MAGNETISM AND CRYSTAL FIELD IN TmCu₂

Abstract

The crystal field energies and Griineisen parameters of the individual crystal field levels of ~m~+ in TmCu2 were determined from specific heat and thermal expansion data above TN. The magnetic phase transitions are discussed with respect to magnetic entropy and molar volume.

On crystal-field spectroscopy based on specific heat and thermal expansion measurements: application to the TmCu2intermetallic compound

“…TmCu2 is an antiferromagnet below T, = 6.3 K. The second-order transition is clearly reflected in the specific heat data [2], in the thermal expansion [8] and magnetisation [9]. The next first-order phase transition occurs at 4.3 K [8,9].…”

“…The next first-order phase transition occurs at 4.3 K [8,9]. There are some experimental indications for another first-order transition near T = 3 K, which seems to be extremely sensitive to internal stresses [8].…”