Magnetization reversal on different time-scales for ErFeO3 and NdFeO3 single crystals

The dynamics of the magnetic moment reversal is studied for ErFeO3 and NdFeO3 single crystals. The reversal occurs at 41 and 5.1 K for ErFeO3 and NdFeO3, respectively, at a field of 300 Oe. The dynamics of the magnetization reversal process depends on the temperature at which the reversal occurs. The reversal is abrupt if the thermal energy is far higher than the energy of Zeeman splitting of the rare earth ion levels by internal fields, as observed for ErFeO3. A gradual magnetization reversal occurs for NdFeO3 over 64 s, when the thermal energy at the temperature of the reversal is well below the Zeeman splitting energy of Nd3+ spins. A mechanism for this gradual magnetization reversal is proposed in terms of the thermal re-population of Zeeman doublets of Nd3+ ions, the splitting energy of which continuously changes during the magnetization reversal.

Automated summary

The dynamics of magnetic moment reversal differs between ErFeO3 and NdFeO3, with the former exhibiting abrupt reversal and the latter gradual reversal. The process of magnetization reversal is temperature-dependent and influenced by the Zeeman splitting energy of rare earth ions and thermal energy.