Spin Dynamics and Magnetic Ordering in Mixed Valence Systems

Neutron scattering measurements are reported on the mixed valence compounds Ce//1// minus //xTh//x and TmSe. The chi double prime (Q, omega ) as derived from the inelastic spectra of Ce//0//. //7//4Th//0//. //2//6 shows a peak in the gamma phase near 20. 0 meV and shifts abruptly to greater than 70. 0 meV at the transition to the alpha phase.

The temperature independence of the susceptibility within the gamma phase cannot be simply reconciled with the temperature dependence of the valence within the gamma phase. TmSe is shown to order in a type I antiferromagnetic structure below T//N similar 3. 2 K. The magnetic phase diagram is understood as a successive domain reorientation and a metamagnetic phase transition for T less than 3 K with increasing field.

The mixed valence nature manifests itself in a reduced moment and a markedly altered crystal field. Another sample of TmSe with a lattice parameter implying 100% Tm**3** plus exhibits spin correlations characteristic of a type II structure but never achieves long range order.