Abstract
The magnetic structure of a single crystal of the rare earth random alloy Ho50% Er50% has been investigated by elastic neutron diffraction measurements in the temperature range 120-10 K. Three distinct magnetic phases are identified below the Neel temperature of 104 K. The high-temperature phase observed between 104 K and 47.5 K is a binary magnetic structure where the holmium and erbium moments belong to different modulated c-axis spirals. The intermediate-temperature phase between 47.5 K and 35 K is a simple basal plane spiral. Below 35 K, the measurements suggest a ferrimagnetic structure in which the holmium and erbium moments are indistinguishable and form a conical sprial with a half-cone angle of 20-degrees.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Physica Scripta. Topical Issues |
Volume | T39 |
Pages (from-to) | 96-99 |
ISSN | 0281-1847 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1991 |