Magnetization and specific heat in U1−xLaxGa2 and magnetocaloric effect in UGa2

Abstract

We have investigated the properties of the ferromagnetic series U1−xLaxGa2. The magnetization results show a reduction of μeff and of Tc when x is increased. The electronic coefficient γ of the specific heat increases to a maximum of 260mJ∕UmolK2 at x=0.75. This behavior is probably consequence of delocalization of 5f electrons, causing enhancement of the density of states. For x=0.9 the ordering disappears and a non-Fermi-liquid behavior is observed. UGa2 also presented a significant magnetocaloric effect of ΔSmag=−3.5J∕kgK at 120K and H=7T which can be modified by chemical pressure.