Spin wave spectrum of a disordered double exchange model

Abstract

A double exchange model with quenched disorder for conduction electrons is studied by field theoretical methods. By using a path integral formalism and replica techniques based on it, an ensemble-averaged spin wave dispersion of the localized spins is derived. It is shown that the spectrum of the spin wave has gaps at the multiple of the Fermi wavenumber of the conduction electrons in the presence of disorder, and hence, quenched disorder for electrons adds a striking effect to the dynamics of the localized spins. In the strong disorder limit, the present results suggest spin-glass like behavior due to the frustration of the exchange coupling.