来源:ACS Publications
The rare-earth intermetallic compound NdCuSb2 possesses an antiferromagnetic (AFM) order below TN = 3.78 K, with magnetic moments aligned along the b axis. Here, we systematically investigate the pressure evolution of the structural and electronic properties of a NdCuSb2 single crystal up to 53.4 GPa. With initial increasing pressure, TN decreases rapidly and eventually vanishes above PC = 3.5 GPa, indicating the complete suppression of the pristine AFM state. Upon further compression to 6.0 GPa, a new anomaly, T*, around 4 K is observed and shows a monotonous increment with pressure, suggesting the appearance of a new phase. Based on high-pressure XRD and Raman scattering measurements, the lattice structure remains very stable under pressure. Since the magnetoresistance curve exhibits a crossover from positive to negative above PC, we propose that the new phase possesses a different spin structure and marks the occurrence of a pressure-driven magnetic phase transition. In addition, the pressure evolutions of the residual resistivity ratio (RRR), n, A, and resistance values show abnormal behaviors around PC, further manifesting the occurrence of this magnetic phase transition.