Exchange-bias-like effect in Pr0.75Tb0.25Al2 and Pr0.7Tb0.3Al2 samples

• Published in: Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials 2013-08, Vol.339, p.6-10
• Main Authors: Tedesco, J.C.G., Pires, M.J.M., Carvalho, A. Magnus G., de Sousa, V.S.R., Cardoso, L.P., Coelho, A.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Compensation; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Conduction electrons; Domain effects, magnetization curves, and hysteresis; Exact sciences and technology; Exchange; Exchange and superexchange interactions; Exchange bias; Ferrimagnetism; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetically ordered materials: other intrinsic properties; Magnetism; Magnetization; Magnetization curves, magnetization reversal, hysteresis, barkhausen and related effects; Physics; Polarization; Rare earth intermetallic; Rare earth metals
• ISSN: 0304-8853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2013.02.049

The magnetic behavior of pseudobinary Pr0.7Tb0.3Al2 and Pr0.75Tb0.25Al2 compounds was studied, and a predominant ferrimagnetic ordering was observed. Noteworthy characteristics such as negative magnetization, compensation points and exchange-bias-like (EB-like) effect were found. This EB-like effect was observed at temperatures below the compensation points. The effect is somewhat different from the one already studied in similar systems combining light and heavy rare earths. The results indicate that the EB-like effect characteristics are related to the conduction electron magnetic polarization and an induced unidirectional anisotropy present in these compounds. ► Ferrimagnetic behavior is observed in Pr0.7Tb0.3Al2 and Pr0.75Tb0.25Al2 materials. ► Magnetic data indicate a strong unidirectional anisotropy in studied materials. ► Studied materials present the exchange-bias-like effect. ► Exchange-bias-like effect explained in analogy with the known mechanism of thin films.