Inhomogeneous spin glass and mixed phases in cerium compounds

We discuss the properties of the spin glass phase observed in the CeNi1-xCu x system. We have measured the AC susceptibility, field cooled and zero fie ld cooled magnetization, hysteresis loops, magnetic relaxation and neutron scattering. An inhomogeneous magnetic arrangement, namely spin glass-like s tate, is proposed. A description consisting of nanometric magnetic clusters embedded in a non-magnetic matrix is likely for the richer Ni compounds. W e support this hypothesis as a consequence of the coexistence of chemical d isorder in the Ni/Cu crystallographic sites, the random and coherent anisot ropy, the competing magnetic interactions and large 4f-conduction band hybr idization. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.