Magnetization and specific heat study on a SmCuAl3 single crystal.

Magnetization and specific heat study on a SmCuAl3 single crystal.

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. All rights reserved.