Spiral Structure and Moments in Gd-Dy Alloys

Abstract

Magnetic moment and electrical resistivity measurements of the Curie (T_C) and Néel (T_N) points of Gd‐Dy alloys show that the region of spiral structure between T_C and T_N narrows as Gd is added to Dy and disappears at about 50 at. % Gd. Apparently no spiral structure exists in Gd or Gd‐rich alloys. The magnetic moments of Dy‐rich alloys show the saturation expected when the magnetization is confined to the hexagonal plane (Jgπ/4), but the moments gradually approach the theoretical Jg as the Gd content increases toward 100%. The spin disorder resistivities are not linear in (g‐1)²J(J+1); this suggests a variation in the electronic structure of these alloys.