Magnetization processes in the TbMn6Sn6 compound

The discontinuous magnetization processes of the TbMn6Sn6 compound have been studied by magnetization measurements on aligned powders in the temperature range 170-320 K and in magnetic fields up to 40 T. The observed magnetization jumps are associated with a first-order magnetization processes. The magnetization curves can be described well in the framework of a phenomenological approach that includes the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy contributions of first and second order. The anisotropy constants K-1 and K-2 were obtained from fitting of the magnetization curves. The values of K, and K, gradually change from 2.2x10(6) to -4.9x10(4) J m(-3) and from -4.87x10(5) to -3.8x10(4) J m(-3), respectively, with temperature increase from 170 to 320 K. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.