Evidence for spin reorientation transition in antiferromagnetic FeRh

FeRh is a unique intermetallic compound known for its temperature-induced phase transition from an antiferromagnetic (AFM) to a ferromagnetic (FM) state, making it a promising candidate for AFM memory applications. In this study, we discovered that FeRh exhibits a temperature-driven spin reorientation transition in the AFM phase. Our investigation using magnetoresistance (MR) measurements reveals that the Néel vector changes from an in-plane direction at high temperatures to an out-of-plane direction at low temperatures. This spin reorientation can be effectively detected through MR, offering a more practical approach for applications. Our findings are crucial for the emerging field of AFM memory, as controlling and identifying the Néel vector is vital for defining the memory state in AFM-based data storage technologies.