Abstract
Specific heat measurements performed for Gd-Ni binary compounds with 1:2, 1:1 and 3:1 stoichiometry have revealed an additional contribution to the coefficient γ of the T-linear term of the low-temperature specific heat in comparison with that obtained for isostructural paramagnetic counterparts R-Ni (R = Y, Lu, La). This extra contribution Δγ is found to grow linearly with increasing Gd concentration from nearly zero for GdNi5 up to Δγ≈21.5 mJ g-at.-1 K-2 for Gd 3Ni. To explain the appearance of Δγ and its dependence on the strength of the f-d exchange interaction in Gd-rich binary compounds with Ni a new mechanism enhancing the effective mass of conduction electrons is suggested. The increased γ value in Gd-containing compounds is attributed to spin fluctuations induced by the f-d exchange interaction in the hybridized 3d-5d electron subsystem.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 325233 |
Journal | Journal of Physics Condensed Matter |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 32 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 13 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |