Transitions between spin-glass and ferromagnetic (or related) states in disordered Ni-Mn alloys

Magnetic measurements reveal that the alloy Ni₇₈Mn₂₂ undergoes a field-induced spin-glass-to-ferromagnetic transition at a critical field that decreases from ≈ 140 Oe to zero as the temperature is raised from 4.2 to 40 K, its ferromagnetic Curie point being ≈ 270 K. The alloy Ni₇₄Mn₂₆ is found to have a related state of infinite initial susceptibility but no spontaneous magnetization between ≈ 80 and ≈ 155 K. Below 40 and 80 K, respectively, Ni₇₈Mn₂₂ and Ni₇₈Mn₂₂ exhibit the thermoremanent properties of a spin glass.     

Linear and nonlinear AC susceptibility studies in La(Mn1−xCux)O3

The linear and nonlinear AC susceptibility as a function of temperature were measured on LaMn_1−xCu_xO₃ compounds for x=0.05–0.30$x=0.05–0.30$. Samples with x?0.10$x?0.10$ exhibit paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transitions followed by low temperature spin glass like transition. The linear susceptibility exhibits strong frequency dependence and is analyzed in terms of standard theoretical model for spin glass. The magnitude and peak temperature of nonlinear susceptibility vary with AC field amplitudes. They are analyzed in terms of critical behaviour in the vicinity of spin glass transition temperature and the critical exponent is found to be 3.2.     

Spin glass like behavior in Cd0.42Mn0.58In2S4

The magnetic behavior of the diluted magnetic semiconductor Cd_0.42Mn_0.58In₂S₄ has been study by dc magnetization and ac susceptibility experiments. Zero field cooled and field cooled measurements reveal irreversibility below T_irr=2.60±0.15 K. Ac susceptibility data, performed as a function of the temperature and the frequency, confirm the spin-glass like behavior of the material with T_f=2.75±0.15 K. High temperature susceptibility data follow a typical Curie-Weiss law with θ=−74±1 K which suggests predominant antiferromagnetic interactions. The randomness of the magnetic ions, necessary to explain the magnetic behavior of the material, has been determined by X-ray powder diffraction experiments.     

Viscous behavior in a quasi-1D fractal cluster glass

The spin glass transition of a quasi-1D organic-based magnet ([MnTPP][TCNE]) is explored using both ac and dc measurements. A scaling analysis of the ac susceptibility shows a spin glass transition near 4 K, with a viscous decay of the thermoremanent magnetization recorded above 4 K. We propose an extension to a fractal cluster model of spin glasses that determines the dimension of the spin clusters (D) ranging from approximately 0.8 to over 1.5 as the glass transition is approached. Long-range dipolar interactions are suggested as the origin of this low value for the apparent lower critical dimension.     

Probing the magnetic state by linear and non-linear ac magnetic susceptibility measurements in under-doped manganite Nd0.8Sr0.2MnO3

We have thoroughly investigated the entire magnetic states of under-doped ferromagnetic-insulating manganite Nd_0.8Sr_0.2MnO₃ through temperature-dependent linear and non-linear complex ac magnetic susceptibility measurements. This ferromagnetic-insulating manganite is found to have frequency-independent ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition temperature at around 140 K. At around 90 K (≈T_?) the sample shows a second frequency-dependent re-entrant magnetic transition as explored through complex ac susceptibility measurements. Non-linear ac susceptibility measurements (higher harmonics of ac susceptibility) have also been performed (with and without the superposition of a dc magnetic field) to further investigate the origin of this frequency dependence (dynamic behavior at this re-entrant magnetic transition). Divergence of 3rd harmonic of ac susceptibility in the limit of zero exciting field indicates a spin-glass-like freezing phenomena. However, large value of spin-relaxation time (τ₀=10⁻⁸ s) and small value of coercivity (∼22 Oe) obtained at low temperature (below T_?) from critical slowing down model and dc magnetic measurements, respectively, are in contrast with what generally observed in a canonical spin glass (τ₀=10⁻¹²-10⁻¹⁴ s and very large value of coercivity below freezing temperature). We have attributed our observation to the formation of finite size ferromagnetic clusters which are formed as consequence of intrinsic phase separation and undergo cluster glass-like freezing below certain temperature in this under-doped manganite. The results are supported by the electronic- and magneto-transport data.     

