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Published on: May 29, 2018
Evolution from a localized to an intermediate valence regime in Ce2Cu(2-x)Ni(x)In
1Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, P Nr 1410, 50-590 Wrocław 2, Poland. A.Pikul@int.pan.wroc.pl
Summary
Substitution of nickel in Ce2Cu(2-x)Ni(x)In solid solutions alters magnetic properties. Lattice compression modifies electronic states and scattering, aligning with the Doniach phase diagram and Kondo physics.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Magnetism
Background:
- Cerium-based intermetallic compounds are known for their complex magnetic behaviors.
- The interplay between Kondo scattering, crystalline electric fields, and hybridization is crucial in understanding these materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of partial substitution of copper by nickel in the Ce2Cu(2-x)Ni(x)In solid solution.
- To explore the influence of lattice compression on magnetic and electronic properties.
- To correlate the observed changes with the Doniach phase diagram and Kondo physics.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of polycrystalline Ce2Cu(2-x)Ni(x)In samples.
- X-ray powder diffraction for structural analysis.
- Magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity measurements across a wide temperature range.
Main Results:
- Partial nickel substitution led to a quasi-linear decrease in lattice parameters and unit cell volume.
- Lattice compression resulted in an increased exchange integral.
- A reversal in the order of magnetic (4f1) and nonmagnetic (4f0) states was observed, consistent with the Doniach phase diagram.
- In the localized regime, increased hybridization strength reduced scattering of conduction electrons on excited crystal field levels.
Conclusions:
- Nickel substitution in Ce2Cu(2-x)In effectively tunes the electronic and magnetic properties.
- The observed phenomena are well-described by the Doniach phase diagram, highlighting the competition between Kondo scattering and RKKY interactions.
- The study provides insights into the complex interplay of factors governing magnetism in cerium-based intermetallics.
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