The magnetic behavior of La1−xTbxMn2Si2 (0≤x≤0.3) in weak magnetic fields

The structure and magnetic properties of La1−xTbxMn2Si2 (0≤x≤0.3) were studied by X-ray powder diffraction and DC magnetization measurements. All the compounds crystallize in ThCr2Si2-type structure. Substitution of Tb for La led to a linear decrease in the lattice constants and the unit-cell volume. A ferromagnetic phase for x≤0.15, and an antiferromagnetic phase for x=0.3 have been observed at about room temperature, whereas the compounds with x=0.2 and 0.25 exhibit a magnetic phase transition from ferromagnetism to antiferromagnetism.