Abstract
Observation of significant negative exchange bias (HE) is reported in solid solutions of single-phase samples of Dy1-xNdxCrO3 for x=0.33,0.67, and 1 with corresponding Néel temperatures at TNCr=175K,200K, and 225 K, respectively, and the spin-reorientation transitions TSR at 48 K, 58 K, and 38 K, respectively. In contrast, no HE was observed for the sample with x=0 (i.e., DyCrO3) shows no HE below its TNCr=145K, and no reorientation of spins at lower temperatures was observed. More importantly, the (negative) HE for the x=0.33,0.67, and 1 samples is observed only in the temperature range between TN and TSR with the corresponding observation of magnetic coercivity. These results show that the canted antiferromagnetic Γ7,Cr structure of the Cr3+ moments present between TNCr and TSR is essential for the observed HE. By comparing this result to the literature, common features of single-phase materials with HE were identified. The present bulk powder samples were prepared by the citrate method and structurally characterized by x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Neutron diffraction measurements for the x=0.33,0.67, and 1 samples at select temperatures were done to verify the presence of the Γ7,Cr structure between TNCr and TSR and the Γ1,Cr structure (with no canting of Cr3+ moments) below TSR.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 184430 |
Journal | Physical Review B |
Volume | 93 |
Issue number | 18 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 25 2016 |
Funding
This paper is based in part upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant DMR-1310149. Research conducted at ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor was sponsored by the Scientific User Facilities Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, U.S. Department of Energy