Magnetism of Tb ternary compounds with a rhombic TiNiSi crystal structure

Rare earth ternary compounds RTX form the rhombic ε - TiNiSi structure, where R stands for rare earth elements, T for transition metals, and X for metalloids. Single crystals of these compounds, TbNiSn, TbPdSn and TbRhGe, were synthesized by Czochralski method. Magnetic properties of the three compounds were studied in detail by magnetization measurements, specific heat and neutron diffraction. Magnetisms of the three compounds were compared one another. A crystal field effect contributes critically to the magnetism of these compounds. Exchange interaction energies were nearly the same magnitude in these three compounds. Some antiferromagnetic phases and the transition to metamagnetism were observed below TN (Neel temperature). Anisotropic energy for TbPdSn is larger than those for the other two compounds. (Y. Kazumata)