Magnetic and Structural Phase Transformations in Medium-Entropy Alloy Tb-Ho-Er under High Pressures and Low Temperature

Entropy-mediated alloys are emerging as promising materials for exploring complex magnetic and structural phenomena due to their compositional tunability and potential for unique properties. In this study, we report on the synthesis and investigation of a ternary rare-earth medium entropy alloy, Tb-Ho-Er, under high pressures and low temperatures. The alloy was prepared using an arc-melting technique and characterized to confirm its homogeneous single-phase hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure. Both AC and DC magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed magnetic phase transitions and spin-glass-like behavior at low temperatures, underscoring the intricate magnetic interactions within the alloy. A sample of Tb-Ho-Er was further subjected to high pressures using a diamond anvil cell for synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies at HPCAT at the Advanced Photon Source and SNAP at the Spallation Neutron Source. Pressure-induced structural changes and their interplay with magnetic properties were systematically studied, providing new insights into the behavior of this material under extreme conditions. These findings highlight the potential of Tb-Ho-Er for advancing the understanding of magneto structural coupling in high-entropy materials.