Pressure dependence of magnetic states in Laves phase RCo2 (RDy, Ho, and Er) compounds probed by XMCD

Abstract

In order to probe pressure-induced modification in Co magnetic state in Laves phase RCo2 (RDy, Ho, and Er) compounds, we have measured X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) under high pressure. The R L2-edge XMCD indicates that Co magnetic moment MCo gradually decreases as the pressure increases. The Co K-edge XMCD shows that the effect of R molecular field is significantly suppressed under high pressure. As a result, it is revealed that the pressure variation of MCo is closely associated with R-Co interaction. The Co magnetic state is separately discussed from that of R partner. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.