Abstract
We present the results of high-resolution measurements of the thermal expansion and magnetostriction of the cubic filled skutterudite compound PrFe 4 P 12 . The temperature dependence of the thermal expansion Δ L ( T )/ L for the three main symmetry directions are nearly identical below T A , in accordance with a recently proposed scalar order parameter for the A-phase. In the field-angle dependence of the transverse thermal expansion Δ L (θ)/ L along the [001] direction (θ is the angle between the [100] direction and the orientation of a magnetic field within the (001) plane), we find clear twofold oscillation. On the basis of mean-field analyses, we show that the observed twofold oscillation can be interpreted as the the crystal field effect for the cubic T h symmetry. Our results suggest that the crystal field scheme consists of a Γ 1 ground state and a Γ 4 (1) first-excited state, in both the non-ordered and A-phases.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
