Magnetic and transport properties of TmB12, ErB12, HoB12 and DyB12

We present measurements of the magnetization and electrical resistivity of TmB12, ErB12 and HoB12 singlecrystalline samples as well as of a DyB12 poly crystalline sample. Data were taken in the paramagnetic state as well as in the magnetically ordered regime. To our knowledge, this is the first syste matic investigation of TmB12, ErB12, HoB12 and DyB12 on the magnetically or dered phase by measurements of magnetization and electrical resistivity. Al l samples investigated undergo antiferromagnetic ordering in the lower Kelv in temperature range. From the magnetization data, the Neel temperatures, t he paramagnetic Curie temperatures, and the effective magnetic moments of t he corresponding rare earth ions are determined. It is shown that the indir ect exchange interaction of RKKY type is the dominating mechanism leading t o the observed antiferromagnetic ordering. The measured temperature depende nces of the electrical resistivity show a pronounced effect of superzone bo undaries near Neel temperatures. The spin wave scattering of conduction ele ctrons below T-N is discussed, too. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All righ ts reserved.