Threefold spin reorientation transition and field induced spin switching in rare earth doped single crystal Dy0.75Nd0.25FeO3

Abstract We report a single crystal of Dy0.75Nd0.25FeO3 by optical floating zone method. This well-grown single crystal displays threefold spin reorientation transition from Γ4 (GxAyFz) to a mix state of Γ4 and Γ2 (FxCyGz), then to Γ1 (AxGyCz), finally to Γ2 (FxCyGz) below 30 K. The phenomenon of threefold spin reorientation transition has not reported in rare earth orthoferrites, even barely in other compounds with spin reorientation transition. Besides, this bulk single crystal also displays a field induced spin switching transition. These distinguished responses in the single crystal present an opportunity to future application in magnetic devices of the emerging field of spintronics.