Sn-119 Mossbauer spectroscopy studies of RAgSn compounds (R=La, Ce, Pr)

X-ray analysis and detailed Sn-119 Mossbauer studies in a wide range of tem peratures have been performed on the title compounds. Hyperfine interaction s parameters were determined and discussed. The temperature dependence of M ossbauer spectra clearly shows non-magnetic character of LaAgSn compound an d the onset of magnetic order for the Ce and Pr systems where the Neel temp eratures have been estimated from and compared to those found by other expe rimental methods. The problem of crystal electric field leading B-2(0) term s and their reference to the magnetic alignment of rare earth (Ce, Pr) mome nts is considered and confronted with recent neutron studies. (C) 2001 Else vier Science B.V. All rights reserved.