Magnetic transition and the associated exchange bias, transport properties in Mn2.1FeSn0.9 alloy

A magnetic transition from ferromagnetism to ferrimagnetism occurs in hexagonal alloy Mn2.1FeSn0.9. The mechanism for this transition has been explored according to the electronic structure by first-principles calculations. An energy difference of only 0.12 eV/f.u. was found between the two magnetic phases, thus the magnetic transition can be suppressed by the magnetic field. The large exchange anisotropy due to the coexistence of ferrimagnetic (FIM) and ferromagnetic (FM) phase causes a large exchange bias field up to 3.85 kOe at 5 K. A semiconductor-like to metallic behavior transition and an increase of hole carrier concentration have been observed during the FM -> FIM transition due to the reconstruction of Fermi level. This illustrates that the physical properties of Mn2.1FeSn0.9 can be easily regulated by the magnetic structure.

Automated summary

A magnetic transition from ferromagnetism to ferrimagnetism occurs in hexagonal alloy Mn2.1FeSn0.9, with a small energy difference between the two phases that can be suppressed by a magnetic field. The coexistence of ferrimagnetic and ferromagnetic phases causes a large exchange bias field, leading to changes in physical properties during the transition, illustrating the easy regulation of the alloy's properties by magnetic structure.