Linewidth of crystal‐field excitations in metallic rare‐earth systems

Abstract

A theory for the linewidth of crystal‐field excitations in metallic rare‐earth systems is presented, where the damping is due to conduction electron‐hole excitations. The results of that theory are presented by applying it to two cases. The first case concerns Ce impurities in LaAl₂. A comparison with recent experiments is made. The second application is to a Γ₁‐Γ₄ system. Special attention is paid to the behavior of the central peak near an induced moment phase transition. The theoretical predictions are in agreement with recent experimental findings on Pr₃Tl.