Observation of magnetic instabilities in dilute Pr, Nd, and Pm systems

Abstract

By application of the perturbed \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray distribution method in connection with heavy-ion reactions and recoil-implantation techniques, magnetic single-ion instabilities of Pr, Nd, and Pm ions in small-volume hosts like Ta, W, Os, and Ir have been found. The local susceptibilities observed in the instable Pr, Nd, and Pm systems are strongly reduced compared to both the stable ${3}^{+}$ and ${4}^{+}$ ion behaviors. The data indicate a strong 4f--conduction-electron hybridization as the common basic mechanism for the instabilities in Ce, Pr, Nd, and Pm systems.