Magnetism and transport properties of HfFe6Ge6-type Er1−xGdxMn6Ge6 (x=0.2−0.9) compounds

Magnetic transitions and magnetotransport properties of polycrystalline Er 1− x Gd x Mn 6 Ge 6 ( x =0.2−0.9) compounds were studied. The magnetic and resistivity properties were analyzed in an applied magnetic field up to 5 T. It is found that Er 1− x Gd x Mn 6 Ge 6 ( x =0.2−0.9) compounds displays a transition from the antiferromagnetic state to the ferrimagnetic state for increasing Gd content. The Er 1− x Gd x Mn 6 Ge 6 with x =0.2 and 0.5 compounds order antiferromagnetically at 430 and 432 K, respectively. The Er 1− x Gd x Mn 6 Ge 6 with x =0.8 and 0.9 compounds order ferrimagnetically at 462 and 471 K, respectively. The Er 1− x Gd x Mn 6 Ge 6 compounds undergo the second transitions below 71 K. The magnetoresistance curves of the Er 0.1 Gd 0.9 Mn 6 Ge 6 compound in a field of 5 T are presented and the magnetoresistance effects are related to the metamagnetic transitions.