Spin-Reorientation and Weak Ferromagnetism in Antiferromagnetic TbMn_{0.5}Fe_{0.5}O_3

Abstract: Orthorhombic single crystals of TbMn0.5Fe0.5O3 are found to exhibit spin-reorientation, magnetization reversal and weak ferromagnetism. Strong anisotropy effects are evident in the temperature dependent magnetization measurements along the three crystallographic axes a, b and c. A broad magnetic transition is visible at T_N (Fe/Mn) = 286 K due to paramagnetic to AxGyCz ordering. A sharp transition is observed at T_SR (Fe/Mn) = 28 K, which is pronounced along c axis in the form of a sharp jump in magnetization where the spins reorient to GxAyFz configuration. The negative magnetization observed below TSR Fe/Mn along c axis is explained in terms of domain wall pinning. A component of weak ferromagnetism is observed in field-scans along c-axis but below 28 K. Field-induced steps-like transitions are observed in hysteresis measurement along b axis below 28 K. It is noted that no sign of Tb-order is discernible down to 2 K. TbMn0.5Fe0.5O3 could be highlighted as a potential candidate to evaluate its magneto-dielectric effects across the magnetic transitions.