Kondo and magnetic ordering anomalies in Ce 2−xR xPtSi 3 (R=La, Y)

Abstract

The compound Ce 2PtSi 3 crystallizing in the AlB 2-derived hexagonal structure has been known to undergo magnetic ordering around ( T 0=) 5.5 K. We have investigated the influence of positive and negative chemical pressure on the Kondo effect and T 0 by studying Y and La substituted pseudo-ternary solid solutions Ce 2− x R x PtSi 3 (R= La, Y) by AC and DC magnetic susceptibility, and heat capacity measurements. We find that the dilution of Ce sub-lattice by Y substitution is less effective in reducing T 0 when compared with La substituted series. The Kondo temperature as inferred from paramagnetic Curie temperature undergoes an increase with increasing La content, rather than a decrease usually expected for weakening Kondo effect following lattice expansion. This unusual Kondo and magnetic ordering behavior of this solid solution possibly arises from disorder and/or structural features.