Magnetic properties of actinide systems

Conference · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:7087696

Lander, G H

Early expectations that the proximity of the 5f band to the Fermi level would lead to complex magnetic (or almost magnetic) behaviour were correct. Well documented examples of spin-fluctuation systems, itinerant and localized magnetic systems now exist. Rather than attempt a complete survey of the experimental results, this review focusses on three systems of major importance; (a) the elements, (b) Laves phase compounds, and (c) NaCl-type compounds. In (a) the main advances have come in theories to explain the unusual resistivities of the elements and in the positive identification that curium metal is antiferromagnetic with T/sub N/ = 52/sup 0/K. In (b) experiments on materials such as UAI/sub 2/ have shown ''idealized'' spin fluctuation behaviour whereas in the Np compounds simple arguments related to the Np-Np spacing lead to at least a qualitative understanding of the magnetic behaviour. In AmFe/sub 2/ we may have detected the first example of a mixed valence state, Am/sup 2 +/-Am/sup 3 +/. Finally a number of ''second generation'' experiments on actinide rock salt compounds will be reviewed. Contrary to earlier ideas, not all these systems can be understood with a localized model. This is especially true of the uranium compounds with small lattice spacings like UN, US and probably UC. On the other hand, for USb and compounds with transuranium elements the localized model will probably apply, e.g. PuP and AmSb.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., Ill. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 7087696
• Report Number(s): CONF-770717-4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360204* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Physical Properties
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
ACTINIDES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELEMENTS
LAVES PHASES
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
METALS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
REVIEWS