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

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 Ce3+. The experiments of Loewenhaupt and Steglich on the (Cesub(x)Lasub(1-x))Al2, 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. (author)