Magnetic dynamics of charge ordered Nd0.80Na0.20MnO3 compound

The magnetic dynamics of charge ordered Nd_0.8Na_0.2MnO₃ compound was studied by measuring the temperature variation of magnetization for different magnetic fields up to 7 T and, the field variation of magnetization at different temperatures down to 5 K. This sample exhibits a charge-ordering transition at 180 K, followed by a weak ferromagnetic (FM) transition at around 100 K and a spin glass like transition below 40 K. Suppression of charge-ordering and spin glass like transition and increase in FM T_C were observed with an increase in magnetic field. A reversible metamagnetic transition above a threshold field (H_f) of 4.5 T was observed at 130 K, followed by a saturation magnetization of 3.2 μ_B/f.u. However at 5 K, an irreversible field induced first order phase transition from charge ordered state to FM state was observed at H_f=5 T. For comparison, the temperature and field variations of magnetization were studied on a FM compound from the same series with the composition Nd_0.90Na_0.10MnO₃. A clear FM transition with a T_C of 113 K and a saturation magnetization of 4.3 μ_B/f.u was observed.     

Evidence of glassy ferromagnetic phase and kinetic arrest of electronic phase in Sm0.35Pr0.15Sr0.5MnO3 manganites

The effect of doping of rare earth Pr³⁺ ion as a replacement of Sm³⁺ in Sm_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃ is investigated. Temperature dependent dc and ac magnetic susceptibility, resistivity, magnetoresistance measurements on chemically synthesized (Sm_0.5−xPr_x)Sr_0.5MnO₃ show various unusual features with doping level x=0.15. The frequency independent ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition at higher temperature (∼191 K) followed by a frequency dependent reentrant magnetic transition at lower temperature (∼31 K) has been observed. The nature of this frequency dependent reentrant magnetic transition is described by a critical slowing down model of spin glasses. From non-linear ac susceptibility measurements it has been confirmed that the finite size ferromagnetic clusters are formed as a consequence of intrinsic phase separation, and undergo spin glass-like freezing below a certain temperature. There is an unusual observation of a 2nd harmonic peak in the non-linear ac susceptibility around this reentrant magnetic transition at low temperature (∼31 K). Arrott plots at 10 and 30 K confirm the existence of glassy ferromagnetism below this low temperature reentrant transition. Electronic- and magneto-transport measurements show a strong magnetic field—temperature history dependence and strong irreversibility with respect to the sweeping of magnetic field. These results are attributed to the effect of phase separation and kinetic arrest of the electronic phase in this phase separated manganite at low temperatures.     

Critical behavior near the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition temperature in La0.7Pb0.05Na0.25MnO3

Critical behavior in La_0.7Pb_0.05Na_0.25MnO₃ has been investigated by dc magnetization measurements. Magnetic data indicate that the compound exhibits a continuous (second-order) paramagnetic (PM) to ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition. Estimates of critical exponents yield δ=4.80±0.01, γ=1.296±0.002 and β=0.344±0.007 (consistent with both the predictions for the three-dimensional-Heisenberg model and with those reported for materials when the FM transition is ascribed to the double exchange (DE) mechanism as a major origin) with T_C=334.54±0.08. The critical exponent γ is slightly inferior than predicted from the 3D Heisenberg model. Such a difference may be due, within the context of the quenched disorder, to the presence of some alterations of short-range magnetic order of FM clusters in the PM phase. The temperature variation in the effective exponent (γ_eff) is similar to those for disordered ferromagnets.     

Spin glass ordering of Zn0.75Co0.25Fe0.5Cr1.5O4 cubic spinel

The linear and nonlinear low field AC susceptibilities of Zn_0.75Co_0.25Fe_0.5Cr_1.5O₄ show peaks due to non-critical contributions, which mask the peak due to spin glass ordering. They extend into the region of temperatures in which Mössbauer spectra do not show any magnetic component. When a DC field of 200 Oe suppresses the non-critical contributions, peak due to spin glass ordering is clearly visible. The spin glass ordering is thus shown to be a thermodynamic transition. The critical exponent is found to fall within the range found using other spin glasses. Mössbauer spectra in zero fields provide T_SG, which agrees with the peak temperature of AC susceptibilities in the absence of non-critical contributions. 〈S_Z〉 determined using Mössbauer spectra does not show any anomaly. In the presence of a field of 5 T, the spectra show SG ordering at 4.2 K, which converts into ferrimagnetic ordering at higher temperatures.     

