Abstract
An inelastic neutron scattering study of the filled and partially-filled skutterudite compounds RFe4Sb12 and R0.5Fe2.75Ni1.25Sb12 (where R = Ce and La) was carried out to understand the nature of the spin dynamics. Strong magnetic scattering was observed in Ce0.5Fe2.75Ni1.25Sb12 at ~ 5 meV. The integrated intensity of this peak does not follow the Ce3+ form factor, but exhibits a maximum at a momentum transfer (|Q|) of 2 Å-1. We attribute this feature to a Ce3+ crystal field excitation in the presence of magnetic exchange interactions. This picture is supported by thermodynamic and magnetic properties. Finally, we confirm the presence of a spin gap in CeFe4Sb12 suggested by our previous work.