Spin reorientation, negative magnetization and magnetocaloric effect in Nd0.5Dy0.5CrO3

The magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the substituted rare-earth orthochromite Nd0.5Dy0.5CrO3 (NDCO) have been investigated in a comprehensive manner. The magnetization measurements indicate that the Cr3＋ magnetic moments order in an antiferromagnetic configuration below 180K (TN). Further, a clear signature of spin reorientation of Cr3＋ moments is observed around 60K (TSR) along with the negative magnetization (magnetization reversal) below 5K. Magnetic entropy change (-ΔSM) values have been estimated below 60K, as well as near the ordering temperature of the Cr3＋ sublattice (180K). The maximum value of −ΔSM (−ΔSMmax), associated with the polarization of rare-earth magnetic moments, has been estimated to be 8.71J kg−1 K−1 at 7.3K and 10T. The -ΔSM values have also been calculated from the mean field approximation and Monte Carlo simulation using an Ising type spin Hamiltonian for magnetic fields 1T and 5T. The theoretically calculated values matches with the experimentally obtained values.