Magnetic and transport properties of Gd7−xYxPd3 (x=0–6) system

Abstract The single crystals of Gd 7− x Y x Pd 3 ( x = 0–6) system were grown by the Czochralski method. All samples crystallized in Th 7 Fe 3 -type of crystal structure. The Gd ions in this crystal structure are located in the triangular configurations in three nonequivalent crystallographic positions. The XRD and XPS examinations allow to determine which positions of gadolinium are occupied by nonmagnetic yttrium for each x value. This preferential occupation of gadolinium positions by the yttrium modifies not only the RKKY interactions between Gd ions but also magnetic frustration and lattice disorder as well. Moreover, it influences the hybridization between d -bands: Gd5 d , Y4 d, and Pd4 d, which determines the density of states at the Fermi level and the magnetic coupling. All above factors influence magnetic, transport, and magnetocaloric properties.