Magnetic properties of a multicomponent intermetallic compound Tb$_{0.25}$Dy$_{0.25}$Ho$_{0.25}$Er$_{0.25}$Al$_2$

Abstract

Polycrystalline multicomponent Laves phase rare earth intermetallic compound Tb_{0.25}0.25 Dy_{0.25}0.25Ho_{0.25}0.25Er_{0.25}0.25Al_{2}2 has been synthesized by arc-melting and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, magnetization and heat capacity measurements. The sample has MgCu_22-type cubic structure (space group Fd-3m) at 300 K. The compound Tb_{0.25}0.25Dy_{0.25}0.25Ho_{0.25}0.25Er_{0.25}0.25 Al_{2}2 orders ferromagnetically at 50 K (T_CC). This value is almost equal to the average of the ferromagnetic ordering temperatures of the individual RAl_22 (R = Tb, Dy, Ho and Er) compounds. Field dependence of magnetization below T_CC indicates soft-ferromagnetic nature. From the magnetization vs field data obtained near T_CC and the temperature dependence of heat capacity, low field magnetocaloric effect has been estimated.