Magnetism and electronic structure of Gd5Bi3 and Gd4Bi3

Gd5Bi3 and Gd4Bi3 were synthesised using induction melting. The AC and DC m agnetic susceptibility and the electrical resistivity were measured over a wide temperature range. The electronic structure of the bismuthides was stu died with the use of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The properties of Gd 5Bi3 have been described for the first time. A complex magnetic ordering wa s found for this compound at temperatures below 110 K. A relation between t he electronic structure and magnetic properties of the bismuthides is discu ssed. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.