Novel Magnetization Induced by Phase Coexistence in Multiferroic HoCrO3 Chromites.

Single-phase HoCrO3 samples were prepared using the conventional solid-state reaction. The temperature dependence of dc magnetic properties show that the ZFC and FC magnetization curves are irreversible strongly and nearly symmetrical below 141.0 K under 100 Oe. Moreover, there appears a novel magnetization behavior with negative magnetization (diamagnetism-like) characteristics. This behavior exhibits the coexistence of canted antiferromagnetic and weak ferromagnetic phase and the existence of competition mechanism below Tc1 = 141.0 K. In addition, it is also proved that Ho ion ordered weak CAFM below 7.5 K. The current novel magnetization can be interpreted from the interaction between paramagnetic Ho3+ moments and canted Cr3+ moments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]