A neutron Brillouin scattering study of Mg₇₀Zn₃₀

Abstract

Inelastic neutron scattering measurements have been made with momentum transfers within the first pseudo-Brillouin zone of a magnesium/zinc glass at 100 K and 297 K. We describe the application of a new spectrometer (PHAROS) for these studies. Because the longitudinal velocity of sound is about 4300 m s-1, a high incident neutron energy (0.187 eV) was required. Data have been obtained down to Q approximately=8 nm-1 and h(cross) omega =25 meV well inside the first pseudo-Brillouin zone of the glass. Evidence for two predominantly longitudinal excitations in the Mg70Zn30 glass is presented. Their positions agree approximately with theoretical predictions.