A theory of magnetism for semi-metallic uranium compounds

A theoretical study is carried out to explain the magnetic properties of uranium compounds of NaCl, anti-Cu₂Sb and Th₃P₄ type. The electronic model used is a modified free electron model along the lines of the band structure for NaCl type uranium compounds previously reported. An exchange interaction via the conduction electrons is assumed for the mechanism of magnetic ordering. The molecular field approximation is used to calculate θ, T_N and the exchange interaction constants. The stability range of various magnetic ordering states and the variation of θ, T_N and exchange interaction constants are obtained as functions of lattice parameter. These results well explain the experimental data.