On the magneto structural transition in NdCo2

Abstract

NdCo2 undergoes a second order paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition at TC ≈ 100 K accompanied with a cubic to tetragonal transition. It transforms from tetragonal to orthorhombic structure along with a spin orientation when the temperature is decreased below T* ≈ 42 K. The heat capacity and resistivity measurements across the magneto structural transition at 42 K in NdCo2 are presented. Effect of magnetic field on the transition is discussed in light of magneto elastic coupling. As field increases, the peak in heat capacity across the transition at T* shifts to high temperatures with decreased intensity. The peak height vanishes for fields ≥ 3 T. Apart from this, we also show the validity of Kadowaki-Woods plot for the present system.