Structure and magnetism of R5Bi3 (R=Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) and Tb4Bi3

The physical properties of the rare earth bismuthides R5Bi3 (R=Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) and Tb,Bi, were investigated for the first time. The R5Bi3 compounds have been found to crystallise in the orthorhombic structure of the Y5Bi3-type whereas Tb4Bi3 forms the cubic anti-P4Th3 structure. The temperature dependence of the DC and AC magnetic susceptibility and the electrical resistivity have been measured. Tb4Bi3 orders ferromagnetically at 190 K whereas R5Bi3 show a complex form of magnetic ordering at lower temperatures. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.