Magnetic structures of (Gd1-xYx)Mn2Ge2 and (Tb1-xYx)Mn2Ge2 studied by neutron powder diffraction

Abstract

Magnetic structures and magnetic phase transitions in “naturaly-layered” (Gd1-xYx)Mn2Ge2 and (Tb1-xYx)Mn2Ge2 compounds have been studied by electrical resistivity and neutron powder diffraction experiments. Hot neutrons were used to probe the magnetic structures of Gd-containing materials. The variable R-Mn exchange forces Gd moments to realign from the tetragonal axis into the plane and back to this axis, whereas canted and tripled structures were detected in the series of compounds containing the highly anisotropic Tb-ion.