Doping tuned spin reorientation and spin switching in praseodymium-samarium orthoferrite single crystals

We investigate the detailed analysis of the magnetic properties in a series of Pr1- xSmxFeO3 single crystals from x = 0 to 1 with an interval of 0.1. Doping controlled spin reorientation transition temperature TSR G4 (Gx, Ay, Fz) to G2 (Fx, Cy, Gz) covers a wide temperature range including room temperature. A `butterfly'-shape type-I spin switching with 180. magnetization reversal occurs below and above the magnetization compensation points in x = 0.4 to 0.8 compounds. Interestingly, in Pr0.6Sm0.4FeO3 single crystal, we find an inadequate spin reorientation transition accompanied by uncompleted type-I spin switching in the temperature region from 138 to 174 K. Furthermore, a type-II spin switching appears at 23 K, as evidenced from the magnetization curve in field-cooled-cooling (FCC) mode initially bifurcate from zero-field-cooled (ZFC) magnetization curve at 40 K and finally drops back to coincide the ZFC magnetization value at 23 K. Our current research reveals a strong and complex competition between Pr3+- Fe3+ and Sm3+-Fe3+ exchange interactions and more importantly renders a window to design spintronic device materials for future potential applications.

Automated summary

The detailed analysis of magnetic properties in Pr1- xSmxFeO3 single crystals reveals a butterfly-shaped spin switching phenomenon and a complex competition between Pr3+- Fe3+ and Sm3+-Fe3+ exchange interactions. In Pr0.6Sm0.4FeO3 single crystal, an incomplete spin reorientation transition and a type-I spin switching are observed, with additional presence of a type-II spin switching at 23K. This research offers insights for designing spintronic device materials in the future.