Anomalous dephasing scattering time of Zr80Sn20−x Fe x alloys at low temperature

Highlights: • A minima has been observed on the resistivity versus temperatures curve. • The low temperature resistivity in absence of magnetic field obeys the ρ_o^5/2T^1/2 law. • The spin–orbit interaction is strong and independent of temperature. • The zero temperature scattering rate increases with increase of $l_e$. • The inelastic scattering rate obeys an anomalous behavior ${\tau }_{e-ph}^{-1}\propto T^2{l}_e$. We report the results of a comprehensive study of weak electron localization (WEL) and electron–electron interaction (EEI) effects in disordered Zr₈₀Sn_20−xFe_x alloys. The resistivity in absence of magnetic field shows a minimum at temperature T=T_m and follows ρ_o^5/2T^1/2 law within the temperature range 5 K≤T≤T_m, which suggests predominant EEI effect. Magnetoresistivity is positive due to strong spin–orbit interaction. The dephasing scattering time is dominated by the electron–phonon scattering. The electron–phonon scattering rate shows anomalous behavior and obeys the relation ${\tau }_{e-ph}^{-1}\propto T^2{l}_e$, where $l_e$ is the electron elastic mean free path. The zero temperature scattering time $\left({\tau }_0\right)$ strongly depends on the disorder and its magnitude decreases with increasing disorder resistivity ${\rho }_0$. Such anomalous behavior cannot be explained in terms of existing theories.