Investigation of Magnetic Properties of NdMn2—xCoxGe2 Compounds (x = 0 to 1.0)

Abstract

The structure and the magnetic properties of the NdMn2—xCoxGe2 compounds (x = 0 to 1.0) have been investigated. All the compounds crystallize in the ThCr2Si2-type structure. Substitution of Co for Mn led to a linear decrease in the lattice constants and the unit cell volume. From the magnetic measurement we have determined two concentration regions of qualitatively different low temperature behavior. Increasing substitution of Co for Mn in NdMn2Ge2 shows a depression of ferromagnetic ordering and a gradual development of antiferromagnetic ordering. For compounds with x > 0.6 ferromagnetic ordering occurs, while for compounds with x ≥ 0.6 antiferromagnetic ordering occurs. The saturation magnetization at 1.5 K for these compounds decreases monotonously with increasing Co content.