Magnetic structures of LFexSn2 (L = Tb-Tm; 0.1 < x < 0.15)

The magnetic structures of the compounds LFexSn2 (S.G.: Cmcm; L = Tb-Tm; 0.1 < x < 0.15) have been determined from neutron diffraction studies. The LFexSn2 (L = Tb, Dy, Er) order below 18.4, 6.9 and 5.5 K, respectively, in an antiferromagnetic structure characterized by the propagation vector k = (0, 0, 1/2). The corresponding moment values are μTb = 8.1μB, μDy = 5.5μB and μEr = 7.3μB. The compound HoFe0.14Sn2 orders below 5.9 K, in an antiferromagnetic structure characterized by the propagation vector k = (1/2, 1/2, 0) and an arrangement of the Ho moments different to that reported for the corresponding Co and Ni representatives. At 2 K, the moment value is μHo = 6.6μB. The compound TmFe0.1Sn2 is ordered in the temperature range 1.8-2.3 K in a sine-modulated structure with propagation vector k = (0, 0.7196, 0.4381). At 1.45 K, an antiferromagnetic structure characterized by the propagation vector k = (0, 0, 1/2) takes place with a moment value μTm = 6.1μB. The moment orientation is close to the [0 0 1] direction for Tb, Dy and Ho compounds and aligned along [1 0 0] for Er and Tm compounds.