The Magnetic Properties and Indirect Exchange in Gd(Ni, Cu)₂

Abstract

Abstract The magnetic properties of compounds in the Gd(Ni, Cu) 2 pseudobinary system are described and the variation of the ordering temperatures with composition is accounted for in terms of the Rudermann‐Kittel‐Kasuya‐Yosida theory. In excellent agreement with experiment the model predicts a transition from the antiferromagnetic state of GdCu 2 to the ferromagnetic one upon replacing 13% of Cu by Ni, where it is assumed that the 3d‐states of Ni are filled. Support for this assumption is obtained by considering the Curie temperature variation of the Ni‐rich end of this system in conjunction with the Gd(Co, Ni) 2 system.