Measurement of DC resistivity of new quasi-one-dimensional conducting platinate

Cs$_{4}$[Pt(CN)$_{4}$](CF$_{3}$SO$_{3})_{2}$ (TCP) is the newest palatinate, quasi-one-dimensional conductors with parallel ``chains'' of Pt maintained by peripheral materials and with well known properties, especially in the potassium-containing material, KCP. Unlike KCP, however, we are finding properties unique to TCP. First, we discuss technical difficulties in measuring the DC resistivity of this material: Unlike with KCP, the samples of TCP were relatively small and very fragile, their contact surface had an insulating film, and the crystal had a very sensitive pressure dependence, coupled with significant thermal contraction/expansion. These issues were addressed with reasonable success, using proper handling methods, sputtered electrical contacts, and a floating sample mount, as will be discussed. The resulting temperature dependence of resistivity is radically different from KCP, showing an anomalous ``peak'' at around 150 K.