Electronic properties of the ternary system YbPd$_2 $Ge$_{2-x}$

TL;DR

This paper investigates the electronic and magnetic properties of the ternary alloy YbPd$_2$Ge$_{1.7}$, revealing moderate heavy-fermion behavior, nearly Curie magnetic susceptibility, and unusual resistivity and thermoelectric characteristics.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the electronic and magnetic behavior of YbPd$_2$Ge$_{1.7}$, expanding understanding of ytterbium-based alloys with intermediate valence.

Findings

YbPd$_2$Ge$_{1.7}$ exhibits moderate heavy-fermion behavior.

Magnetic susceptibility is large and nearly follows Curie law.

Resistivity follows a $T^{1.2}$ dependence at intermediate temperatures.

Abstract

The data on the electronic and magnetic properties of the ternary ytterbium-based alloy YbPd$_2 $Ge$_{1.7}$ are presented and compared with those for YbPd$_2 $Ge$_{2}$ and YbPd$_2 $Ge compounds. YbPd$_2 $Ge$_{1.7}$ demonstrates a moderate heavy-fermion behavior with linear specific heat coefficient $\gamma \simeq $ 100 mJ/mol K$^2$. Magnetic susceptibility is large and demonstrates nearly Curie behavior. Resistivity shows a power-law $T^{1.2}$-dependence at not too low temperatures $T$. Thermoelectric power has non-monotonous behavior and changes its sign at low $T$.