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Neutron scattering investigations of the partially ordered pyrochlore Tb(2)Sn(2)O(7)
K C Rule1, G Ehlers, J S Gardner
1Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, 14109 Berlin, Germany.
Summary
Neutron scattering reveals that terbium stannate (Tb2Sn2O7) exhibits a unique magnetic state below 0.87 K, with both static ferromagnetism and dynamic spin fluctuations coexisting.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Materials science
- Magnetism
Background:
- Terbium stannate (Tb2Sn2O7) is a pyrochlore material exhibiting complex magnetic behavior.
- Understanding the spin dynamics in such materials is crucial for developing new magnetic technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spin dynamics of polycrystalline Tb2Sn2O7 below its magnetic ordering temperature.
- To explore the coexistence of static and dynamic magnetic phenomena in this material.
- To compare the magnetic state of Tb2Sn2O7 with the spin liquid Tb2Ti2O7.
Main Methods:
- Neutron scattering measurements, including neutron spin echo (NSE), were performed on polycrystalline Tb2Sn2O7.
- Measurements were conducted at temperatures above and below the magnetic phase transition (TN = 0.87 K), down to 30 mK.
Main Results:
- Evidence for the coexistence of static ferromagnetism and dynamically fluctuating spins was observed down to 30 mK.
- Neutron spin echo results showed a dependence on momentum transfer (Q) in the spin dynamics.
- The magnetic state of Tb2Sn2O7 was found to be partially ordered.
Conclusions:
- Tb2Sn2O7 exhibits a complex partially ordered magnetic state below its ordering temperature.
- The coexistence of static and dynamic magnetic features highlights the intricate spin interactions in this material.
- Comparison with Tb2Ti2O7 provides insights into the differences between ordered and spin liquid states in pyrochlores.
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