Gd(Co1-x Ga x )2: Synthesis, crystal structures, and investigation of structural transformations and magnetic properties

Gd(Co1-x Ga x )2 (x = 0, 1/6, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 5/6, and 1) phases were synthesized by arc melting the constituent elements and subsequent annealing. The samples were characterized by powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements, and electronic structure calculations. An interesting structural sequence was obtained: cubic MgCu2-type structure for x = 0 and 1/6; MgZn2-type structure for x = 1/3; orthorhombic SrMgSi-type …