Sharp magnetization step across the ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition in doped-CeFe$_2$ alloys

Abstract

Very sharp magnetization step is observed across the field induced antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition in various doped-CeFe$_2$ alloys, when the measurement is performed below 5K. In the higher temperature regime (T$>$5K) this transition is quite smooth in nature. Comparing with the recently observed similar behaviour in manganites showing colossal magnetoresistance and magnetocaloric material Gd$_5$Ge$_4$ we argue that such magnetization step is a generalized feature of a disorder influenced first order phase transition.