Magnetic field dependence of the maximum magnetic entropy change

The maximum isothermal entropy change in a magnetic refrigerant with a second-order phase transition is shown to depend on applied magnetic field H as follows: (-ΔS)ₘₐₓ $=$ A(H $+$ H₀)2/3 -- AH₀2/3 $+$ BH{}4/3$. Here $A$ and $B$ are intrinsic parameters of the cooling material and ${H}₀$ is an extrinsic parameter determined by the purity and homogeneity of the sample. This theoretical prediction is confirmed by measurements on variously pure poly- and single-crystalline samples of Gd. The Curie point of pure Gd is found to be 295(1) K; however, the maximum of -ΔSM is attained at a lower temperature: The higher the quality of the sample, the closer the peak position to 295 K. Further tests are reported for a series of melt-spun LaFe_13-xSiₓ alloys. These are found to follow the same field dependence, despite the fact that for certain compositions (x 1.8) they experience a phase transition of first, rather than second, order.