Strong 4f electron interaction and magnetic ordering modification in Nd1-xErxMnO3 (0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.5)

Structural and magnetic properties have been studied in perovskite Nd1-xErxMnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5). Er3+ doping enhances the Jahn-Teller distortion, strongly affects the Nd3+-Mn3+ interaction, destroys the intermediate state below the antiferromagnetic transition temperature in NdMnO3, and breaks the antiparallel arrangement between Nd3+ and Mn3+ spin ordering. The decreasing ferromagnetic component in magnetic hysteresis loops at 30 K indicates that the canted angles vary with x. These results offer strong evidence for the interaction between rare earth ions and transition metal ions and competition among rare earth ions as well.