Magnetization of R6Fe23 intermetallic compounds: Molecular field theory analysis

Magnetization measurements for the R6Fe23 (R=Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu) intermetallic compounds and molecular field analyses of the data are reported. A single-sublattice model accurately describes the temperature dependence of the magnetization for Y6Fe23 and Lu6Fe23. Excellent correspondence with the data for the other compounds is provided by a two-sublattice model which allows canting of the rare earth and iron moments. Our results indicate significant departure from antiparallel moment alignment in Tm6Fe23.