Magnetic Properties and Crystalline Electric Field Scheme in RRhIn₅ (R: Rare Earth)

Abstract

A series of ternary compounds RRhIn₅ (R: rare earth) has been grown in the single crystalline form by means of the flux method. The magnetic properties of these compounds were investigated by measuring the lattice parameter, electrical resistivity, specific heat, magnetic susceptibility and magnetization. All the compounds crystallize in the tetragonal HoCoGa₅-type structure. Most of these compounds order antiferromagnetically at low temperatures, except when R=Y, La, Pr, and Yb. The observed temperature dependence of the specific heat and the anisotropic features in the magnetic susceptibility and magnetization have been analyzed on the basis of the crystalline electric field (CEF) model. The overall energy splitting of the CEF scheme in RRhIn₅ is estimated to be in the range from 44 to 330 K. The magnetic properties are discussed on the basis of the sign of the CEF parameter.