Spin-reorientation transition and exchange-bias effect in CeFe0.5Cr0.5O3 ceramics

Abstract

The polycrystalline CeFe_0.5Cr_0.5O₃ ceramics were synthesized by the solid-state method, whose structural and magnetic properties were systematically studied. With the interaction between Ce and Fe/Cr ions, a first-order spin-reorientation transition from Γ₄ to Γ₁ is observed over a wide temperature interval in CeFe_0.5Cr_0.5O₃, which is remarkably sensitive to applied magnetic field. Interestingly, the exchange-bias effect is found in CeFe_0.5Cr_0.5O₃ ceramics during the spin-reorientation transition, ascribed to the paramagnetic/antiferromagnetic system presented by the two interacting magnetic sublattices (Ce and Fe/Cr). The coexistence of spin-reorientation transition and exchange-bias effect is promising to expand the practical application of CeFe_0.5Cr_0.5O₃ ceramics in multifunctional spintronics.