Resistivity minimum and anisotropy in R2PdSi3 (R = Ce, Gd)

We have measured electrical resistivity (rho) and magnetization (M) on the single crystal R2PdSi3 (R = Ce,Gd). A minimum in rho in each compound repor ted earlier in polycrystals is observed also in single crystals. The rho mi nima in two compounds are apparently of different origins. Both compounds e xhibit large anisotropy, though Gd is a S-state ion. M in Ce2PdSi3 is highl y anisotropic with the orientation of the applied magnetic: fields due to c rystal field (CEF), while M in Gd2PdSi3, shows two step metamagnetic anomal ies for the magnetic field along [0001]. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.