Magnetic properties of GdBa2Cu3O7crystals in high magnetic field

The magnetic properties of single crystals of GdBa₂Cu ₃O₇ were investigated in a magnetic field of up to 20 T applied parallel to the c axis in the 1.7-300 K temperature range. In the superconducting state, the field and temperature dependences of the critical current densities were deduced from the hysteresis of the half-cycle using Bean's critical state model. The Gd³⁺ paramagnetic moment was then studied. Above about 20 K, the M(H) isotherms were found to be given, at different temperatures, by the Brillouin function of the free Gd³⁺ ion. Below 20 K, the average magnetization does not obey the Brillouin law. The normal-state susceptibility was described by the free-ion Curie-Weiss law