Thermal Characterization of Pr_1-xNd_xOs₄Sb₁₂ in Normal State

Pr_1-xNd_xOs₄Sb₁₂ is a series of compounds which, at low temperatures, exhibits strongly correlated electron behaviors such as unconventional superconductivity and ferromagnetism. The specific heat of distinct concentrations of Nd were measured as a function of temperature from 11K–300K. Using the Debye, Einstein, and Sommerfeld models to curve fit the specific heat data, we can extract the Debye Temperature, the Einstein Temperature, and the Sommerfeld coefficient. These properties characterize the compound series: the Debye Temperature describes the stiffness of the crystal structure, the Einstein Temperature reveals the rattling effect of the rare earth ions, and the Sommerfeld coefficient explains the correlation between the electrons. Analysis of preliminary data[1] indicates the possibility of minimums in the extracted parameters near x=0.5. However, this analysis has a sizeable error, especially in regions where the sample heat capacity drops below 20% of the background. Hence, we plan to remeasure some x in order to decrease the observed error.
[1] Y.-C. Chang, et. al. NCUR 2019 Proceeding, Page 219-226