Structural Phase Transition in CeMnSi under Pressure and Comparative Structural Properties of $R$MnSi ($R$ = La, Ce, Pr, Nd)

Abstract

Powder X-ray diffraction experiments under pressure up to $\sim$10 GPa were performed on tetragonal CeFeSi-type $R$MnSi ($R$ = La, Ce, Pr, Nd). A structural phase transition was observed in CeMnSi at a critical pressure of $P_{\rm s}$ $\sim$ 5.7 GPa. In contrast, LaMnSi, PrMnSi, and NdMnSi do not exhibit any structural transitions within the same pressure range. The lattice parameter ratio $c/a$ of CeMnSi decreases rapidly as pressure approaches $P_{\rm s}$, whereas the $c/a$ ratios of the other $R$MnSi increase monotonically with pressure. CeMnSi also shows a relatively small bulk modulus: $B_0$ $\sim$ 41.4(4) GPa in the 0--2 GPa range and $B_0$ $\sim$ 32.8(2) GPa in the 4--5 GPa range, suggesting valence instability under pressure. The structural transition in CeMnSi is attributed to the pressure-induced decrease in $c/a$ and its low bulk modulus. Above $P_{\rm s}$, the X-ray diffraction pattern indicates a transition to a monoclinic structure with space group No. 11, $P2_1/m$. These findings highlight the unique pressure response of CeMnSi and provide insight into the coupling between lattice and electronic degrees of freedom in Ce-based intermetallic systems.