RESUMO
The results of thermodynamic, transport, and x-ray diffraction measurements of single crystals of the new compound Yb14ZnSb11 are presented. These data indicate an intermediate Yb valence scenario, with a spin fluctuation temperature of approximately 85 K. The compound is weakly metallic and is isostructural with the charge-balanced Zintl compound Yb14AlSb11. The intermediate Yb valence can be qualitatively accounted for by considering the charge counting arguments of the nonmetallic parent, and charge balance in Zintl-related materials appears to be a viable route to designing other compounds with intermediate valence constituents.
RESUMO
Some recent advances in the study of quasicrystals at Ames Laboratory are reviewed. In particular, growth from the melt of large, high-quality, single-grain quasicrystals is described in detail for icosahedral R-Mg-Zn and decagonal Al-Ni-Co. In addition, the magnetic properties of the rare-earth-containing icosahedral R-Mg-Zn quasicrystals are discussed.
