Some crystal field effects in Nd(_x)Gd(_1-x)Co(_2)

Abstract

This work describes the design and construction of a self-balancing vibrating sample magnetometer. The instrument was used to study some of the magnetic properties of the pseudobinary compounds, (Nd(_x)Gd(_1-x))Co(_2). The structural and magnetic data for certain compositions within the series show deviations from the behaviour expected from a simple ferrimagnetic system. In particular one composition exhibits three apparent compensation points in its remenance versus temperature curve, a unique phenomenon. These anomalies are shown to arise from the effects of the crystal field and internal magnetic field upon the tripositive neodymium ion. A consistent semi-quantitative picture of the process is presented which accounts for the observations provided that the easy axis in the compounds is the 111 direction.