Interesting thermomagnetic history effects in the antiferromagnetic state of SmMn_2Ge_2

TL;DR

This study reveals that the antiferromagnetic state of SmMn_2Ge_2 exhibits history-dependent magnetic responses and metastability, similar to vortex states in superconductors, depending on the path taken in the phase space.

Contribution

It demonstrates the path-dependent magnetic behavior and metastability in SmMn_2Ge_2's antiferromagnetic state, highlighting novel thermomagnetic history effects.

Findings

Magnetic response depends on the path in H-T space.

Metastability signatures observed in magnetization measurements.

Lack of end-point memory in isothermal M-H loops.

Abstract

We present results of magnetization measurements showing that the magnetic response of the antiferromagnetic state of SmMn_2Ge_2 depends on the path used in the field(H)-temperature(T) phase space to reach this state. Distinct signature of metastablity is observed in this antiferromagnetic state when obtained via field-cooling/field-warming paths. The isothermal M-H loops show lack of end-point memory, reminiscent of that seen in metastable vortex states near the field-induced first order phase transition in various type-II superconductors.