Magnetic characteristics of Er(Mn12-xFex) compounds (x=7, 9) determined byX-ray magnetic circular dichroism

The RMn12-xFex series of compounds of ThMn12 structure type exhibit particu larly complicated and composition sensitive magnetic properties. Previous n eutron diffraction and magnetisation experiments have permitted to relate t he main features to the strength of the local magnetic moments (3d polarisa tion) and the nature exchange forces between the Mn, Fe and R sublattices. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism analyses have been undertaken on iron ric h compounds with R=Er. They allow to better understand the thermal and fiel d behaviour of the local magnetic moments as well as the nature of the magn etic couplings between the 3d metals. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri ghts reserved.