<i>L</i> III absorption, resistivity, and susceptibility studies of the Ce(Ni1−<i>x</i>Co<i>x</i>)2 and Y(Ni1−<i>x</i>Co<i>x</i>)2 systems

Abstract

We have measured the valence of Ce in Ce(Ni1−xCox)2 by LIII absorption and find that it is constant at 3.20±0.02. However, striking variations in the resistive behavior are seen across this series. Even more pronounced variation in resistive behavior, as well as, large changes in the susceptibility are seen in the Y(Ni1−xCox)2 system. It is argued that d electron spin fluctuations may be responsible for the observed behavior in both systems.