Mixed Singlet Magnetism of PrPtAl

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

Mixed Singlet Magnetism of PrPtAl

  • Event time: 1:00pm
  • Event date: 12th December 2011
  • Speaker: Gino Abdul-Jabbar (Formerly School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

Naively magnetism is not expected to occur in systems solely composed of singlet states. The underlying mechanism leading towards magnetic order in these systems can, however, be brought about by mixing singlets through the intersite exchange interaction. The intermetallic PrPtAl with its Pnma space group splits the single ion J=4 multiplet into 9 singlet states. In spite of this PrPtAl orders ferromagnetically below 4.7K. In this presentation we will discuss the results of our investigation into the development of magnetic order in PrPtAl. Measurements of the excitations associated with the lowest lying singlet levels using inelastic neutron scattering will be presented alongside thermal, magnetic and transport measurements. Inelastic scattering was measured using the indirect time of flight spectrometer OSIRIS at the ISIS Pulsed Neutron Source. Our results will be discussed within the framework of an intra-ion singlet mixing model which gives rise to a non-singlet collective ground state. Magnetism is then realised by inter-ion magnetic exchange described using the singlet-singlet excitation model.

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

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