Magnetic properties of NiFe2−xRExO4 (RE=Dy, Gd) using magnetic Compton scattering

Temperature dependent spin momentum densities of NiFe2−xRExO4 (x=0, 0.05; RE=Dy, Gd) ferrites have been measured using a magnetic Compton spectrometer available at SPring-8, Japan. The experimental profiles of NiFe2O4 (NFO) with doping of Dy and Gd show almost similar spin moment as of undoped NFO. The contribution of different constituents in the formation of total spin moment is also deduced from the analysis of Compton line shape. It is seen that 5% doping of Dy3+ or Gd3+ ions at Fe3+ sites leads to a redistribution of spin moment at Fe3+ and RE3+ sites. The magnetic Compton data when compared with the magnetization data (using a vibrating sample magnetometer) show almost a constant orbital moment (0.21±0.03 µB/f.u.) in the doped and undoped NFO. - Highlights: • Reported first ever magnetic Compton profiles (MCPs) of NiFe2−xRExO4 (RE=Dy, Gd). • MCPs are analyzed to determine site specific contributions in total spin moment. • Doping of RE3+ ions at Fe3+ sites redistributes the spin moment at Fe3+ and RE3+ sites. • The orbital moments in doped and undoped ferrites are found to be almost constant