Anisotropic magnetic properties and specific-heat study of aTbFe2Si2single crystal

We report on the results of low-temperature magnetization, specific-heat, and resistivity measurements on a $\mathrm{Tb}{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{Si}}_2$ single crystal in magnetic fields up to $5\mathrm{T}$ applied parallel to the principal crystallographic axes. We conclude that $\mathrm{Tb}{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{Si}}_2$ orders antiferromagnetically below $T_{\mathrm{N}}=5\mathrm{K}$ 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 $\mathrm{Tb}{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{Si}}_2$. Electronic structure of $\mathrm{Tb}{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{Si}}_2$ was studied by first principles calculations in the framework of the density functional theory, which has confirmed the nonmagnetic character of Fe sites.