Spin-wave dispersion in magnetostrictive Fe-Ga alloys: Inelastic neutron scattering measurements

Fe-Ga alloys of appropriate Ga concentration and heat treatment show a very large enhancement in the tetragonal magnetostriction over that of pure α-Fe [λ100 (Fe-Ga) ∼15 λ100 (Fe)]. In order to gain further understanding of the extraordinary magnetoelastic characteristics of this system, the spin dynamics of two of these alloys, Fe1-x Gax (x=0.160 and 0.225), were studied using inelastic neutron scattering techniques. The correlation of the spin-wave dispersion curve with the lattice constant and atomic radii of solute is examined for this and other Fe alloys. © 2007 The American Physical Society.