Giant magnetoresistance in the intermetallic compoundMn3GaC

Abstract

We have measured the transverse resistance of an intermetallic compound ${\mathrm{Mn}}_3\mathrm{GaC}$ in pulsed high magnetic fields up to 25 T. Giant magnetoresistance is observed due to the field-induced magnetic transition from the antiferromagnetic to the intermediate phase at low temperatures. The temperature dependence of magnetoresistance shows a dip at the Curie temperature. The dip can be explained using a simple model of de Gennes and Friedel based on magnetic critical scatterings. The normal Hall coefficient is found to show a striking change at the transition, suggesting that the giant magnetoresistance is caused by the change of the carrier concentration.