Multiple Magnetic Structures of Correlated Ce-ions in Intermetallic CeAu2Ge2

TL;DR

This study uncovers two novel magnetic structures in CeAu2Ge2, coexisting with antiferromagnetic order below 14 K, offering insights into the magnetic behavior of Ce-based intermetallic compounds.

Contribution

It reports the discovery of new magnetic phases in CeAu2Ge2 and maps their temperature and field dependencies, expanding understanding of CeX2M2 compounds.

Findings

Identification of two new magnetic structures in CeAu2Ge2.

Coexistence with long-range antiferromagnetic order below 14 K.

Introduction of a new region in the H-T phase diagram.

Abstract

Neutron diffraction measurements on a high quality single crystal of CeAu2Ge2 reveal two new magnetic structures that coexist with commensurate long range antiferromagnetic order below the Neel temperature T_N ~ 14 K. The new magnetic structures, which exhibit distinct temperature and field dependencies, are described by both commensurate and incommensurate magnetic structures and introduces new region in the H-T phase diagram. These new experimental observations provide essential information for developing a universal understanding of the magnetic properties of this class of Ce-based CeX2M2 (X = Cu, Ag, Au; M = Ge, Si) compounds, which are prototypes for exploring quantum phase transitions and their interplay with unconventional superconductivity.