Direct observation of the magnetic spin component of samarium–iron-based laves compound by magnetic Compton scattering

Abstract The spin-polarized electron momentum distributions (magnetic Compton profiles: MCP's) of SmFe1.86Al0.14 along the [1 1 1] direction have been measured at 10 and 300 K using the magnetic Compton scattering technique. It is found that the orbital moment dominates the magnetization in this compound. A comparison with a theoretical profile support that the shape of the experimental MCP's is reproduced by a sum of positive Fe and negative Sm 4f spin components. A slight difference is observed in the shape of MCP between 10 and 300 K.