Magnetic and thermodynamic properties of NdT2Ge2 (T=Pd, Ag) compounds

Physical properties of NdPd₂Ge₂ and NdAg₂Ge₂, crystallizing with the tetragonal ThCr₂Si₂-type crystal structure, were investigated by means of magnetic, calorimetric, electrical transport as well as by neutron diffraction measurements. The specific heat studies and neutron diffraction measurements were performed down to 0.30 K and 0.47 K, respectively. Both compounds exhibit antiferromagnetic ordering below T_N equal to 1.5 K for NdPd₂Ge₂ and 1.8 K for NdAg₂Ge₂. Neutron diffraction data for the latter germanide indicate antiferromagnetic collinear structure described by the propagation vector k=(0.5, 0, 0.5). The Nd magnetic moments equal to 2.24(5) μ_B at 0.47 K are aligned along the a-axis and have the +− sequence within the crystal unit cell. For NdPd₂Ge₂ only very small Bragg peaks of magnetic origin were observed in the neutron diffraction patterns measured below T_N, thus hampering determination of the magnetic structure. Both compounds exhibit metallic-like electrical conduction. From the specific heat data the crystal electric field (CEF) levels schemes were determined. Difference between the overall CEF splitting in the two compounds is correlated with their structural parameters.