Structural and magnetic properties of NdFeO₃ synthesized by mechanical milling

Orthoferrite NdFeO₃ have been synthesized by high energy ball milling of oxide precursors, Nd₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ using high energy planetary ball mill, followed by sintering at 900℃ for 6 h. XRD pattern reveals the formation of single phase NdFeO₃ having orthorhombic structure with Pbnm space group. Room temperature vibrating sample measurement shows the antiferromagnetic behavior of the sample which is due to the three types of magnetic interaction between Nd and Fe ions: Nd-Nd, Nd-Fe and Fe-Fe. Magnetic structure resulting from these interactions has to be changed by introducing a substituent at either Nd or Fe site such that ferromagnetism can be induced leading to novel spintronic applications. (author)