Anomalies in low-temperature lattice parameters of ErFeO3 and ErAlO3 single crystals: correlation with magnetic properties

The paper presents the results of an experimental study of thermal expansion of isostructural orthorhombic ErFeO3 and ErAlO3 single crystals. Changes of lattice parameters have been investigated by X-ray measurements in the 10-300 K temperature range. Above ∼150 K, experimental results correspond well to the phonon mechanism. At low temperatures distinct anisotropic anomalies were observed in both compounds; and a correlation with the magnetic properties of the relevant ions is noted.