Neutron depolarization studies of Pd–Ni–Fe–P alloy

• Published in: Physica. B, Condensed matter Vol. 397; no. 1; pp. 30 - 32
• Main Authors: Yu, D.H., Fitzsimmons, M.R., Gilbert, E.P., Woodward, R.C., Kilcoyne, S.H., Robinson, R.A.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.07.2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: Amorphous and quasicrystalline magnetic materials; Bulk metallic glasses; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Diamagnetism, paramagnetism and superparamagnetism; Exact sciences and technology; Magnetic phase boundaries (including magnetic transitions, metamagnetism, etc.); Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetically ordered materials: other intrinsic properties; Neutron depolarization; Phase transition; Physics; Spin glasses; Studies of specific magnetic materials; Neutron depolarization; Spin glasses; 75.50; 75.60; Bulk metallic glasses; Phase transition; Quaternary alloys; Nickel alloys; Phase transformations; Paramagnetism; Magnetic field effects; Ferromagnetic materials; Magnetic moments; Iron alloys; Superparamagnetism; Phosphorus alloys; Magnetic transitions; Depolarization; Metallic glasses; Palladium alloys; 75.50; 75.60; Ferromagnetism; Neutron depolarization; Spin glasses; Phase transition; Bulk metallic glasses
• ISSN: 0921-4526; 1873-2135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physb.2007.02.030

Bulk metallic glasses based on the quaternary alloy Pd–Ni–Fe–P exhibit interesting phase behavior depending on temperature and applied magnetic field. Previous work has suggested that a range of magnetic phases, including paramagnetic, superparamagnetic, ferromagnetic and spin glass, can be observed in this system. We have applied one-dimensional neutron depolarization to explore the correlation of magnetic moments in Pd 40Ni 22.5Fe 17.5P 20 alloy as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field. The results provided evidence for correlation lengths of ∼200 Å. The nature of the correlations and the formation mechanism of the induced ferromagnetic phase are discussed.