The Magnetic Properties of the Multi-Functional Intermetallic Compound Pr_1-x-yLa_xPb_yTe in Highest Magnetic Fields

The intermetallic compound Pr1-x-yLaxPbyTe shows a wide spectrum of physical phenomena. Depending on the metallurgical composition as function of x and y, the compound changes its behavior from van Vleck paramagnetism and hyperfine enhanced nuclear magnetic order to super- or semiconductivity. In addition, there are interesting interplay effects between these ground states. In consequence, Pr1-x-yLaxPbyTe may serve as an interesting material for nuclear spin quantum-computing experiments. In this contribution, we focus on measurements of the magnetic, thermodynamic, and transport properties performed in high magnetic fields up to 50 T as well as in a wide temperature range. In particular, we present data of the magnetization of Pr1-yPbyTe taken in pulsed magnetic fields up to 50 T for various compositions y = 0, 90, 99, 99.9, 99.99 %, i.e. turning the system from a van Vleck paramagnet, y = 0, into a doped semiconductor, y > 99.9 %.
e-mail: T.Herrmannsdoerfer@fz-rossendorf.de