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Observation of modulated quadrupolar structures in PrPb3
T Onimaru1, T Sakakibara, N Aso
1Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan. onimaru@issp.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Physical Review Letters
|August 11, 2005
Summary
Researchers observed a novel modulated quadrupolar phase in PrPb(3) using neutron diffraction. This phase, influenced by magnetic fields, provides evidence of complex magnetic ordering in materials.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Magnetism
Background:
- Understanding quadrupolar ordering is crucial for developing advanced magnetic materials.
- PrPb(3) is a cubic compound known for complex magnetic behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate quadrupolar ordering in PrPb(3) under a [001] magnetic field.
- To identify and characterize novel magnetic phases and their properties.
Main Methods:
- Neutron diffraction measurements were employed.
- Experiments were conducted on cubic PrPb(3) samples.
- Variable magnetic fields were applied along the [001] direction.
Main Results:
- Evidence of a modulated quadrupolar phase with antiferromagnetic components was observed below T(Q) = 0.4 K.
- The phase exhibits wave vectors q = (1/2 +/- delta 1/2 0) and (1/2 1/2 +/- delta 0) with delta ≈ 1/8.
- A nonsquare modulated state persisted below 100 mK for fields below 1 T.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the first evidence for a field-induced modulated quadrupolar phase in PrPb(3).
- Quadrupole moments associated with a Tau(3) doublet ground state are partially quenched by conduction electron hybridization.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of complex magnetic ordering and phase transitions.