Field induced changes across magnetic compensation in Pr_1-xGd_xAl₂ alloys

Abstract

The magnetic compensation phenomenon has been explored in the Pr(_1-xGd_xAl₂ series. The contributions from Pr and Gd moments compensate each other at a specific temperature in the ordered state (below T_c). At high fields, the magnetic reorientation (with respect to the external field direction) of the Pr and Gd moments appears as a minimum in the thermomagnetic response. We demonstrate several interesting attributes related with the magnetic reorienation phenomenon, viz., oscillatory behavior of the magneto-resistance, sign change of the anamalous Hall resistivity, fingerprints of field induced changes in the specific heat and ac-susceptibility data.