Model of the antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic transition in FeRh alloys

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Abstract
The first order antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic transition of the equiatomic FeRh alloy is investigated thermodynamically. The phonon, conduction electron and magnon contributions to the free energy of both phases are calculated numerically. The results predict a parabolic temperature dependence of the critical field required to induce the transition which is in agreement with experiment. The calculated value of the entropy change at the transition is 14Jkg-1K-1 which agrees with the measured values. The pressure dependence of the critical field is discussed and shown to be consistent with the model. Evidence is given that an ordered magnetic moment exists on the rhodium atoms in the antiferromagnetic state.