Magnetic behaviour of PrPd2B2C

Abstract

We have synthesized a new quaternary borocarbide PrPd${}_2$B${}_2$C and measured its magnetization, electrical resistivity and specific heat. The compound crystallizes in the LuNi${}_2$B${}_2$C-type tetragonal structure (space group {\it I4/mmm}). Above 100 K the magnetic susceptibility follows Curie-Weiss behavior with effective moment ${\mu }_{eff}$ = 3.60 ${\mu }_B$, which is very close to the value expected for Pr${}^{3+}$ ions. We do not find evidence for magnetic or superconducting transition down to 0.5 K. Specific heat exhibits a broad Schottky type anomaly with a peak at 24 K, very likely related to crystal electric field (CEF) excitation. The magnetic properties suggest the presence of a singlet CEF ground state leading to a Van-Vleck paramagnetic ground state.

2 pages, 2 figures

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