Magnetic properties of Nd1-xAgxMnO3 compounds

Polycrystalline Nd1-xAgxMnO3 compounds were prepared in single-phase form up to 20% of Ag doping. They are found to crystallize in the Pbnm space group with an increase in lattice parameters with doping. The magnetic properties were studied by measuring dc magnetization and ac susceptibility. A paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition along with the signature of the presence of competing antiferromagnetic interaction has been observed. The saturation magnetic moment up to 2.2 mu(B) per formula unit has been observed at 78 K. The measured magnetization has been analyzed by using the Brillouin function and by taking into account the ferromagnetic interaction. The measured magnetization has been explained on the basis of spin canting with a ferromagnetic component along a unique axis and with an antiferromagnetic interaction in a plane perpendicular to the axis. The average magnetic moment estimated from the Curie-Weiss law fit in the paramagnetic region is comparable to the theoretical magnetic moment due to Mn3+/Mn4+ and Nd3+ ions. The analyses of frequency variation of ac susceptibility and harmonic susceptibility indicate the presence of spin-glass-like behavior below the ferromagnetic transition temperature.