Role of dimensionality in the Kondo CeT X-2 family: The case of CeCd0.7Sb2

Author(s)

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

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Physical Review B; v. 92, n. 13, p. 6-pg., 2015-10-28.

Abstract

Motivated by the presence of competing magnetic interactions in the heavy fermion family CeT X-2 (T = transition metal, X = pnictogen), here we study the novel parent compound CeCd0.7Sb2 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 CeCd0.7Sb2 single crystals revealed a ferromagnetic ordering at T-c = 3 K with an unusual soft behavior. By using a mean field model including anisotropic nearest-neighbor 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 CeAgSb2, a pure vertical bar +/- 1/2 > ground state is realized, hinting at a general trend within the ferromagnetic members. More generally, we propose a scenario for the understanding of the magnetism in this family of compounds based on the subtle changes of dimensionality in the crystal structure. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/04870-7 - Studies of novel complex and advanced materials
• Grantee: Pascoal Jose Giglio Pagliuso
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/20181-0 - Evolution of topological Kondo insulating behavior in Sm1xRxB6 (r = Sr, Yb)
• Grantee: Priscila Ferrari Silveira Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor