Magnetic properties and first-order magnetic phase transition in single crystal FeRh thin film

To understand the mechanism of first-order magnetic phase transition in ordered FeRh thin films, the magnetic properties and first-order antiferromagnetic (AFM)–ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition behavior of single-crystal FeRh thin film are investigated in detail. The first-order magnetic phase transition is seen at a temperature of around 120 °C during heating and 145 °C cooling processes in perpendicular direction. The M–H loops measured isothermally amidst the AFM–FM transition regime show an opening at high magnetic field, which indicate a reversible AFM–FM transition induced by magnetic field. The clusters of the FM phase nucleate in the AFM matrix heterogeneously and vice versa during the first-order phase transition and the mechanism of nucleation and growth kinetics of the first-order magnetic phase transition in ordered FeRh thin film is quite similar to that of the crystallization of solids described by the Avrami model.