Mossbauer study of the RENiSnD (RE: Pr, Nd) monodeuterides

NdNiSnD and PrNiSnD monodeuterides have been studied by Sn-119 Mossbauer spectroscopy at variable temperatures between 4.2 and 300 K. Deuterium insertion into the RE3Ni sites induces at low temperatures a magnetic splitting of the tin nuclear levels. Slightly different magnetic ordering temperatures, 25(1) and 20(1) K, were evidenced for the Nd- and Pr-containing deuterides, respectively. The Mossbauer spectra suggest a similar type of local structures for both compounds, with a mutual substitution of Sn and Ni atoms. The magnetic behaviour is discussed in relation to the different spin waves mechanisms. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.