MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF PLUTONIUM MONOPHOSPHIDE

The results of magnetization and NMR measurements of plutonium monophosphide are reported. A paramagnetic moment of 1.06μB was obtained from the χ-1-versus-T plot, above the Curie temperature of 126°K, after subtracting a value of 190×10-6 emu/mole for the temperature-independent orbital paramagnetism. A ferromagnetic moment of 0.42μB per formula unit was obtained for PuP. The Knight shift of P31 in PuP is linearly dependent on the magnetic susceptibility above the Curie temperature. An effective hyperfine field of - 51 kG was determined from the slope of the K-versus-χ curve. The relaxation rate can be described in terms of the Knight shift KKPuP-KThP by (T1T)-1=(23.5±1.7)×102K (sec°K)-1. The saturation moment is discussed in terms of the localized-5f-electron model, and the NMR results are discussed in terms of the coupling of the conduction electrons and the localized 5f electrons. © 1969 The American Physical Society.