Negative to positive magnetoresistance and magnetocaloric effect in Pr0.6Er0.4Al2

We report on the magnetic, magnetocaloric and magnetotransport properties of Pr0.6Er0.4Al2. The title compound exhibits a large positive magnetoresistance (MR) for H ⩾ 40 kOe and a small but non negligible negative MR for H ⩽ 30 kOe. The maximum positive MR reaches 13% at H = 80 kOe. The magnetic entropy and adiabatic temperature changes as functions of temperature each show two anomalies: a broad dome-like maximum below 20 K and a relatively sharp peak at higher temperature. Observed behaviors are unique among other binary and mixed lanthanide compounds.