Temperature dependence of the easy direction of magnetization of HoNi single crystal

Abstract

The temperature dependence of the magnetic torque of a single crystal of HoNi was measured from 4.2 to 22.3 K in magnetic fields up to 18.7 kOe. The torque curves showed a twofold symmetry in the ab as well as ac plane. On the other hand the torque curve in the bc plane had a four-fold component below 15 K and then above 15 K it showed only a twofold symmetry. The experimental results indicate the electrical resistivity and magnetization anomalies at about 13 K are due to an incline of the easy direction of magnetization about 61° from the c axis in the bc plane at 4.2 K and above 15 K the easy direction of magnetization is the b axis.