Multiple magnetic transitions in Er2Ni2Pb -: art. no. 020404

We have fabricated single-phase samples and measured the bulk properties for one (Er) of a series of ternary, heavy rare-earth, 221 ''plumbide'' intermetallic compounds R2Ni2Pb (R = rare earths). These materials form in the orthorhombic (space group Cmmm) structure which is isostructural to Mn2AlB2 compounds. Our results of susceptibility, magnetization, heat capacity, and (magneto) resistivity on Er2Ni2Pb show (sharp) multiple antiferromagnetic transitions and strong field dependences in all bulk properties for the temperature range 2-10 K. We relate this magnetic behavior to the unusual R symmetry (partially frustrated) of the highly anisotropic plumbide crystal structure.