Enhanced magnetization in Y substituted Bi0.94Sm0.06FeO3 multiferroic ceramics

Abstract

The compounds Bi_0.94Sm_0.06FeO₃, Bi_0.92Sm_0.06Y_0.02FeO₃, Bi_0.90Sm_0.06Y_0.04FeO₃, and Bi_0.88Sm_0.06Y_0.06FeO₃ were found to have the rhombohedral perovskite-like structure. The structural parameters were extracted from the X-ray diffraction data. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed three absorption bands in the wavenumber range 400 – 2000 cm^-1. The Bi_0.94Sm_0.06FeO₃ and Bi_0.92Sm_0.06Y_0.02FeO₃ compounds were found to have similar weak ferromagnetic behaviors, whereas the ferromagnetism of the Bi_0.88Sm_0.06Y_0.06FeO₃ compound was found to be soft and substantially enhanced. The magnetic transition temperatures were in the range 340 – 350 °C.Physics