Critical properties of the paramagnetic-to-ferromagnetic transition in nanocrystalline Gd diluted with Fe

Nanocrystalline Gd_0.946Fe_0.054 of average grain size 68 nm was prepared by melt-spinning. The magnetic behavior in the vicinity of the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition was investigated via dc magnetization and ac susceptibility measurements. The transition temperature and effective critical exponents for the order parameter and zero-field susceptibility were determined using Arrott-Noakes and Kouvel-Fisher analyses. The values obtained were T_C=291.71±0.07 K, β_eff=0.385±0.009, and γ_eff=1.24±0.03, respectively. Correction to scaling analysis indicated that the asymptotic exponents were both smaller than the effective ones within the reduced-temperature range investigated, contrary to the behavior seen in monocrystalline Gd. This behavior can be explained in terms of a crossover from 3D short-range Heisenberg universality class to the 3D Ising universality class due to increased anisotropy induced by the high magnetic fields used in the measurements and also possibly due to strain.     

Cluster glass magnetism in the phase-separated Nd2/3Ca1/3MnO3 perovskite

A detailed study of the low-temperature magnetic state and the relaxation in the phase-separated colossal magnetoresistance Nd_2/3Ca_1/3MnO₃ perovskite has been carried out. Clear experimental evidence of the cluster-glass magnetic behavior of this compound has been revealed. Well defined maxima in the in-phase linear ac susceptibility χ′(T) were observed, indicative of the magnetic glass transition at T_g∼60 K. Strongly divergent zero-field-cooled and field-cooled static magnetizations and frequency dependent ac susceptibility are evident of the glassy-like magnetic state of the compound at low temperatures. The frequency dependence of the cusp temperature T_max of the χ′(T) susceptibility was found to follow the critical slowing down mechanism. The Cole–Cole analysis of the dynamic susceptibility at low temperature has shown extremely broad distribution of relaxation times, indicating that spins are frozen at “macroscopic” time scale. Slow relaxation in the zero-field-cooled magnetization has been experimentally revealed. The obtained results do not agree with a canonical spin-glass state and indicate a cluster glass magnetic state of the compound below T_g, associated with its antiferromagnetic–ferromagnetic nano-phase segregated state. It was found that the relaxation mechanisms below the cluster glass freezing temperature T_g and above it are strongly different. Magnetic field up to about μ₀H∼0.4 T suppresses the glassy magnetic state of the compound.     

Magnetic and magneto-transport investigations of Co37Ni34Al29 alloy

Ferromagnetic shape memory alloy with nominal composition Co₃₇Ni₃₄Al₂₉ is investigated by transport and magnetic measurements. The anomaly due to the martensitic transition is observed around 130-210 K. The thermal hysteresis, observed due to martensitic transition in the dc magnetization versus temperature data, gets suppressed at higher applied field. Below 50 K, magnetization varies with temperature perfectly as T^3/2, which signifies that spin wave excitations are largely responsible for thermal demagnetization. The sample shows small negative magneto-resistance, which varies non-monotonically with temperature showing largest value at around 200 K.     

Effects of divalent alkaline earth ions on the magnetic and transport features of La0.65A0.35Mn0.95Fe0.05O3 (A = Ca, Sr, Pb, Ba) compounds

We have studied the magnetic and transport properties of Fe doped La_0.65A_0.35Mn_0.95Fe_0.05O₃ (A = Ca, Sr, Pb, Ba) manganites. All the compositions show ferromagnetic/metal to paramagnetic/insulator transition (T_C) except the Pb doped sample which is insulating and ferromagnetic (FM) in the entire temperature range. The magnetization and T_C are decreased by decreasing the cation size on La site. The transition temperature and magnetic moment at 77 K is a maximum for Sr doped sample and is decreasing if we increase or decrease the cation size from Sr size. The maximum value of T_C and magnetic moment for Sr based sample is most likely due to the closer ionic sizes of La and Sr as compared to the other dopants (Ca, Pb, and Ba). We observed a spin freezing type effect in the Pb doped sample below 120 K in resistivity, ac susceptibility and in magnetization. This suggests that the AFM interactions introduced by the Fe are most effective in the Pb doped composition leading to increased competition between the FM and AFM interactions. This FM and AFM interaction generates some degree of frustration leading to the appearance of spin glass like phase whose typical magnetic behavior is studied for small ion when the metallic like behavior is lost.     

Spin glass properties of vanadium diluted in Ti2O3

The initial magnetic susceptibility χ_r, the thermoremanent and isothermal remanent magnetizations have been measured below 10 K on single crystals of (Ti_1?xV_x)₂O₃ for x = 0.03, 0.05 and 0.07. The data clearly show a spin glass behaviour, with peaks in the curve χ_r(T). These results are related to the anomaly in the low temperature specific heat of these compounds, reported elsewhere. It is shown that this anomaly is mainly due to spin glass properties and only partly to electronic properties. This leads to a reinterpretation of the mechanism by which V in Ti₂O₃ induces the metallic phase and at the same time carries a magnetic moment.     

