Effect of crystal field on the inelastic neutron scattering cross‐section (II)

Abstract

Abstract The linewidth of magnetic inelastic neutron scattering in metals is studied theoretically. In particular the linewidth due to the sf interaction is investigated on the basis of the Hirst theory for magnetic ions with substantial crystal‐field splitting. The theory is applied to the quasi‐elastic and the inelastic neutron scattering cross‐sections due to Ce 3+ . The experiments of Loewenhaupt and Steglich on the (Ce x La 1− x )Al 2 , considered to be the first to demonstrate the non‐vanishing values of the linewidths associated with excited states near zero temperature, can be qualitatively explained by the present theory.