The "spin-glass-like" phase in the CeNi1-xCux system

We present an extensive characterisation of the "spin-glass-like" state fou nd in the phase diagram of the CeNi1-xCux system. The frequency and magneti c field dependence of the chi (AC) susceptibility, irreversibilities in the field-cooled and zero-field-cooled magnetisation, hysteresis loops, magnet ic relaxation effects, specific heat and neutron diffraction results are pr esented. An inhomogeneous spin-glass-like phase consisting on magnetic clus ters imbedded in a non-magnetic matrix for richer Ni compounds (x = 0.15. 0 .2) is proposed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.