Evolution of the magnetism of Tb(Co_{x}Ni_{1-x})_{2}B_{2}C

TL;DR

This study investigates how the magnetic properties of polycrystalline Tb(Co_{x}Ni_{1-x})_{2}B_{2}C evolve with composition, revealing multiple magnetic modes and complex interactions influenced by competing couplings and crystal field effects.

Contribution

It provides a detailed experimental analysis of magnetic phase evolution in Tb(Co_{x}Ni_{1-x})_{2}B_{2}C across different compositions, highlighting the interplay of magnetic modes and additional effects at x=0.4.

Findings

Identification of distinct magnetic modes for different x values.

Complex magnetic behavior and deviations from Curie-Weiss law at x=0.4.

Evidence of competing magnetic interactions and possible crystal field effects.

Abstract

The magnetic properties of polycrystalline Tb(Co_{x}Ni_{1-x})_{2}B_{2}C (x=0.2,0.4,0.6,0.8) samples were probed by magnetization, specific heat, ac susceptibility, and resistivity techniques. For x{\neq}0.4, the obtained curves are consistent with the features expected for the corresponding magnetic modes, namely k_{1}=(0.55,0,0) at x=0; k_{2}=([nicefrac]\nicefrac{1}{2}</LaTeX>,0,[nicefrac]<LaTeX>\nicefrac{1}{2}) at x= 0.2; k_{3}=(0,0,[nicefrac]\nicefrac{1}{3}) at x= 0.6, and k_{4}=(0,0,0) at x= 0.8 and 1. For x=0.4, even though the neutron diffraction indicates a k_{2} mode, but with a reduced magnetic moment, the magnetization, the ac susceptibility, and resistivity indicate two magnetic events; furthermore, deviation from Curie-Weiss behavior is observed below 150 K for this sample. These features, together with the evolution of both magnetic moment and critical temperature, are attributed to an interplay between competing magnetic couplings; for the particular x=0.4 case, additional factors such as crystalline electric field effects may be in operation.