Spin reorientation and magnetization reversal in the perovskite oxides, YFe1−xMnxO3 (0≤x≤0.45): A neutron diffraction study

Members of the YFe1−xMnxO3 (0≤x≤0.45) family crystallize in the GdFeO3 type orthorhombic perovskite structure (space group Pnma) where the Fe and Mn ions are disordered at the 4b crystallographic site. Upon substitution of Mn at the Fe-site in the canted antiferromagnetic YFeO3 (TN=640 K), a first-order spin-reorientation transition occurs at a temperature, TSR, where the magnetic structure changes from the canted to a collinear state. With increasing Mn-concentration, TSR increases whereas TN decreases. Neutron diffraction studies on the x=0.4 sample reveal that the spin structure changes from Γ4 to Γ1 below TSR. Intriguingly, when x=0.4 and 0.45, a temperature-induced magnetization reversal is observed below a compensation temperature T⁎ (T⁎

Graphical abstractNeutron diffraction study on YFe1−xMnxO3 demonstrates a spin-reorientation transition from canted Γ4 to collinear symbol Γ1 spin structure. A temperature-induced magnetization reversal is observed for x=0.4 and 0.45.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Neutron diffraction study on YFe1−xMnxO3. ► Spin-reorientation from spin structure Γ4 to Γ1. ► Magnetization reversal phenomenon in disordered perovskite oxides, YFe1−xMnxO3 and YCr1−xMnxO3. ► Presence of tunable positive and negative magnetocaloric effects in YFe1−xMnxO3.