In this paper we report comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigation of magnetic and electronic properties of the intermetallic compounds ${\mathrm{Pr}}_2{\mathrm{Fe}}_{17}$ and ${\mathrm{Gd}}_2{\mathrm{Fe}}_{17}$. Electronic structure of these two systems was probed by optical measurements in the spectral range of $0.22–15\mathrm{\mu }\mathrm{m}$. On top of that, charge-carrier parameters (plasma frequency $\Omega$ and relaxation frequency $\gamma$) and optical conductivity $\sigma \left(\omega \right)$ were determined. Self-consistent spin-resolved band-structure calculations within the conventional LSDA+U method were performed. Theoretical interpretation of the experimental $\sigma \left(\omega \right)$ dispersions indicates transitions between $3d$ and $4p$ states of Fe ions to be the biggest ones. Qualitatively the line shape of the theoretical optical conductivity coincides well with our experimental data. Calculated by the LSDA+U method magnetic moments per formula unit are found to be in good agreement with observed experimental values of saturation magnetization.

• Received 20 October 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.73.094410