From Linear to Nonlinear Response in Spin Glasses: Importance of Mean-Field-Theory Predictions

Abstract

Deviations from spin-glass linear response in a single crystal Cu:Mn 1.5 at % are studied for a wide range of changes in magnetic field, $ΔH$. Three quantities, the difference $TRM-(MFC-ZFC)$, the effective waiting time, $t_{w}^{eff}$, and the difference $TRM(t_{w})-TRM(t_{w}=0)$ are examined in our analysis. Three regimes of spin-glass behavior are observed as $ΔH$ increases. Lines in the $(T,ΔH)$ plane, corresponding to ``weak'' and ``strong'' violations of linear response under a change in magnetic field, are shown to have the same functional form as the de Almeida-Thouless critical line. Our results demonstrate the existence of a fundamental link between static and dynamic properties of spin glasses, predicted by the mean-field theory of aging phenomena.