Antiferromagnetic ordering below 1.7 K in PrIr2Ge2

We present our investigations on magnetic and transport properties of polycrystalline PrIr2Ge2 which forms in CaBe2Ge2-type primitive tetragonal structure (space group P4/nmm). The ac magnetic susceptibility data exhibit two well pronounced peaks at 2.08 K and 0.76 K due to the onset of magnetic order. The specific heat also exhibits a sharp λ-type anomaly at 1.7 K confirming the onset of bulk antiferromagnetic order. The temperature dependence of magnetic part of entropy suggests a quasi-triplet ground state in this compound. The onset of magnetic order is also confirmed by the electrical resistivity data.

Research highlights▶ We report magnetic and transport properties of PrIr2Ge2 investigated down to 250 mK. ▶ We confirm the CaBe2Ge2-type tetragonal structure (space group P4/nmm) of PrIr2Ge2. ▶ An antiferromagnetic ordering is found below 1.7 K. ▶ Strong influence of crystal field effect is also observed in magnetic part of specific heat as well as electrical resistivity data indicating a quasi-triplet ground state.