Magnetic properties of the RNi/sub 4/Mn (R=Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Y) intermetallics

The magnetization of the RNi/sub 4/Mn compounds (R=Gd-Tm and Y) was studied up to 55 kOe at 2 K, and up to 400 K at 30 kOe. A substantial increase of T/sub C/ with respect to nonsubstituted RNi/sub 5/ series was found. The nonlinear variation of T/sub C/ vs. R and the change of the high field magnetization values is attributed to the Mn substitution. Field induced magnetic phase transitions were observed at 2 K for R=Er and Tm. These transitions are suggested to occur due to the magnetic anisotropy in the rare earth sublattice.