Search for a spin glass phase in Mn0.22Zn0.78F2

No spin glass behaviour has been found in Mn_0.22Zn_0.78F₂ which is close to the antiferromagnetic critical concentration. Bulk magnetic measurements show no cusp above 1.7 K, no remanent moment after cooling in a field, and no difference between field cooled and zero field cooled susceptibilities. The infinite time susceptibility derived from diffuse neutron scattering measurements is also in good agreement with the bulk measurement, indicating no frozen component of the bulk susceptibility. The temperature dependence of the susceptibility is explained with a simple paramagnetic model.     

Thermoremanent magnetization in Rb2Mn(1-x)CrxCl4 spin-glass

Time dependence of thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) in a new spin-glass, Rb₂Mn_(1-x)Cr_xCl₄ is measured at temperatures below the freezing temperature. The result shows that long time behavior of the TRM obeys a power law, M(t) = Ct^?A. It is shown from the analysis of the experiment that there is a possibility of the presence of a critical temperature.     

Structural, microstructural and magnetic properties of NiFe2O4, CoFe2O4 and MnFe2O4 nanoferrite thin films

The structural, microstructural and magnetic properties of nanoferrite NiFe₂O₄ (NF), CoFe₂O₄ (CF) and MnFe₂O₄ (MF) thin films have been studied. The coating solution of these ferrite films was prepared by a chemical synthesis route called sol-gel combined metallo-organic decomposition method. The solution was coated on Si substrate by spin coating and annealed at 700 °C for 3 h. X-ray diffraction pattern has been used to analyze the phase structure and lattice parameters. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been used to show the nanostructural behavior of these ferrites. The values of average grain's size from SEM are 44, 60 and 74 nm, and from AFM are 46, 61 and 75 nm, respectively, measured for NF, CF and MF ferrites. At room temperature, the values of saturation magnetization, M_s∼50.60, 33.52 and 5.40 emu/cc, and remanent magnetization, M_r∼14.33, 15.50 and 1.10 emu/cc, respectively, are observed for NF, CF and MF. At low temperature measurements of 10 K, the anisotropy of ferromagnetism is observed in these ferrite films. The superparamagnetic/paramagnetic behavior is also confirmed by χ′(T) curves of AC susceptibility by applying DC magnetizing field of 3 Oe. The temperature dependent magnetization measurements show the magnetic phase transition temperature.     

Antiferromagnetic versus spin-glass like behavior in MnIn2S4

The low-temperature magnetic properties of MnIn₂S₄ have been studied using AC magnetic susceptibility and magnetization experiments. High-temperature susceptibility fits indicate the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions. Low-field magnetization data show a peak at 5.6±0.1 K, below which strong irreversibility is observed between zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) cycles suggesting that the observed peak corresponds to a spin-glass-like transition instead of the antiferromagnetic one previously reported. Further evidence of this magnetic state comes from AC susceptibility data at different frequencies. The in-phase component χ′(T) exhibits the behavior expected of spin glasses, i.e. a shift of the cusp to higher temperatures for higher frequencies.     

Magnetic field effect on the critical EPR-dynamics of the cubic ferromagnets CdCr2Se4 and CdCr2S4

We present measurements of the critical behaviour of the EPR linewidths at frequencies 9.21 and 35.5 GHz. In the exchange critical region above T_c (4πx ? 1) the strong field dependence of the linewidths is observed, even when the field variation of susceptibility x is small. This phenomenon is explained by the spin diffusion effect on the linewidth. The spin diffusion coefficients D for CdCr₂Se₄ and CdCr₂S₄ are determined from the linewidths data. The temperature dependence D is found to be consistent with the predictions of the dynamical scaling theory.     

Magnetic properties of Nd1−xKxMnO3 compounds

Polycrystalline Nd_1−xK_xMnO₃ (x=0.10–0.20) compounds have been prepared in single phase form with Pbnm space group. The magnetic properties were studied by measuring dc magnetization and ac susceptibility. They exhibit paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition with transition temperature ranging from 116 to 128 K. The magnetization data have been analyzed by using Brillouin function model and by taking into account the ferromagnetic interaction. The effective spin contribution towards ferromagnetic interaction and spin canting angle have been estimated. The spin canting angle is found to decrease with increase in doping. Magneto-caloric effect (MCE) has been studied and the maximum change in entropy was found to be 1.76 J/kg K for 1 T field. Metal–insulator transition and colossal magnetoresistance of the order of 60% for 1 T field have been observed for x=0.20 sample.