Normal-state magnetic properties and their correlation with T-c suppression and the resistivity anomalies in the (La1-xPrx)(1.85)Sr0.15CuO4 series

We have investigated the normal-state anomalies observed in the magnetic an d transport properties of the (La1-xPrx)(1.85)Sr0.15CuO4 system with 0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.5. The resistivity curves showe d an increasing deviation from linearity below similar to 100 K. This behav ior is properly accounted by a logarithmic term, whose coefficient C linear ly increases with x. The normal-state magnetic susceptibility measurements evidenced a departure from the Pr3+ Curie-Weiss dependence in the same temp erature range for which the resistivity anomaly occurs. A comprehensive pic ture of the conduction mechanism is presented in terms of a Kondo-like scat tering of the mobile holes by the spin fluctuations. (C) 1999 American Inst itute of Physics. [S0021-8979(99)16508-3].