Physical properties of stoichiometric GdN single crystals

The preparation and definition of stoichiometric large (3-5 mm edge length) single crystals of GdN are described. The Hall effect and the electrical conductivity were found to be metallic. The optical reflectivity between 30 meV and 13 eV has been measured and the dielectric functions have been obtained. A plasma edge in the infrared region confirmed the metallic character. A shift of this plasma edge with temperature through the magnetic ordering temperature has been observed as a new effect. The band structure is discussed. A high sensitive SQUID confirmed that the crystals are antiferromagnets in low magnetic fields, but turn ferromagnetic in larger fields. The theoretical exchange interaction is derived.