Q-dependence of the spin fluctuations in the intermediate valence compound CePd3

J Phys Condens Matter. 2014 Jun 4;26(22):225602. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/26/22/225602. Epub 2014 May 14.

Abstract

We report inelastic neutron scattering experiments on a single crystal of the intermediate valence compound CePd3. At 300 K the magnetic scattering is quasielastic, with half-width Γ = 23 meV, and is independent of momentum transfer Q. At low temperature, the Q-averaged magnetic spectrum is inelastic, exhibiting a broad peak centered near Emax = 55 meV. These results, together with the temperature dependence of the susceptibility, 4f occupation number, and specific heat, can be fit by the Kondo/Anderson impurity model. The low temperature scattering near Emax, however, shows significant variations with Q, reflecting the coherence of the 4f lattice. The intensity is maximal at (1/2, 1/2, 0), intermediate at (1/2, 0, 0) and (0, 0, 0), and weak at (1/2, 1/2, 1/2). We discuss this Q-dependence in terms of current ideas about coherence in heavy fermion systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cerium / chemistry*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Palladium / chemistry*
  • Spin Labels
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Spin Labels
  • Cerium
  • Palladium