Static Correlation and Dynamical Properties of Tb³⁺-moments in Tb₂Ti₂O₇–Neutron Scattering Study–

Abstract

Static and dynamical properties of the magnetic moment system of pyrochlore\ncompound Tb2Ti2O7 with strong magnetic frustration, have been investigated down\nto the temperature T=0.4 K by neutron scattering on a single crystal sample.\nThe scattering vector (Q)-dependence of the magnetic scattering intensity\nbecomes appreciable with decreasing T at around 30 K, indicating the\ndevelopment of the magnetic correlation. From the observed energy profiles, the\nelastic, quasi elastic and inelastic components have been separately obtained.\nThe quasi elastic component corresponds to the diffusive motion of the magnetic\nmoments within the lowest states, which are formed of the lowest energy levels\nof Tb3+ ions. Magnetic correlation pattern which can roughly reproduce the\nQ-dependence of the scattering intensities of the elastic and quasi elastic\ncomponent is discussed based on the trial calculations for clusters of 7\nmoments belonging to two corner-sharing tetrahedra. A possible origin of the\nglassy state, which develops at around 1.5 K with decreasing T is discussed.\n