MAGNETO-OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF Ga₂Gd SINGLE CRYSTALS

Abstract

This paper reports a comprehensive investigation of the hexagonal AlB₂-type crystal structure, X-ray diffraction characteristics, magnetic susceptibility, and Faraday-effect-based magneto-optical properties of Ga₂Gd intermetallic compound single crystals. Monodomain specimens grown by the Czochralski technique were characterised, yielding a Verdet constant of V = 18.4 rad·T⁻¹·m⁻¹ at λ = 633 nm and a Curie-Weiss temperature of Θ = -14 K. The substantial paramagnetic contribution arising from the half-filled 4f⁷ shell of Gd³⁺ cations establishes Ga₂Gd as a prospective magneto-optical medium for Faraday isolators and magnetic field sensors.