Low-temperature properties of the semi-Heusler compound CuMnSb

We report the magnetic field dependence of the magnetization, electrical resistivity, and specific heat of polycrystalline samples of the semi-Heusler metal CuMnSb at temperatures down to 1.5 K. Below T-N=50 K CuMnSb orders antiferromagnetically. Magnetic field up to 14 T does not affect the antiferromagnetic state as inferred from these bulk properties. Our study identifies antiferromagnetic transition-metal semi-Heusler compounds with low magnetic ordering temperatures as a material class, where unusual properties emerge of large local moments coupled to the conduction electrons.(c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.