Magnetic and electrical properties of dhcp NpPd3 and U(1-x)Np(x)Pd3

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetic and electrical behaviors of NpPd3 and U-Np alloys, revealing quadrupolar transitions and multiple magnetic phase transitions through comprehensive measurements across various compositions and temperatures.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the magnetic and electrical properties of NpPd3 and U-Np alloys, including the identification of quadrupolar and magnetic transitions in dilute Np samples.

Findings

NpPd3 exhibits transitions at 10 K and 30 K.

Dilute Np samples show quadrupolar transitions.

Transition temperatures decrease with increasing Np concentration.

Abstract

We have made an extensive study of the magnetic and electrical properties of double-hexagonal closepacked NpPd3 and a range of U(1-x)Np(x)Pd3 compounds with x=0.01, 0.02, 0.05, and 0.50 using magnetization, magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, and heat capacity measurements on polycrystalline samples, performed in the temperature range 2-300 K and in magnetic fields up to 9 T. Two transitions are observed in NpPd3 at T=10 and 30 K. Dilute Np samples (x<0.05) exhibit quadrupolar transitions, with the transition temperatures reduced from those of pure UPd3.