Anisotropic magnetic properties and specific-heat study of a TbFe2Si2 single crystal -: art. no. 134405

We report on the results of low-temperature magnetization, specific-heat, and resistivity measurements on a TbFe2Si2 single crystal in magnetic fields up to 5 T applied parallel to the principal crystallographic axes. We conclude that TbFe2Si2 orders antiferromagnetically below T-N=5 K and exhibits strong uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Analysis of specific-heat data has revealed a field-dependent Schottky contribution. The observed pronounced magnetocaloric effect points to a strong competition of the applied magnetic field and antiferromagnetic correlations in TbFe2Si2. Electronic structure of TbFe2Si2 was studied by first principles calculations in the framework of the density functional theory, which has confirmed the nonmagnetic character of Fe sites.