Sharp magnetization step across the ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition in doped-CeFe₂ alloys

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Very sharp magnetization step is observed across the field induced antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition in various doped-CeFe₂ alloys, when the measurement is performed below 5K. In the higher temperature regime (T>5K) this transition is quite smooth in nature. Comparing with the recently observed similar behaviour in manganites showing colossal magnetoresistance and magnetocaloric material Gd₅Ge₄ we argue that such magnetization step is a generalized feature of a disorder influenced first order phase transition.