[en] We investigate the detailed analysis of the magnetic properties in a series of Pr_1–xSm_xFeO₃ single crystals from x = 0 to 1 with an interval of 0.1. Doping controlled spin reorientation transition temperature T _SR Γ₄ (G _x, A _y, F _z) to Γ₂ (F _x, C _y, G _z) covers a wide temperature range including room temperature. A ‘butterfly’-shape type-I spin switching with 180° magnetization reversal occurs below and above the magnetization compensation points in x = 0.4 to 0.8 compounds. Interestingly, in Pr_0.6Sm_0.4FeO₃ single crystal, we find an inadequate spin reorientation transition accompanied by uncompleted type-I spin switching in the temperature region from 138 to 174 K. Furthermore, a type-II spin switching appears at 23 K, as evidenced from the magnetization curve in field-cooled-cooling (FCC) mode initially bifurcate from zero-field-cooled (ZFC) magnetization curve at 40 K and finally drops back to coincide the ZFC magnetization value at 23 K. Our current research reveals a strong and complex competition between Pr³⁺–Fe³⁺ and Sm³⁺–Fe³⁺ exchange interactions and more importantly renders a window to design spintronic device materials for future potential applications. (paper)

[en] The spin switching and exchange bias effect were investigated in the rare earth orthoferrite SmFeO₃ composed of two antiferromagnetically coupled sublattices Sm³⁺ and Fe³⁺ with canted ferromagnetic moments and a temperature induced spin switching in single crystal SmFeO₃ was observed. The spin switching temperature was found to be modulated by exerting different magnetic fields below the compensation temperature (). This effect could be explained as the changes of energy barrier related to the magnetization direction under different magnetic fields. In the meantime, the coercivity displayed strong dependence on the maximum applied magnetic fields in the hysteresis measurement. In addition, spontaneous exchange bias effect (EB) was observed with the largest EB field value of 1.2 T, and the EB field changed its sign across the compensation point. Our results indicate that the magnetic properties of SmFeO₃ can be strongly affected and controlled by the temperature or the applied magnetic field during the measurement process, and it might lead to novel applications in magneto-optics, ultrafast switching, and magnetic sensing devices. (paper)