Magnetic properties of amorphous rare-earth — 3d-transition-metal alloys

Work on the magnetic properties of amorphous rare-earth—3d-transition-metal alloys is reviewed using current theoretical models to account for the experimental data available. The exchange interaction and random magnetic anisotropy are shown to dominate the magnetization and magnetization reversal processes. Some new phenomena related to the effect of induced magnetic anisotropy on magnetization processes are considered. The results on the magnetoelastic properties of rare-earth alloys are systematized. The dependence of the exchange integrals on the interatomic separation is determined. It is shown that pressure significantly affects the magnetic structure and phase transitions in these magnetic materials.