Magnetic behavior of the alloys (Ce_1−xY_x)₂PdSi₃

Abstract

The results of X-ray diffraction (Cu K_α), electrical resistivity (ρ), heat capacity (C) and magnetic susceptibility (χ) measurements are reported for a new pseudoternary solid solution, (Ce_1−xY_x)₂PdSi₃ (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0). The X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that single phase alloys can be formed in a derived version of the AIB₂-type hexagonal structure for x≥0.2, while for x=0.0, apparently there is an additional weak phase. In the case of the alloy Ce₂PdSi₃, the majority of Ce ions do not exhibit magnetic ordering down to 1.4 K, though magnetic ordering at 7 K from one of the two crystallographically inequivalent sites cannot be ruled out. For other compositions, no magnetic ordering is observed above 1.4 K. The Kondo effect is operative in all these alloys, with the strength of the Kondo effect increasing with the compression of the lattice by the gradual replacement of Ce by Y. The C/T exhibits a low temperature enhancement in all Ce containing alloys.