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Title: Intermediate valence in the filled skutterudite compound YbFe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12}

Journal Article · · Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Department of Physics and Institute for Pure and Applied Physical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093 (United States)

We have synthesized and characterized YbFe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12}, a member of the class of filled skutterudite (LaFe{sub 4}P{sub 12}-type) compounds. Measurements of the lattice parameter, magnetization, electrical resistivity, and specific heat suggest that the Yb ions have an intermediate valence and that the effective mass of the conduction electrons is moderately enhanced at low temperatures. The coefficient of the electronic specific heat is estimated to be {gamma}(0)=140thinspmJthinspmol{sup {minus}1}thinspK{sup {minus}2}, and we observe a characteristic temperature for the Yb ion valence fluctuations of T{sup {asterisk}}{approximately}50thinspK. No superconductivity was detected down to T=0.40thinspK. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}

OSTI ID:
641647
Journal Information:
Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter, Vol. 58, Issue 10; Other Information: PBD: Sep 1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English