Intermetallic compounds of rare earths and non-magnetic metals

Abstract

A review is given of the physical properties, composition and crystal structure of intermetallic compounds formed between rare-earth elements and non-magnetic metals, with emphasis on the magnetic properties. Included are the properties of compounds in which the non-rare-earth component is a 4d or 5d transition element. Special consideration is given to the properties of pseudo-binary compounds. Results of magnetisation measurements, neutron diffraction and neutron scattering are discussed together with results derived from NMR, ESR and Mossbauer effect spectroscopy. An evaluation is given of the relevance of the experimental results with respect to different types of exchange interactions in this class of intermetallics. Special consideration is also given to the influence of crystal field effects on the magnetic properties and, furthermore, to the occurrence of intermediate valences in several of the compounds of Ce, Sm, Eu and Yb.