First-order spin reorientation transition and specific-heat anomaly in CeFeO_3

摘要

We report the successful synthesis of single-phase polycrystalline CeFeO_3, and a thorough study of its magnetic and thermal properties. An abrupt spin reorientation transition occurs at T = 240K, indicating a first-order phase transition from Γ_4 (G_x, A_y, F_z) to Γ_1 (A_x, G_y, C_z). A distinct thermal anomaly in the specific heat due to spin reorientation has been detected, with the onset and completion of the spin reorientation at 240 K and 220 K, respectively. The low-temperature specific heat exhibits a Schottky anomaly caused by paramagnetic Ce~(3+). The very-low-temperature specific heat increases with increasing the applied magnetic field, suggesting an antiferromagnetic transition of Ce~(3+) exists below T = 1.8 K.