Magnetoelastic phase diagram of TbNi₂B₂C

The magnetic phase diagram of the quaternary borocarbide TbNi₂B₂C is investigated by direct means and by studying magnetically induced modifications of the crystal structure. Detailed superconducting quantum interference device measurements reveal a complex phase diagram with five distinct magnetic phases. The phase boundaries are mapped out comprehensively. Synchrotron hard x-ray measurements in applied magnetic fields are employed to probe the magnetoelastic distortions throughout the phase diagram. The determination of the wave vectors of these field-induced lattice deformations suggests a range of commensurate spin-slip-type magnetic structures at low temperatures with wave vectors of the form (q,0,0) with q = 6/11 and 5/9. The proposed magnetic structures yield values of magnetization well in-line with observations. The scattering intensity due to the magnetoelastic deformations exhibits a drastic jump at the phase boundary at 1.3 T and low temperatures.