Multiple metamagnetic transitions in helical antiferromagnet CeVGe${}_3$

Abstract

We report on neutron diffraction, magnetoresistance, magnetization, and magnetic torque measurements under high magnetic field in the helical antiferromagnet CeVGe${}_3$. This compound exhibits Kondo lattice coherence and helical antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering at ambient pressure, similar to the well-studied CeRhIn${}_5$. Our measurements reveal that CeVGe${}_3$ undergoes a magnetic transition from an incommensurate (ICM) AFM state to an up-up-down-down commensurate (CM) AFM structure, followed by a transition to a novel phase at higher fields. A quantum phase transition occurs around 21.3 T. This rich magnetic field phase diagram closely resembles that of CeRhIn${}_5$. Furthermore, angle-dependent magnetoresistance measurements reveal that all transitions in CeVGe${}_3$ occur from the field component along the $ab$ plane. These findings highlight the intricate interplay among exchange interactions, crystal field effects, ground state properties, and crystalline symmetries.

8 pages, 9 figures, accepted by Physics Review B