High-energy spin waves in bcc iron

Abstract

The dispersion relation of the spin-wave excitations in bcc iron has been studied by neutron inelastic scattering at the spallation neutron source ISIS. Magnetic intensity was followed up to 550 meV along the [100] direction. The general form of the dispersion curve is in qualitative agreement with that calculated from a spin-polarized band model, and in particular the prediction of propagating modes extending above 300 meV has been confirmed.