Magnetic phase transitions in RCu2Ge2 (R = Dy − Tm) intermetallics

Magnetic and related properties of RCu2Ge2 (R = Dy − Tm) intermetallics were investigated by means of magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity and specific heat measurements. The compounds were found to order antiferromagnetically at 6.2 K (DyCu2Ge2), 5.6 K (HoCu2Ge2), 3.0 K (ErCu2Ge2) and 3.9 K (TmCu2Ge2). Electrical transport and heat capacity data were analysed by means of appropriate models giving the Debye and Einstein temperatures estimation. By extracting purely magnetic contribution to the heat capacity the Schottky effect due to crystalline electric field (CF) was evidenced. The corresponding CF levels schemes were estimated, as well. Moreover, the magnetic entropy has been calculated for all investigated samples.