Characterization of magnetic interactions in RE i-QC and ACs and investigation of their pressure dependence

Research group: Pascale Deen and Patrik Henelius.

Neutron scattering and muon spectroscopy are the central experimental tools for studying spin interactions in i-QCs and ACs and for probing pressure induced long-range magnetic ordering. Within this project we will perform neutron diffraction, inelastic neutron scattering and mSR experiments at large scale facilities. Currently, at all facilities high pressure experiments combined with 1-2 K cryogenic capabilities are feasible up to 2-2.5 GPa. Eventually, breakthroughs toward higher pressures will only be possible with DACs. Our ultimate goal is to perform neutron diffraction experiments on single crystal/grain specimens at pressures up to 10 GPa and at sub-kelvin temperature.

Most crucial is the extraction of relevant spin structures and magnetic models from the results of neutron scattering and mSR experiments. Having determined the spin anisotropies and structures we aim to determine the spin Hamiltonian, which we expect to consist of the indirect RKKY interaction as well as direct dipolar and exchange interactions. The quasiperiodicity adds challenging aspects to the analysis, and in this manner the theoretical analysis would guide and support our experimental efforts to detect the first ever magnetically ordered quasiperiodic crystal.