Field-induced first-order magnetic phase transition in an intermetallic compound, Nd7Rh3: Evidence for kinetic-hindrance, phase co-existence and percolative conduction

TL;DR

This study reveals a field-induced first-order magnetic phase transition in Nd7Rh3, demonstrating phase co-existence, kinetic hindrance, and percolative conduction, distinct from spin-glass behavior, through magnetization and magnetoresistance measurements.

Contribution

It provides new evidence for kinetic hindrance and phase co-existence in Nd7Rh3 during a magnetic transition, clarifying its difference from spin-glasses.

Findings

Field-induced first-order antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition at 1.8 K

Evidence of phase co-existence and kinetic hindrance

Percolative electrical conduction observed

Abstract

The compound, Nd7Rh3, crystallizing in Th7Fe3-type hexagonal structure, was previously known to exhibit two magnetic transitions, one at 32 K and the other at 10 K (in zero magnetic field). Here, we report the existence of a field-induced first-order antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition at 1.8 K in this compound. On the basis of the measurements of isothermal magnetization and magnetoresistance, we provide evidence for the occurence of kinetic-hindrance, proposed in the literature, resulting in phase co-existence (super-cooled ferromagnetic + antifferomagnetic) and percolative electrical conduction in this stoichiometric intermetallic compound. A point of emphasis, as inferred from ac susceptibility data, is that such a co-existing phase is different from spin-glasses, thereby clarifying a question raised in the field of phase-separation.