Multiple ordered phases in the filled skutterudite compound PrOs$_{4}$As$_{12}$

TL;DR

This study investigates the multiple ordered phases in PrOs$_{4}$As$_{12}$ using magnetization, specific heat, and resistivity measurements, revealing complex low-temperature magnetic behavior and phase transitions.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed experimental characterization of multiple magnetic phases in PrOs$_{4}$As$_{12}$ at low temperatures and fields.

Findings

Identification of two or three ordered phases below 2.3 K

Low-temperature phase exhibits antiferromagnetic characteristics

Presence of multiple phase transitions in the compound

Abstract

Magnetization, specific heat, and electrical resistivity measurements were made on single crystals of the filled skutterudite compound PrOs$_{4}$As$_{12}$. Specific heat measurements indicate an electronic specific heat coefficient $\gamma$ $\sim 50-200$ mJ/mol K$^{2}$ at temperatures 10 K $\leq T \leq 18$ K, and $\sim 1$ J/mol K$^{2}$ for $T \leq 1.6$ K. Magnetization, specific heat, and electrical resistivity measurements reveal the presence of two, or possibly three, ordered phases at temperatures below $\sim 2.3$ K and in fields below $\sim 3$ T. The low temperature phase displays antiferromagnetic characteristics, while the nature of the ordering in the other phase(s) has yet to be determined.