Crystal Growth and Characterization of Orthorhombic Kagome Compounds RFe₆Ge₆ (R= Tb, Dy, Y)

RT₆Sn₆ compounds, where R is a rare earth and T is a transition metal element, have recently attracted much attention due to their diverse magnetic and electronic properties. These compounds crystallize with hexagonal crystal structure. The uniquely spaced kagome layers of T atoms along the crystallographic c-axis provide additional degree of magnetic complexity, as well as an opportunity to tune them. The RFe₆Ge₆ (R = Tb, Dy, Y), compounds, however crystallize with orthorhombic structure, but still have multiple structural features reminiscent to the hexagonal RT₆Sn₆ compounds. The Fe atoms form a breathing kagome planes normal to the crystallographic a-axis. Likewise, the kagome planes are separated by two distinct blocks along the a-axis. Here, we will present crystal growth, structural characterization, magnetic and magneto transport properties of these orthorhombic breathing kagome compounds.