CRYSTAL-FIELD EFFECTS IN PRCU2SI2 - AN EVALUATION OF EVIDENCE FOR HEAVY-FERMION BEHAVIOR

We present the results of an inelastic neutron-scattering investigatio n of the crystal-field potential of PrCu2Si2. The crystal-field parame ters and corresponding level scheme have been:determined from a profil e refinement of the neutron spectra in the paramagnetic state. The ove rall splitting is 11.33 meV with a doublet ground state and the first excited singlet at 1.35 meV. The low-energy transitions produce a Scho ttky contribution to the specific heat that agrees well with the measu rements above the Neel temperature. Therefore the specific heat does n ot provide evidence for heavy-fermion behavior as previously proposed.