Electronic properties of the ternary system YbPd$_2 $Ge$_{2-x}$

Abstract

The data on the electronic and magnetic properties of the ternary ytterbium-based alloy YbPd$_2 $Ge$_{1.7}$ are presented and compared with those for YbPd$_2 $Ge$_{2}$ and YbPd$_2 $Ge compounds. YbPd$_2 $Ge$_{1.7}$ demonstrates a moderate heavy-fermion behavior with linear specific heat coefficient $\gamma \simeq $ 100 mJ/mol K$^2$. Magnetic susceptibility is large and demonstrates nearly Curie behavior. Resistivity shows a power-law $T^{1.2}$-dependence at not too low temperatures $T$. Thermoelectric power has non-monotonous behavior and changes its sign at low $T$.