Repeated magnetic compensation behaviour in Nd0.75Gd0.25Rh3B2 alloy having hexagonal structure and planar anisotropy

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetic, electrical, and thermal properties of Nd0.75Gd0.25Rh3B2, revealing unique repeated compensation points, oscillatory magnetic responses, and complex magnetic transitions linked to its anisotropic hexagonal structure.

Contribution

It reports novel repeated magnetic compensation behavior and oscillatory magnetic responses in Nd0.75Gd0.25Rh3B2, a near-zero magnetization alloy, highlighting the role of its anisotropic hexagonal structure.

Findings

Multiple magnetic compensation points observed.

Oscillatory magnetic response with temperature.

Two minima in coercive field near zero-crossings.

Abstract

The results of dc and ac magnetization, electrical resistance and heat capacity studies in an admixed rare earth alloy Nd0.75Gd0.25Rh3B2, which is close to the zero magnetization limit, are reported. Novel observations include the two antiferromagnetic like transitions, concomitant repeated/multiple magnetic compensation behaviour and a characteristic oscillatory magnetic response, with temperature dependence of magnetization at low fields crossing the M = 0 axis thrice. The effective coercive field relating to the residual remanence also has an oscillatory response, with two minima located close to two zero-crossover temperatures. The unusual behavior in Nd0.75Gd0.25Rh3B2 is conjectured to arise from its anisotropic hexagonal structure, with planar anisotropy, resulting in a quasi one dimensional electronic structure and the accentuated role of conduction electron polarization near the zero magnetization limit.