MAGNETORESISTANCE OF RNI4SN2 (R=LA, CE, PR AND ND) COMPOUNDS

We have studied the magnetoresistance of polycrystalline RNi4Sn2 (R=La , Ce, Pr and Nd) compounds in the range 4.4-40 K in applied fields up to 45 kOe. The present study was prompted by the earlier observation o f positive gaint magnetoresistance in polycrystalline antiferromagneti c compounds R2Ni3Si5 (R=Nd, Sm and Tb) below their Neel temperature, w hich was attributed to their layered crystal structure [4]. Though RNi 4Sn2 compounds also have a layered-like crystal structure, the magneto resistivity in these compounds in their antiferromagnetically ordered state is positive, but appreciably lower, relatively. (C) 1998 Elsevie r Science S.A.