Metal Flux Synthesis Media for Magnetic Compounds

Early rare earth metals (La, Ce, Pr, Nd) combined with late first row transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni) can produce low melting eutectic mixtures. For instance, a 75:25 mole percent mixture of La and Ni forms a eutectic that melts at 532 ºC. We are investigating these eutectics as promising metal flux synthesis media for magnetic compounds containing two paramagnetic elements. The structures and magnetic properties of several new phases grown in La/Ni flux are discussed.