We have investigated the electronic structure of CeRhAl which crystallizes in the orthorhombic ${\mathrm{Pd}}_2(\mathrm{Pd},\mathrm{Mn}){\mathrm{Ge}}_2$-type structure, uncommon for the series of ternary Ce intermetallics. Our calculations reveal a band structure in very good agreement with experimental observations. We found a metallic ground state. We also present data for the temperature dependence of the specific heat, magnetic susceptibility, and electrical resistivity of CeRhAl. A $\lambda$-type peak of an antiferromagnetic phase at $3.8\mathrm{K}$ is clearly visible. The CeRhAl compound displays an atomic disorder, which provokes unusual temperature dependences of the magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity below $20\mathrm{K}$.

• Received 27 February 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.70.195123