Synthesis and basic properties of the filled skutterudite SmFe4Sb12

We have synthesized the filled skutterudite Sm x Fe 4 Sb 12 under high pressure to improve the Sm-site filling fraction x. From the magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity and specific heat measurements, we confirmed a ferromagnetic transition at T C ∼ 43 K . We found no drastic change in the magnetic properties caused by the reduced number of the Sm-site vacancy, in contrast with the significant change of the magnetic ground state in Pr x Fe 4 Sb 12 ; from ferromagnetic to non-magnetic one. Such a different response of the magnetic properties to the change in rare earth site vacancy is discussed.