Tb-based silicate apatites showing slow magnetization relaxation with identical parameters for the Tb3+and Dy3+counter ions

Abstract

Tb-diluted and Tb-rich apatite-type silicates with compositions Y7.75Tb0.25Ca2(SiO4)6O2and Tb8Ca2(SiO4)6O2, respectively, exhibit field induced multiple slow relaxation of magnetization. The former reveals two slow relaxation paths, the latter only one with a longer relaxation time of several seconds. The relaxation features of the Tb-diluted one are comparable with those of analogue compounds, where Tb is replaced by Dy, as well as with those of a Tb-doped calcium phosphate apatite. The relaxation parameters of the Tb-rich compound virtually match those of the Dy-based analogue Dy8Ca2(SiO4)6O2. The latter represents the first instance of independence of magnetization relaxation on the nature of a paramagnetic rare-earth metal ion in single ion magnet like materials.