Sign reversal of magnetization and tunable exchange bias field in NdCr1−xFexO3 (x=0.05–0.2)

• We have shown magnetization reversal and tunable exchange bias in Nd(Cr,Fe)O system.
• Paramagnetic and canted ferromagnetic moments give rise to magnetization reversal.
• Mechanism of tunable positive and negative exchange bias fields is discussed.

Magnetization reversal and tunable exchange bias behavior are observed in NdCr1−xFexO3 compounds for x=0.05–0.20. The magnetic compensation temperature (Tcomp) is found to increase with increase in Fe concentration and its maximum value is 198 K for x=0.15 sample. The observed magnetization reversal is explained by considering the competition between the weak ferromagnetic component of Cr3+ ions and the paramagnetic moments of Nd3+ and Fe3+ ions under the influence of negative internal magnetic field. The exchange anisotropy between the above two components of magnetic moments give rise to tunable positive and negative exchange bias fields. The sign reversal of exchange bias field also coincides with Tcomp. Bipolar switching of magnetization is demonstrated at T