Magnetization reversal in NdMn0.8Fe0.2O3 single crystal

Abstract The magnetization reversal process is an intrinsic property of NdMn0.8Fe0.2O 3 single crystal below T N = 59.5 K for magnetization field-cooled regime. The phenomenon is very anisotropic and a negative magnetization was observed below the compensation temperature T Comp = 21.7(1) K; 25.9(1) K and 22.7(1) K for a -; b - and c -axis and field 0.01 T. Magnetocrystalline anisotropy results in different shape of hysteresis loop for any crystallographic orientation below T N . Ferromagnetic behavior, attributed to ordering of Nd sublattice, with coercive field of 1.32 T at temperature T = 2 K is typical for magnetic field applied along b -axis. Signature of ferromagnetic ordering exists even at 30 K. Very low hysteresis was observed in a – c plane and the a -axis magnetization loop has butterfly shape. A model of two Nd and Mn interpenetrating magnetic sublattices describes magnetization reversal better than a cluster model.