The spin-polarized momentum densities of disordered single-crystal ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{1-x}{\mathrm{Co}}_x$ have been studied using the magnetic Compton scattering technique, for the compositions $x=0.6\mathrm{}$ and 0.28. Magnetic Compton profiles have been measured along the three principle crystallographic directions in each sample, and compared with theoretical profiles calculated using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker coherent-potential approximation method. The calculated and measured spin-polarized momentum distributions, as revealed by their magnetic Compton profiles, are in excellent agreement. However the calculated spin moment for the composition with $x=0.6\mathrm{}$ is some 10% smaller than that measured experimentally, and for $x=0.28,$ the deviation becomes 15%. These differences are attributed to the effect of order in the samples, which becomes increasingly important in the Pd-rich side of the phase diagram. The orbital component to the magnetization has been determined as 0.08 and $0.18{\mu }_B$ for ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{0.4}{\mathrm{Co}}_{0.6}$ and ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{0.72}{\mathrm{Co}}_{0.28},$ respectively.

• Received 13 July 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.65.024442