fields) effects were studied via indirect method using Maxwell relations. The maximum of the entropy change is increasing toward the high temperature region from ∆S~2.5 J/(kg K) at 305 K to ∆S~2.7 J/(kg K) at 344 K under simultaneously applied magnetic field of 0.97 T and hydrostatic pressure of 12 kbar. The obtained results were explained using the first-principle calculations of Gibbs energies and the phonon spectra of the ferromagnetic and the antiferromagnetic phases. Taking into account the low concentration of antisite defects in the calculation cells allows us to reproduce the experimental dTm/dP coefficient.

Short-range magnetic correlation, metamagnetism, and coincident dielectric anomaly in Na5Co15.5Te6O36

Here we explore the structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of Co based compound Na$_5$Co$_{15.5}$Te$_6$O$_{36}$ as a candidate of short-range magnetic correlations driven development of dielectric anomaly above N$\acute{e}$el temperature of ($T_N$=) 50 K. Low temperature neutron powder diffraction (NPD) in zero applied magnetic field clearly indicates that the canted spin structure is responsible for the antiferromagnetic transition and partially occupied Co form short range magnetic correlation with other Co, which further facilitates the structural distortion and consequent development of dielectric anomaly above antiferromagnetic transition. Additionally, the temperature dependent magnetic heat capacity and electron spin resonance measurements reveal the presence of short-range magnetic correlations which coincides with an anomaly in the dielectric constant vs temperature curve. Moreover, significant changes in the lattice parameters are also observed around the same temperature, indicating presence of noticeable spin-lattice coupling. Further, sharp jump in the magnetic field dependent magnetization clearly indicates the presence of metamagnetic transition and magnetic field dependent NPD confirms that rotations of Co spins with applied magnetic field are responsible for this metamagnetic phase transition. As a result, this transition causes the magnetocaloric effect to be developed in the system, which is suitable for the application in low temperature refrigeration.

Successive Short- and Long-Range Magnetic Ordering in Ba2Mn3(SeO3)6 with Honeycomb Layers of Mn3+ Ions Alternating with Triangular Layers of Mn2+ Ions.

Mixed-valent Ba2Mn2+Mn23+(SeO3)6 crystallizes in a monoclinic P21/c structure and has honeycomb layers of Mn3+ ions alternating with triangular layers of Mn2+ ions. We established the key parameters governing its magnetic structure by magnetization M and specific heat Cp measurements. The title compound exhibits a close succession of a short-range correlation order at Tcorr = 10.1 ± 0.1 K and a long-range Néel order at TN = 5.7 ± 0.1 K, and exhibits a metamagnetic phase transition at T < TN with hysteresis most pronounced at low temperatures. The causes for these observations were found using the spin exchange parameters evaluated by density functional theory calculations. The title compound represents a unique case in which uniform chains of integer spin Mn3+ (S = 2) ions interact with those of half-integer spin Mn2+ (S = 5/2) ions.

Competition of magnetocrystalline anisotropy of uranium layers and zigzag chains inUNi0.34Ge2single crystals

Structural and thermodynamic properties of single-crystalline ${\mathrm{UNi}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{2}$ with $x=0.66$ have been investigated by measuring magnetization, specific heat, and thermal expansion over a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields. The measurements revealed the emergence of a long-range antiferromagnetic ordering of uranium magnetic moments below the N\'eel temperature ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}=45.5(1)\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ and the existence of two easy axes in the studied compound, namely, $b$ and $c$, which correspond to the plane of the uranium zigzag chains. Magnetic field applied along these two crystallographic directions induces in the system a first-order metamagnetic phase transition (from antiferromagnetism to field-polarized paramagnetism), and the width of the magnetic hysteresis associated with that transition reaches as much as about 40 kOe at the lowest temperatures. A magnetic phase diagram developed from the experimental data showed that the metastable region associated with that magnetic hysteresis forms a funnel that narrows toward the N\'eel point in a zero magnetic field. The four-layer Ising model has successfully predicted the collinear antiferromagnetic structure in ${\mathrm{UNi}}_{0.34}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{2}$ (known from earlier reports), its magnetic phase diagram, and temperature and field variations of its magnetization. Moreover, it suggests that the first-order phase transition extends down to a zero magnetic field, although it is barely detectable in the experiments performed in low magnetic fields. According to this model, the second-order phase transition occurs in the compound only in a zero field.

Magnetic properties of CaCu3-xTi4-yFex+yO12 solid solutions: Valence state of iron ions and metamagnetic phase transitions

CaCu3-xTi4-yFex+yO12 (1 or 3%) solid solutions were synthesized using a solid state method, while 1 or 3 mas. % of iron (natural abundance of isotopes) was added to the stoichiometric amount of CaO, CuO and TiO oxides. CaCu3-xTi4-y57Fex+yO12 (3%) sample with a higher 57Fe isotope content was synthesized using the same technology for the detailed investigation by the Mӧssbauer spectroscopy. The structural and microstructural characteristics of calcium copper titanate samples were studied by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence analysis and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The magnetic properties were studied by Mӧssbauer spectroscopy, electron spin resonance and magnetometry methods. Based on all experimental data we can conclude that Fe ions substitute Ti4+ and Cu2+ positions in octahedral and planar oxygen environment, respectively. Such type of substitution leads to the appearance of three types of iron magnetic centers: divalent Fe2+ in the planar environment and trivalent Fe3+ in the symmetrical and distorted octahedral positions that strongly effects to the magnetic properties of the investigated samples. Most unique magnetic properties including the metamagnetic phase transitions are observed in CaCu3-xTi4-yFex+yO12 (3%) sample where both the significant amount of Fe3+ ions in distorted octahedral position together with Fe2+ are present.

