Neutron scattering study on spin correlations and fluctuations in the transition-metal-based magnetic quasicrystal Zn-Fe-Sc

Abstract

Spin correlations and fluctuations in the 3d-transition-metal-based icosahedral quasicrystal Zn-Fe-Sc have been investigated by neutron scattering using polycrystalline samples. Magnetic diffuse scattering has been observed in the elastic experiment at low temperatures, indicating development of static short-range-spin correlations. In addition, the inelastic scattering experiment detects a $Q$-independent quasielastic signal ascribed to single-site relaxational spin fluctuations. Above the macroscopic freezing temperature $T_{\rm f} \simeq 7$ K, the spin relaxation rate shows Arrhenius-type behavior, indicating thermally activated relaxation process. In contrast, the relaxation rate remains finite even at the lowest temperature, suggesting a certain quantum origin for the spin fluctuations below $T_{\rm f}$.