Abstract. A study of the magnetization distribution in UPdSn using polarized-neutron scattering is reported. The measurements probed the induced magnetization on a single crystal under an applied magnetic field of 4.6 T at 45 K (paramagnetic phase), and the moment aligned with the field at 4 K (ordered state, canted antiferromagnetic phase I). It was found that the distribution of the magnetic moment in the unit cell is rather localized on the actinide atom. The magnetic moment of the U atom aligned by the field is at 45 K and at 4 K. Any moment on the palladium atom is very small and does not exceed 3% of the aligned moment of the uranium atom at either temperature. The magnetic form factor of the actinide is found to follow closely that of an electronic configuration, with a small reduction of the orbital moment in the ordered state compared to the free-ion value.

Print publication: Issue 9 (8 March 1999)
Received 9 September 1998