Magnetic ordering in GdAuAl[formula omitted]Ge[formula omitted] and TbAuAl[formula omitted]Ge[formula omitted]: Layered compounds with triangular lanthanide nets

We report the synthesis and magnetic properties of GdAuAl4Ge2 and TbAuAl4Ge2, where temperature and magnetic field dependent magnetization, heat capacity, and electrical resistivity measurements reveal that both compounds exhibit several magnetically ordered states at low temperatures, with evidence for magnetic fluctuations extending into the paramagnetic temperature region. For magnetic fields applied in the ab-plane there is particularly rich behavior, with several ordered state regions that are separated by metamagnetic phase transitions. Despite Gd being an isotropic S-state ion and Tb having an anisotropic J-state, there are similarities in the phase diagrams for the two compounds, suggesting that factors such as the symmetry of the crystalline lattice, which features well separated triangular planes of lanthanide ions, or the Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida interaction control the magnetism. We also point out similarities to other centrosymmetric compounds that host skyrmion lattices such as Gd2PdSi3, and propose that the LnAuAl4Ge2 family of compounds are of interest as reservoirs for complex magnetism and electronic behaviors.

Synergy effect of temperature, electric and magnetic field on the depth structure of the FeRh/BaTiO3 composite multiferroic

FeRh based composite multiferroic materials have attracted great scientific interest due to their wide variety of possible applications in future nano device technology. In the recent work, a comprehensive study on the depth dependence of the metamagnetic phase transition in FeRh/BaTiO3 heterostructure is reported by means of single or combined external stimulus such as heat, magnetic or electric field. Grazing-incidence nuclear scattering experiments revealed significant discrepancies in the mechanism of the antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic reordering induced by the different effects, with distinguished role of both upper and lower interfaces.

D-d hybridization controlled large-volume-change martensitic phase transition in Ni-Mn-Ti-based all-d-metal Heusler compounds

Martensitic phase transition in all-d-metal Heusler compounds was investigated by using first principles calculations. The large change in volume during martensitic phase transition and its physical origin were revealed in representative compound Ni2MnTi. It was found that the enhanced d-d interatomic hybridization due to intrinsic volume shrinkage during martensitic phase transition led to significant increase in thermodynamic driving force and great improvement in the deformation ability. Their strong correlations induced large volume change during martensitic phase transition. The tetragonal martensitic phase in Ni2MnTi preferred the weaker magnetic state. Herein, it was proposed that a metamagnetic martensitic phase transition from cubic ferromagnetic phase to tetragonal ferrimagnetic phase with large volume change can be realized by tuning d-d interatomic hybridization level. The investigations indicate that careful control of interatomic hybridization level in Ni-Mn-Ti-based compounds can serve as an inherent tuning parameter to design and explore high-performance candidates as phase transition materials for solid-state refrigeration.

Magnon dynamics during phase transitions in FeRh by Brillouin light scattering

FeRh has been extensively studied because of metamagnetic phase transitions between the antiferromagnetic (AFM) and the ferromagnetic (FM) phase observed in this material. In this work, Brillouin light scattering is used to detect magnons in metamagnetic FeRh. Appearance and disappearance of magnon scattering peaks with variation of temperature illustrate the transformation of FeRh into the FM and AFM phases, respectively. The dependence of frequency on temperature indicates significant change thus characterizing metamagnetic phase transitions in FeRh, since the temperature dependence of the magnon frequency shift mainly follows the saturation magnetization temperature dependence. In addition, a considerable increase of full width at half maximum linewidth of the Stokes peak for FeRh is explained by the enhancement of magnetic damping. It is further found that the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) takes place in single-layer FeRh with the DMI energy D affected by the first-order phase transitions in FeRh. These results provide an insight into the magnon dynamics in metamagnetic materials as well as offering new ways toward a modulation of magnetic damping in a wide range, which will be useful in the design of multifunctional spintronic devices.

Determination of sub-ps lattice dynamics in FeRh thin films

Understanding the ultrashort time scale structural dynamics of the FeRh metamagnetic phase transition is a key element in developing a complete explanation of the mechanism driving the evolution from an antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic state. Using an X-ray free electron laser we determine, with sub-ps time resolution, the time evolution of the (–101) lattice diffraction peak following excitation using a 35 fs laser pulse. The dynamics at higher laser fluence indicates the existence of a transient lattice state distinct from the high temperature ferromagnetic phase. By extracting the lattice temperature and comparing it with values obtained in a quasi-static diffraction measurement, we estimate the electron–phonon coupling in FeRh thin films as a function of laser excitation fluence. A model is presented which demonstrates that the transient state is paramagnetic and can be reached by a subset of the phonon bands. A complete description of the FeRh structural dynamics requires consideration of coupling strength variation across the phonon frequencies.