Pressure dependence of magnetic states in Laves Phase RCo₂ (R = Dy, Ho, and Er) compounds probed by XMCD

In order to probe pressure-induced modification in Co magnetic state in Laves phase RCo₂ (R = Dy, Ho, and Er) compounds, we have measured X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) under high pressure. The R L₂-edge XMCD indicates that Co magnetic moment M_Co gradually decreases as the pressure increases. The Co K-edge XMCD shows that the effect of R molecular field is significantly suppressed under high pressure. As a result, it is revealed that the pressure variation of M_Co is closely associated with R-Co interaction. The Co magnetic state is separately discussed from that of R partner.