Crystal field and exchange interaction in CeP

Abstract

Neutron inelastic scattering experiments have been performed in the antiferromagnet CeP in order to determine the energy level splitting within the F 5/2 ground state multiplet. The measured spectra have been analysed on the basis of a single-ion hamiltonian which takes into account crystal field, exchange and magnetoelastic interactions. The crystal field parameter B 4 = (0.041 ± 0.002) meV has been determined from measurements in the paramagnetic state at T = 15 K. The energy level splitting measured in the ordered state at T = 5.6 K yields the molecular field parameter λ = (1.85 ± 0.10) x 10 25 Oe 2/erg and the quadrupolar parameter A = (0.36 ± 0.04) x 10 -15 erg. These parameters give a good description of the zero-field magnetization.