On the low-temperature properties of TmCo2Ge2

In this paper low-temperature magnetic properties of TmCo2Ge2 are reported. The compound was investigated by means of magnetic, electrical transport, heat capacity and neutron diffraction measurements. Clear anomalies were found in all of the bulk characteristics at the onset of antiferomagnetically ordered state below 2.4 K. According to neutron diffraction data, Tm magnetic moments are aligned along the c-axis, forming the AFI-type magnetic structure. In the paramagnetic state, the specific heat reveals a distinct Schottky contribution with the total crystal field splitting of about 150 K. - Highlights: → Ordering temperature for the investigated TmCo2Ge2 compound was found to be 2.4 K. → Susceptibility, resistivity, heat capacity and neutron diffraction data are presented. → Phononic characteristic temperatures were estimated. → Magnetic structure was found on the basis of neutron diffraction; → Overall CEF splitting of the ground multiplet reaches 150 K.