Magnetic Properties of Hexagonal RTIn Rare Earth Intermetallics with Frustration

Magnetic properties, including magnetic structure, of some RTIn compounds (R = Tb-Er; T = Cu, Ni, Pd, Pt, Au) with the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type crystal structure are reported. Distribution of the rare earth atoms in the basal plane is similar to the kagome-lattice. Magnetic moments are localized exclusively on the rare earth atoms and form different types of magnetic ordering. Experimental results are analyzed within the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida and crystal electric field frames. Monte Carlo simulations, including the J1 and J2 exchange integrals between nearest and next nearest spins and Dzialoshinsky-Moriya interaction, were performed resulting in a number of magnetic phases, some of which are in good agreement with the magnetic ordering determined in the neutron diffraction experiments. (authors)