The magnetization reversal and high temperature dielectric response in Y1-xHoxFe0.5Cr0.5O3

The structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of the Y1-xHoxFe0.5Cr0.5O3 (x=0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) compounds have been investigated. Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns shows that the compounds possess orthorhombic perovskite structure. The dual magnetization reversal is observed in the samples with x=0.05 and 0.1, and it vanishes when x >= 0.3. Ferromagnetic-like behavior with large coercive fields is observed in all Ho3+ doped YFe0.5Cr0.5O3 samples, indicating a doping induced metamagnetic behavior. This abnormal magnetization behavior can be explained by the antiparallel magnetic coupling between the Ho3+ and the canted Cr3+/Fe3+ moments, as well as the Ho-O-Ho magnetic interaction. The dielectric behavior in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 10 MHz is investigated. The low doped samples (x=0, 0.05, and 0.1) exhibit relaxation-like dielectric behavior and colossal dielectric constant in a wide temperature and frequency range. The dual magnetization reversal under low magnetic field makes these materials attractive candidates for the magnetic dual sensor devices. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.