Is the Low-Temperature Phase in CePd$_{3}$Ga$_{8}$ Fascinating or Just Novel?
ORAL
Abstract
Magnetization data for CePd$_{3}$Ga$_{8}$ strongly support the presence of two phase transitions, also seen in specific heat, C$_{p}$. The 11 K transition (suppressed for fields, B$>$3 T) has similarities to UCd$_{11}$ and CeAuSb$_{2}$, but the lower temperature phase (T$<$6 K, B$<$2.5 T) is novel and its nature is a mystery. Its uniaxial magnetic anisotropy implies that CePd$_{3}$Ga$_{8}$ is an effective Ising system for the Ce spins, likewise consistent with C$_{p}$. The phase diagram of this fascinating material will be discussed in terms of combined magnetization, conductivity, C$_{p}$ and neutron scattering data.
*Supported by US DOE, BES under contract DE-AC02-06CH11357.
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