Unusual weak magnetic exchange in two different structure types: YbPt₂Sn and YbPt₂In

Abstract

We present the structural, magnetic, thermodynamic and transport properties of the two new compounds YbPt(2)Sn and YbPt(2)In. X-ray powder diffraction shows that they crystallize in different structure types, the hexagonal ZrPt(2)Al and the cubic Heusler type, respectively. Despite quite different lattice types, both compounds present very similar magnetic properties: a stable trivalent Yb(3+), no evidence for a sizeable Kondo interaction and very weak exchange interactions with a strength below 1 K as deduced from specific heat C(T). Broad anomalies in C(T) suggest short range magnetic ordering at about 250 mK and 180 mK for YbPt(2)Sn and YbPt(2)In, respectively. The weak exchange and the low ordering temperature result in a large magnetocaloric effect as deduced from the magnetic field dependence of C(T), making these compounds interesting candidates for magnetic cooling. In addition we found in YbPt(2)In evidences for a charge density wave transition at about 290 K. The occurrence of such transitions within several RET2X compound series (RE = rare earth, T = noble metal, X = In, Sn) is analyzed.