Structure and magnetism of R 5Bi 3 (R=Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) and Tb 4Bi 3

Abstract

The physical properties of the rare earth bismuthides R 5Bi 3 (R=Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) and Tb 4Bi 3 were investigated for the first time. The R 5Bi 3 compounds have been found to crystallise in the orthorhombic structure of the Y 5Bi 3-type whereas Tb 4Bi 3 forms the cubic anti-P 4Th 3 structure. The temperature dependence of the DC and AC magnetic susceptibility and the electrical resistivity have been measured. Tb 4Bi 3 orders ferromagnetically at 190 K whereas R 5Bi 3 show a complex form of magnetic ordering at lower temperatures.