Non-equilibrium dynamics in a 3d spin-glass

TL;DR

This study investigates the non-equilibrium behavior of a 3D spin-glass, revealing how cooling history influences its dynamics and supports the droplet model of spin-glass behavior.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence of cooling history imprinting in a 3D spin-glass and interprets results within the droplet model framework.

Findings

Cooling history affects spin-glass dynamics.

Imprinted structures influence re-heating behavior.

Results support the droplet model interpretation.

Abstract

Non-equilibrium dynamics in a Ag(11%Mn) spin-glass has been studied by low frequency ac-susceptibility and magnetic relaxation experiments. The results unequivocally show that spin structures that memorize the cooling process are imprinted in the system. These imprinted structures disclose themselves through dramatic changes of the dynamics on re-heating the spin-glass through the temperatures where intermittent stops or changes of the cooling rate have been imposed. We can qualitatively interpret our results in terms of the droplet spin-glass model developed by Fisher and Huse [Phys. Rev. B 38 (1988) 373; 386].