Imaging of time evolution of the first-order magneto-structural transition in Fe-Rh alloy using magnetic force microscopy

¹  Magnetic and Superconducting Materials Section, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology - Indore 452 013, M.P., India
²  Laser Systems Engineering Division, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology - Indore 452 013, M. P., India

Received: 6 July 2007
Accepted: 10 August 2007

Abstract

Cooperative lattice distortion can lead to phase coexistence at micrometer scales across a first-order magneto-structural transition. Using magnetic force microscopy we show such a phase coexistence across an antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition coupled with a structural distortion in the intermetallic alloy of Fe-Rh. Our results provide direct evidence of strong coupling between the elastic and electronic degrees of freedom seen across this first-order magneto-structural transition. Theoretical frameworks based on long-range strain disorder coupling proposed originally for explaining phase coexistence in manganese oxide compounds with colossal magnetoresistance also appear to be applicable for other systems, like intermetallics, undergoing magneto-structural transitions.