Spin glass properties of W(Fe) alloys

The DC magnetic susceptibility of W(Fe) alloys with Fe concentrations between 0.1 and 2.5 at% Fe was measured with zero field and field cooling in the temperature range 1.6 to 295 K. The samples were used as received after melting or after additional heat treatments. W(Fe) alloys show spin glass properties. The heat treatment causes a more random distribution of the Fe ions. This affects the properties of the alloys with higher Fe concentrations. The results are in agreement with a phenomenological cluster model. The clusters are characterised by an anisotropy energy which is explained in terms of dipole and RKKY interactions. Similarities and differences to properties of other spin glasses are discussed. (author)