Conduction-electron polarization in intermetallic actinide compounds

The large conduction-electron polarization observed in many intermetallic actinide compounds with well localized 5f moments is analyzed using a phenomenological model for the electron density of states. The model is applied to PuP and successfully predicts appreciable polarization effects existing in the paramagnetic phase. Possible consequences of this model in our understanding of the electronic structure of other actinide compounds with the NaCl-type structure are discussed. © 1978 The American Physical Society