MAGNETOCRYSTALLINE ANISOTROPY AND MAGNETIC PHASE-TRANSITION IN R2FE17CX-BASED ALLOYS

Investigations into the magnetic and crystallographic properties of several ternary R2Fe17Cx compounds (R = Sm, Tm) are reported. The following experiments were performed: measurements of the anisotropy field using the SPD (Singular Point Detection) technique, determination of the easy axis and magnetic phase transitions by X-ray diffraction on magnetically aligned samples and measurements of the ac initial susceptibility. A large uniaxial magnetocystalline anisotropy was found in several of the Sm2Fe17Cx compounds. Spin reorientations were detected in Tm2Fe17Cx and will be discussed on the basis of the CEF theory. © 1990.