Sign reversal of magnetization in Mn substituted SmCrO3

• Magnetization reversal in SmCr1-xMnxO3.
• Spin reorientation transition at low temperature.
• Magnitude of canted moment of Cr3+ ions decreases with increase in Mn content.
• Compensation temperature decreases with increase in cooling field.

Single phase samples of orthorhombic SmCr1−xMnxO3 compounds were prepared for x=0 to 0.50. Analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns shows a systematic increase in lattice parameters with increase in Mn concentration. The phenomenon of magnetization reversal is observed for x=0.10–0.30 samples with a maximum magnetic compensation temperature of 126 K. The mechanism of magnetization reversal is explained by considering the competition between the paramagnetic moments of Mn3+ and Sm3+ ions under the influence of negative internal field due to antiferromagnetically ordered Cr3+ ions and the canted ferromagnetic component of Cr3+ ions. For x≥0.40, the samples exhibit ferromagnetic like behavior.