Results of isothermal magnetization and magnetic relaxation measurements are presented probing the nature of the magnetic-field-induced magnetostructural transition in the intermetallic compound ${\mathrm{Gd}}_5{\mathrm{Ge}}_4$. This transition shows the characteristics of a disorder-influenced first order transition including distinct metastable behavior. Below approximately $21\mathrm{K}$, the transition from the magnetic-field-induced ferromagnetic state back to the antiferromagnetic state shows additional interesting features. Similarities with other classes of magnetic systems exhibiting magnetostructural transitions are pointed out.

• Received 30 April 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.70.214421