The role of dimensionality in the Kondo Ce$TX_{2}$ family: the case of CeCd$_{1-δ}$Sb$_{2}$

P. F. S. Rosa; R. J. Bourg; C. B. R. Jesus; P. G. Pagliuso; Z. Fisk

paper

The role of dimensionality in the Kondo Ce $T X_{2}$ family: the case of CeCd $_{1 - δ}$ Sb $_{2}$

arXiv:1508.02116

Abstract

Motivated by the presence of competing magnetic interactions in the heavy fermion family Ce $T X_{2}$ ( $T$ = transition metal, $X$ = pnictogen), here we study the novel parent compound CeCd $_{1 - δ}$ Sb $_{2}$ by combining magnetization, electrical resistivity, and heat-capacity measurements. Contrary to the antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground state observed in most members of this family, the magnetic properties of our CeCd $_{1 - δ}$ Sb $_{2}$ single crystals revealed a ferromagnetic (FM) ordering at $T_{c}$ = 3 K with an unusual soft behavior. By using a mean field model including anisotropic nearest-neighbors interactions and the tetragonal crystalline electric field (CEF) Hamiltonian, a systematic analysis of our macroscopic data was obtained. Our fits allowed us to extract a simple but very distinct CEF scheme, as compared to the AFM counterparts. As in the previously studied ferromagnet CeAgSb $_{2}$ , a pure $∣ \pm 1/2 ⟩$ ground state is realized, hinting at a general trend within the ferromagnetic members. We propose a general scenario for the understanding of the magnetism in this family of compounds based on the subtle changes of dimensionality in the crystal structure.

arXiv comment6 pages, 4 figures

The role of dimensionality in the Kondo CeTX2​ family: the case of CeCd1−δ​Sb2​

Abstract

The role of dimensionality in the Kondo Ce $T X_{2}$ family: the case of CeCd $_{1 - δ}$ Sb $_{2}$