Scientists unlock hidden magnetic behavior in rare-earth alloy DyCo5
Researchers have discovered unexpected magnetic properties in dysprosium-cobalt compounds that could improve permanent magnets and magnetic devices. The findings, validated by advanced computer simulations, reveal how two different atomic layers interact to create complex magnetic behavior—insights that manufacturers may use to design stronger, more efficient magnets for motors and energy systems.
Originaltitel: New insights into the magnetism of DyCo5
In this work, we present the first magnetization measurements of DyCo 5 single crystals in magnetic fields up to 14 T, spanning a temperature range up to 600 K. Our investigation reveals several unique features, including a significant magnetization anisotropy and an observed minimum in spontaneous magnetization near the compensation point, phenomena not previously reported. This work also uncovers the complex magnetic behavior of DyCo 5 , with a pronounced interplay between the Dy and Co sublattices, each exhibiting distinct temperature-dependent magnetic properties. The combination of dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT), atomistic spin-dynamics (ASD) simulations, and the Effective Spin Model (ESM) for rare-earth compounds successfully explains the experimental data across both low and high temperatures. Our theoretical approach not only explains the observed magnetic anisotropy and the behavior near the compensation temperature but also successfully reproduces key experimental features such as the saturation behavior at high fields and the evolution of the magnetic moment at different temperatures.