Crystal electric field and properties of 4f magnetic moments at the surface of the rare-earth compound TbRh2Si2
The crystal electric field (CEF) plays an essential role in defining the magnetic properties of 4f materials. It forces the charge density of 4f electrons and the related magnetic moment to be oriented along a certain direction in the crystal. The CEF and related magnetic properties were widely studied in the past with focus on bulk of 4f materials, while their surfaces have not received much atte