Local and itinerant magnetism and superconductivity in R Rh₂si₂ (R = rare earth)

Magnetization and Mossbauer studies reveal that R Rh₂Si₂ (R = rare earth) have two magnetic phase transitions, one corresponding to the ordering of the rare earth (T^N = 27-130K) and the other to the itinerant electron ordering of the Rh sublattice (T^M= 5-17K). LaRh₂si₂ has also been studied by resistivity, specific heat and a.c. susceptibility measurements. All studies indicate that LaRh₂Si₂ orders magnetically at T^M= 7K and becomes superconducting, type II, at T^c= 3.8±0.2K.