Magnetostructural materials exhibit simultaneous magnetic and structural phase changes of an abrupt and hysteretic nature that are fundamentally different from the canonical ferromagnetic transition of second-order thermodynamic character, such as that exhibited by iron, for example. The binary alloy iron-rhodium (FeRh) undergoes a ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic phase transition. That displays unique responses placed under physical, thermal, or magnetic strain or subjected to nanostructuring. This makes FeRh an ideal material for various sensing technologies. Our research aims to better understand the various characteristics of this alloy in nanostructured form.
FeRh magnetic transition from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic in H = 1 T.