Complex magnetic phases in LuFe2O4

DC magnetization and AC susceptibility measurements on LuFe2O4 single crystals reveal a ferrimagnetic transition at 240 K followed by additional magnetic transitions at 225 K and 170 K, separating cluster glass phases, and a kinetically arrested state below 55 K. The origin of giant magnetic coercivity is attributed to the collective freezing of ferrimagnetic clusters and enhanced domain wall pinning associated with a structural transition at 170 K. Magnetocaloric effect measurements provide additional vital information about the multiple magnetic transitions and the glassy states. Our results lead to the emergence of a complex magnetic phase diagram in LuFe2O4. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.