Magnetic moment distributions and form factors in ferromagnetic nickel-ruthenium alloys

Abstract

Using polarised neutrons, the full three-dimensional magnetic structure amplitudes in the Ni_1−c Ru _c single crystals forc = 0·027, 0·033 and 0·046 were measured. Moment density maps in various portions of the Wigner-Seitz cell were obtained. It is seen from these maps that unlike Ni-based alloys with 3d impurities, the introduction of Ru to the Ni matrix produces extensive perturbations in the diffuse moment density, giving rise to a netpositive diffuse moment which tends to increase with Ru concentration. The asphericity of the host moment at first increases and then decreases with increasing Ru content. Another significant outcome of the present study is the evidence for the reversal of the sign of the Ru moment, from negative to positive, obtained by comparing the shape of the spherical site form factors of the three-alloy concentrations with the Ni spherical form factor itself. The sign reversal of the impurity moment is confirmed by the form factor analyses. Strong local environmental effects seem to play a major role in this alloy system.