Two systems of ternary transition metal phosphides with the ordered Fe(2)P-type hexagonal structure are reported. They have the general formula MRuP and MOsP, in which M can be Ti, Zr, or Hf. An onset of the superconducting transition temperature as high as 13.0 K is reported for the ZrRuP compound.

The ternary compound YbRh1.4Sn4.6 with the phase I structure (simple cubic) when subjected to a pressure of 40 kbar at 800°C is found to transform to phase III structure (f.c.c.) with the composition YbRh1.1Sn3. The latter compound has a lattice parameter of a = 13.735 A ̊ which suggests that the Yb is in an intermediate valence state. The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility suggests that the Yb is in a homogeneously mixed valence state in the pressure synthesized product. In the phase I structure YbRh1.1Sn4.6 is superconducting at 8.6°K, but in the phase III structure the compound YbRh1.1Sn3 is not superconducting down to 0.9°K. It is suggested that superconductivity and mixed valence are incompatible. © 1981.

We present data on the magnetic and superconducting properties of rare earth osmium stannides. The compounds of Tb and Ho are superconducting only, those of Er and Tm are reentrant superconductors, and those of Gd and Dy appear to exhibit some type of short range magnetic order at low temperatures. © 1982.

The superconducting transition temperature of an iridium-yttrium eutectic is enhanced extraordinarily through lattice softening. This is shown by a drastically reduced Debye temperature.

A new family of rare earth-rhodium-tin intermetallic compounds, with the representative formula (RE)RhxSny, has been synthesized in single crystal form. The compounds containing the heavier rare earths are superconducting and those with the lighter rare earths are generally magnetic. The compound ErRh1.1Sn3.6 exhibits reentrant superconductivity with Tc = 0.97 K and Tm = 0.57 K as determined from ac magnetic susceptibility measurements. The synthesis and X-ray characterization of the series are described and the results of electrical resistivity, upper critical magnetic field, magnetic susceptibility, specific heat and neutron scattering measurements on the Er compound are given. © 1980.