Electronic properties of UCuSn

Abstract

Crystallographic analysis shows that UCuSn does not form in the hexagonal CaIn2 structure as reported previously, but is an ordered ternary compound and forms in an orthorhombic structure (space group: P21cn). Bulk and neutron-diffraction measurements reveal that UCuSn orders antiferromagnetically below 62 K. At 4.2 K, high-field magnetization reveals a complex magnetization process with two metamagnetic transitions. Furthermore, bulk investigations show an additional anomaly at 25 K, but a smooth temperature dependence of various magnetic peaks down to the lowest temperature gives no evidence for a second magnetic transition. Possible scenarios responsible for the drastic changes in the electronic properties around 25 K are discussed. © 1996 American Institute of Physics.