Thermoelectric power of Nd1−xLax and Ce1−xLax alloys

Abstract

The thermoelectric power of polycrystalline double hexagonal-close-packed samples of Nd1−xLax and Ce1−xLax has been measured from 2 to 300 K. Single crystals of Nd have also been measured. These results confirm that there are at least two magnetic-transition temperatures in both sets of alloys. Data for Nd affirm there is a Néel temperature at 19.2 K and an incommensurate to commensurate transition at 7.5 K. These features are much less prominent in Ce and Nd thermopower data than corresponding features in the heavy rare earths. There is some anisotropy in the Nd single-crystal data, but the a- and c-axis data are similar in shape. In the Ce-rich Ce-La alloys there is a large positive peak at 75 K and a negative peak at ∼5 K.