High-field magnetization of KEr(MoO4)2

Abstract

We report a magnetization study of the rare-earth-based paramagnet KEr(MoO4)2 in a magnetic field up to 50 T. A recent observation of massive magnetostriction and rotational magnetocaloric effects in this compound triggered interest in the microscopic mechanism behind these phenomena. We combine several experimental techniques to investigate the magnetization behavior up to its saturation along three main crystallographic directions. The synergy of magnetic torque measurements and vibrating sample magnetometry allowed us to reconstruct parallel and perpendicular components of the magnetization vector, enabling us to trace its evolution up to 30 T. Our experiments reveal the magnetization saturation along all principle axes well below the value, expected from crystal electric field calculations. We argue that an externally applied magnetic field induces a distortion of the local environment of Er3+ ions and affects its crystal electric field splitting.