Multiple Magnetic Structures of Correlated Ce-ions in Intermetallic CeAu2Ge2

Abstract

Neutron diffraction measurements on a high quality single crystal of CeAu2Ge2 reveal two new magnetic structures that coexist with commensurate long range antiferromagnetic order below the Neel temperature T_N ~ 14 K. The new magnetic structures, which exhibit distinct temperature and field dependencies, are described by both commensurate and incommensurate magnetic structures and introduces new region in the H-T phase diagram. These new experimental observations provide essential information for developing a universal understanding of the magnetic properties of this class of Ce-based CeX2M2 (X = Cu, Ag, Au; M = Ge, Si) compounds, which are prototypes for exploring quantum phase transitions and their interplay with unconventional superconductivity.