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 alpha-Fe [lambda(100)(Fe-Ga)similar to 15 lambda(100)(Fe)]. In order to gain further understanding of the extraordinary magnetoelastic characteristics of this system, the spin dynamics of two of these alloys, Fe1-xGax (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