MAGNETISM OF Mn ATOMS IN RARE EARTH INTERMETALLIC COMPOUNDS

Abstract

In this work the magnetic properties (the values of magnetic moments localized on the Mn atoms, the Néel or Curie temperature) of several intermetallic RMn2X2, RMnX2 and RMnX compounds (where R-rare earth atoms, X-Si or Ge) are analysed. The obtained data are correlated with the data for the RMn2 Laves phases. In R—Mn—X intermetallic compounds two critical values of Mn—Mn distances are observed. The first is connected with a transition from a nonmagnetic to a magnetic state, and the second one with the transition from an antiferro- to a ferromagnetic state. The values of the magnetic moment of Mn atoms are analysed. The change in these values in ferro- and antiferromagnetic state is observed. The presented results indicate an itinerant character of magnetic properties of Mn sublattices in these compounds.