LOW-TEMPERATURE SPIN-GLASS MAGNETIC-BEHAVIOR OF CE3PD20GE6

A polycrystalline sample of Ce3Pd20Ge6 is investigated using a dc SQUI D magnetometer. A noticeable difference between ZFC and FC magnetic su sceptibility is found below approximate to 60 K. The temperature depen dence of the magnetic susceptibility demonstrates an anomaly near appr oximately 2.8 K below which a remanent magnetic moment exists. Two cha racteristic temperatures detected support the assumption that there ar e different cerium magnetic subsystems in Ce3Pd20X6 (X = Ge, Si) compo unds. Unusual magnetic behavior observed in Ce3Pd20Ge6 is discussed wi thin the framework of the ''molecular magnetism'' model which predicts a frustration of exchange interactions. (C) 1998 American Institute o f Physics. [S1063-777X(98)00608-2].