Synthesis and physical properties of Ce${}_2$Rh${}_{3+\delta }$Sb${}_4$ single crystals

Abstract

Millimeter-sized Ce${}_2$Rh${}_{3+\delta }$Sb${}_4$ ($\delta \approx 1/8$) single crystals were synthesized by a Bi-flux method and their physical properties were studied by a combination of electrical transport, magnetic and thermodynamic measurements. The resistivity anisotropy ${\rho }_{a,b}/{\rho }_c\sim 2$, manifesting a quasi-one-dimensional electronic character. Magnetic susceptibility measurements confirm $\mathbf{ab}$ as the magnetic easy plane. A long-range antiferromagnetic transition occurs at $T_N=1.4$ K, while clear short-range ordering can be detected well above $T_N$. The low ordering temperature is ascribed to the large Ce-Ce distance as well as the geometric frustration. Kondo scale is estimated to be about 2.4 K, comparable to the strength of magnetic exchange. Ce${}_2$Rh${}_{3+\delta }$Sb${}_4$, therefore, represents a rare example of dense Kondo lattice whose Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida exchange and Kondo coupling are both weak but competing.

7 pages, 4 figures, 2 tables

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