PrInAu2 belongs to the Heusler structure type, which display a diverse array of physical properties, including superconductivity.1 Heusler compounds are also investigated for their potential as topological insulators and half-metallic ferrogmagnets.2,3 Synthesis and characterization of Heusler compounds, however, can be challenging because of the presence of impurities and structural disorder.Resistivity measurements suggest that PrInAu2 exhibits a structural transition.4 We synthesized polycrystalline PrInAu2 using arc-melting methods. We will discuss how scanning electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction were employed to characterize crystal structure and to optimize synthesis parameters. Evidence for temperature and field-dependent structural transitions observed in synchrotron and neutron diffraction experiments will also be presented. 1. Klimczuk, T. et al., Phys. Rev. B, 2012, 85 , 174505 and references therein.2. Kane, C. and Moore, J.  Physics World, 2011, 32.3. Chadov, S. et al., Nat. Mater, 9 , 541-545.4. Besnus, M. J. et al., Physica B, 30B,  1985, 240-242.

Optimizing synthesis parameters and characterizing PrInAu<sub>2</sub> using microscopy and diffraction

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Optimizing synthesis parameters and characterizing PrInAu2 using microscopy and diffraction

Optimizing synthesis parameters and characterizing PrInAu₂ using microscopy and diffraction