Field-Independent Features in the Magnetization and Specific Heat of Sm3Co4Ge13

The cubic intermetallic compound Sm 3 Co 4 Ge 13 (space group P m 3 ˉ n ) possesses a cage-like structure composed of Ge and displays an antiferromagnetic transition at T N ≈ 6 K in magnetization, M ( T ) , specific heat, C p ( T ) and in thermal conductivity, κ ( T ) . The magnetic transition at T N is observed to be robust against applied magnetic fields up to 9 T. From the analysis of specific heat, a Sommerfeld coefficient γ = 80(2) mJ/mol-Sm K 2 is estimated. The magnetic entropy released at T N is estimated as lower than that of a doublet, R ln(2). A positive Seebeck coefficient is observed for the thermopower, S ( T ) . Photoemission spectroscopy reveals distinct electronic character of the near- E F valence band states arising out of Co( 3 d )-Sm( 4 f ) hybridization and Sm( 4 f ) electron correlation. The unusual field-independent features in magnetization, specific heat and electrical transport is an indication of the significant correlation between f and d wave functions. View Full-Tex