Multi-step metamagnetic processes of PrPd2Si2 single crystal

Magnetic studies were performed on PrPd2Si2 single crystals which crystallize in the tetragonal ThCr2Si2-type structure. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility indicates that the compound orders antiferromagnetically at temperatures below T N = 3.2 K. The transition was confirmed by specific heat measurements. Magnetization measurements at fields up to 18 T show that the easy magnetization direction is the [100] direction in the basal plane. In the magnetization process, five or four metamagnetic transitions appear; the process is a five (four)-step metamagnetic one. The [110] magnetization process is a three-step one. A strong magnetic anisotropy between the [100] and [110] directions is observed within the basal plane for high magnetic fields. Along the hard magnetization direction of the c-axis, a metamagnetic transition appears. The B [100] − T phase diagram was constructed. A magnetic anisotropy between the [100] and [001] directions is also strong. These behaviors are discussed based on an analysis of crystalline field effects.