Determine the magnetic anisotropy of SmPd2Ge2

Determine the magnetic anisotropy of polycrystalline SmPd2Ge2, which remains unknown because single-crystal measurements are unavailable.

Background

The paper compares the magnetic anisotropy and crystal-electric-field schemes of SmTr2Ge2 compounds across the transition-metal series. Measurements establish easy-plane anisotropy for the Co- and Ni-based compounds and easy-axis anisotropy for the Cu- and Ag-based compounds. SmPd2Ge2 is included in the specific-heat and entropy analysis, but only polycrystalline data are available, preventing determination of its directional magnetic response.

Resolving the anisotropy of SmPd2Ge2 would help place Pd within the systematic evolution of the CEF ground state and clarify whether its inferred low first-excited-CEF energy is associated with an easy-plane, easy-axis, or otherwise distinct magnetic response.