Spin Glass
A disordered magnetic state characterized by random, competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions that freeze atomic spins into a frustrated, non-periodic spatial orientation.
Governing formula
Frustrated Exchange Interaction J_ij
SI unit
Disordered Magnetic Phase
In depth
Occurs in dilute magnetic alloys (e.g. Iron in Gold). Competing exchange interactions create a complex, rugged energy landscape with many metastable states and slow logarithmic relaxation dynamics.
Examples in the real world
Dilute Manganese-Copper alloys exhibiting magnetic spin freezing below a characteristic transition temperature.