Inelastic neutron scattering investigation of spin dynamics in metallic f-electron systems on the hexagonal lattice
ORAL · Invited
Abstract
The interplay of spin-orbit coupling and RKKY interactions in metallic f-electron systems introduces anisotropy that leads to phenomena such as reduced dimensionality, multipolar ordering, and magnetic frustration due to long-range interactions. In this talk, I will discuss our inelastic neutron scattering experiments in such systems on the hexagonal lattice. In the 5f system U₂Zn₁₇, we observed a continuum of spin fluctuations within the antiferromagnetic state below TN=9.7K with no signatures of coherent magnon modes. This continuum persists in the paramagnetic state up to at least T=2TN, showing dominantly transverse and one-dimensional characters. In contrast, the isostructural 4f sibling exhibits no discernible ordered moment but presents sharp, dispersive spin-wave modes. Comparative studies between these two systems—focusing on single-ion states, polarization of collective modes, and distinct energy scales—offer insights into the diverse manifestations of quantum magnetism in strongly correlated metallic systems.
*Work at UTK was supported by the National Science Foundation Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) program through the UT Knoxville Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (DMR-2309083). Access to MACS was provided by the Center for High Resolution Neutron Scattering, a partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Science Foundation under Agreement No. DMR-2010792. This research used resources at the High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source, DOE Office of Science User Facilities operated by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
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Presenters
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Yishu Wang
- University of Tennessee