Unexpected magnetic behaviour in a singlet crystal field ground state induced by Tb 4f-instability

The magnetic susceptibility () of Th_1-xTb_x alloys (with 5<x<55a/o Tb) in the range of 1 K<T<350K and the specific heat (forx=1.5a/o Tb) for 0.5<T<10 K were measured. A maximum in (T) was observed at a temperature which depends on concentration. The crystal field level scheme that fits the specific heat measurements shows two non-magnetic singlets as lowest levels. Such ambiguity is discussed within the framework of the 4f-Tb instability. The results are in agreement with the matrix superconductiveT_c decrease. The contribution of the interconfigurational mixing on and the specific heat is also discussed.This work was partially supported by the KfA-CNEA cooperation program and by the Deutsche Farschungsgemeinschaft through SFB125