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Off-diagonal dipolar interactions in the mixed Ising-XY magnet LiHoxEr1xF4

Tomer Dollberg and Moshe Schechter

Phys. Rev. B 114, 084430 – Published 27 August, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/4j7m-kx4d

Abstract

We theoretically investigate the influence of off-diagonal dipolar interactions in the mixed-anisotropy magnet LiHoxEr1xF4. Motivated by experimental observations showing an unexpectedly rapid suppression of the ferromagnetic transition temperature Tc upon substitution of Ho by Er ions, we use Monte Carlo simulations incorporating off-diagonal dipolar terms to elucidate the underlying physical mechanism. Our results reveal that, unlike in the diluted magnet LiHoxY1xF4, where dilution weakens the effect of these interactions, substitution by planar Er ions amplifies it. This leads to a pronounced reduction of Tc, closely matching experimental data, thereby providing a natural explanation for discrepancies with mean-field predictions. The findings underscore the essential role of off-diagonal dipolar interactions in determining the magnetic properties of mixed-anisotropy dipolar systems.

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