# Magnetism and charge density waves in RNiC$_2$ (R = Ce, Pr, Nd)

## TL;DR

This study investigates how charge density waves and magnetism interact in RNiC$_2$ compounds (R = Ce, Pr, Nd), revealing field-induced phase transitions and complex effects of magnetic fields on charge density waves.

## Contribution

It provides new insights into the magnetic and charge density wave interplay in RNiC$_2$ compounds, highlighting the effects of magnetic fields on CDW stability and phase transitions.

## Key findings

- NdNiC$_2$ shows negative magnetoresistance linked to CDW destruction.
- PrNiC$_2$ exhibits magnetic field effects that initially weaken and then enhance CDW nesting.
- Field-induced ferromagnetic transition causes irreversible phase change in NdNiC$_2$.

## Abstract

We have compared the magnetic, transport, galvanomagnetic and specific heat properties of CeNiC$_2$, PrNiC$_2$ and NdNiC$_2$ to study the interplay between charge density waves and magnetism in these compounds. The negative magnetoresistance in NdNiC$_2$ is discussed in terms of the partial destruction of charge density waves and an irreversible phase transition stabilized by the field induced ferromagnetic transformation is reported. For PrNiC$_2$ we demonstrate that the magnetic field initially weakens the CDW state, due to the Zeeman splitting of conduction bands. However, the Fermi surface nesting is enhanced at a temperature related to the magnetic anomaly.