Fig. 1: X-ray absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectra.

Representative XAS spectra with an applied field of ±1 T for (a) Gd M-edge, (b) Mn L-edge of the parent compound, and (c) the Fe L-edge of Gd6(Mn0.5Fe0.5)23 measured at T = 29 K, from which we obtained the XMCD spectra, as shown for all x in (d–f). d Gd M-edge, (e) Mn L-edge and (f) Fe L-edge experimental XMCD spectra of the series Gd6(Mn1−xFex)23 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5 and 0.75) measured at T = 29 K. Arrows in (d–f) show the relative magnitude and orientation of the spins.