Crystal Growth, Magnetic and transport properties of USb2

Abstract:

High-quality single crystals of USb₂ were grown by the Sb self-flux method. The magnetic susceptibility, resistivity, magnetoresistance and specific heat were measured. The results indicate that, the 5f electrons in USb₂ with moderately correlated electron system exhibit dual characteristics of both localized and itinerant behaviors. The 5f electrons of USb₂ begin to coherent about 260 K. USb₂ transforms from paramagnetic into antiferromagnetic state at 203 K and the reconstruction of the Fermi surface occurs. The electronic structure near Fermi surface is further changed through the first hybridization between the localized 5f electrons and the conduction electrons below 113 K. The second hybridization leads to open one energy gap near the Fermi surface below 54 K. The crystal field effects have an important impact on physical properties at lower temperatures.