Neutron scattering studies on CeRhSb

Inelastic and elastic neutron scattering studies have been carried out on t he mixed-valent, gap-forming compound CeRhSb. For comparison neutron diffra ction studies have been also carried out on non-magnetic isostructural comp ound LaRhSb. Neutron diffraction data down to 18 K do not show any change i n crystal structure of LaRhSb and CeRhSb. Broad maxima in the anomalous the rmal expansion are seen in CeRhSb (relative to LaRhSb) which suggest lattic e thermal expansions and contractions, which may be correlated to their mag netic behaviour. No gap-type excitation, as expected for gap-forming Kondo semimetallic compounds, is evident in CeRhSb from the low energy inelastic neutron scattering studies at 2 K. The high energy neutron scattering studi es reveal a broad magnetic response centered at 35 meV, consistent with the mixed-valent behaviour of the Ce ions in CeRhSb. (C) 1999 Published by Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.