On the magnetisation density of CeNiSn

The magnetisation density within the unit cell, induced by external magnetic field, of the "low-charge-carrier Kondo system" CeNiSn has been determined by polarised neutron diffraction to get a further understanding of the hybridisation process in this compound. In addition to the expected induced moment on the cerium a small magnetisation was observed on the nickel site. This result shows that the Ni-3d band is not completely filled. The hybridisation of the Ni-3d with the Ce-4f electrons might be responsible for the unusual anisotropy in the physical properties of CeNiSn.