Crystal fields in YbInNi4 determined with magnetic form factor and inelastic neutron scattering

The magnetic form factor of YbInNi4 has been determined via the flipping ratios R with polarized neutron diffraction, and the scattering function S(Q,ω) was measured in an inelastic neutron scattering experiment. Both experiments were performed with the aim of determining the crystal-field scheme. The magnetic form factor clearly excludes the possibility of a Γ7 doublet as the ground state. The inelastic neutron data exhibit two almost equally strong peaks at 3.2 meV and 4.4 meV which points, in agreement with earlier neutron data, toward a Γ8 quartet ground state. Further possibilities such as a quasiquartet ground state are discussed. © 2011 American Physical Society.