Magnetic properties of Ho_0.9Er_0.1Fe₃(BO₃)₄

Abstract The magnetic properties of Ho0.9Er0.1Fe3(BO3)4 ferroborate with the competing Ho–Fe and Er–Fe exchange couplings have been experimentally and theoretically investigated. The measured magnetic characteristics (Ma,c (B), χa,c (T)) and observed features are interpreted using a single theoretical approach based on the molecular-field approximation and calculations within the crystal-field model of the rare-earth ion. Interpretation of the experimental data includes determination of the crystal-field parameters for Ho3+ and Er3+ ions in Ho0.9Er0.1Fe3(BO3)4 and parameters of the Ho–Fe and Er–Fe exchange couplings.