Phase Relations, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Erbium—Iron Compounds

Abstract

Abstract The phase relations, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of intermetallic compounds occurring in the Er–Fe system have been investigated. A phase diagram is given. The lattice constants of the compounds ErFe 2 , ErFe 3 , Er 6 Fe 23 , and Er 2 Fe 17 have been determined. These compounds are ferrimagnetic with the Fe moments coupled antiparallel to the Er moments. Their Curie temperatures decrease with increasing Fe concentration. The compounds ErFe 2 , ErFe 3 , and Er 6 Fe 23 have been observed to show a compensation point.