Magnetic properties and transport properties of HfFe6Ge6-type Ho1−xGdxMn6Ge6 (x = 0.2–0.9) compounds

Magnetic transitions and magnetotransport properties of polycrystalline Ho1−xGdxMn6Ge6 (x = 0.2–0.9) compounds have been studied by magnetic property and resistivity measurements in an applied magnetic field of 50 kOe. It was found that Ho1−xGdxMn6Ge6 (x = 0.2–0.9) compounds display a transition from the antiferromagnetic state to the ferrimagnetic state for increasing Gd content. The Ho1−xGdxMn6Ge6 with x = 0.2 and 0.4 compounds order antiferromagnetically at 423 and 425 K, respectively. The Ho1−xGdxMn6Ge6 with x = 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9 compounds order ferrimagnetically at 450, 463 and 471 K, respectively. The Ho1−xGdxMn6Ge6 compounds undergo the second transitions below 82 K. The magnetoresistance curves of the Ho0.1Gd0.9Mn6Ge6 compound in a field of 50 kOe are presented and the magnetoresistance effects are related to the metamagnetic transitions.