Molecular magnetism and crystal field effects in the Kondo system Ce$_3$Pd$_{20}$(Si,Ge)$_6$ with two Ce sublattices

Abstract

The unusual electronic and magnetic properties of the systems Ce$_3$Pd$_{20}$T$_6$ (T = Ge, Si) with two non-equivalent Ce positions are discussed. The logarithmic growth of resistance for both the systems confirms the presence of the Kondo effect in the two respective temperature ranges. The two-scale behavior is explained by consecutive splitting of Ce ion levels in the crystal field. The effects of the frustration caused by the coexistence of the different positions of cerium are treated, which may also significantly enhance the observed values of specific heat. A model of "molecular magnetism" with Ce2 cubes is developed.