Work

Role of atomic environment in the magnetic and transport properties of amorphous Ce–Al alloys

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We investigate the relationship between atomic structure and electronic properties in amorphous Ce–Al alloys. Structural analysis reveals that Ce25Al75 exhibits predominantly Ce–Al nearest-neighbor interactions, while Ce50Al50 shows a splitting Ce–Ce distribution, indicating the coexistence of two structural motifs. These distinct local atomic environments of Ce atoms strongly influence their electronic behavior. The electrical resistivity exhibits a—log T dependence characteristic of the Kondo effect, which is suppressed under applied magnetic fields. Notably, Ce25Al75 displays a stronger negative magnetoresistance and magnetic field sensitivity than Ce50Al50, suggesting a more coherent Kondo scattering environment. Magnetic susceptibility χ(T) continues to increase at low temperatures under low fields, suggesting uncompensated magnetic moments or weakly hybridized Ce sites. Magnetization reveals partially localized f-electron states, with field-induced alignment hindered by structural disorder and hybridization variation. These phenomena are closely linked to the local atomic environment of Ce.

Source: Japanese Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.35848/1347-4065/ae0c4d

Authors: Wuriga Torguud, Emin Mijit, Jens R. Stellhorn, Yusuke Amakai

Institutions: Muroran Institute of Technology, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shimane University, University of Shimane

Language: English

Topic: Rare-earth and actinide compounds

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

Award: Clarification of giant thermal expansion phenomenon in amorphous Ce-Mn alloys