Abstract
We report on structural and magnetic properties of a SmCuAl3 single crystal. The sample quality, phase and structure purity were investigated by means of x-ray and neutron diffraction, BSE electron microscopy and EDX analysis.
The crystal structure was identified to be of a tetragonal BaNiSn3-type (space group 14mm, 107). Magnetization measurements revealed two magnetic phase transitions: from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic state at T-c = 28 K and another transition at T-N = 6.6 K connected with a development of the antiferromagnetic component of magnetic moments.
Both ferromagnetic and anti-ferromagnetic components are followed down to lowest temperature. Possible origins of the phase transition at 28 K are discussed.
Paramagnetic data are well described assuming a Sm3+ ground-state-multiplet splitting in crystalline environment. Crystal field parameters are estimated and used for magnetization and specific heat calculations revealing a qualitatively good agreement with the experimental data. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V.
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