Magnon dispersion relation and exchange interactions in MnF2

Abstract

The magnon dispersion relation for MnF2 at 4·2 °K has been measured by means of the triple-axis neutron scattering technique along the symmetry lines in the (010) plane of the Brillouin zone. Using an exact dipole model, the three nearest-neighbour exchange constants were found to be J1 = 0·028 ± 0·001 mev, J2 = -0·152 ± 0·001 mev and J3 = -0·004 ± 0·001 mev. The second moment was also calculated with this model. The density of magnon states was evaluated by applying a six-parameter simulation of the dispersion surface. The critical points in the density of states agree well with those obtained by optical double-magnon experiments, whereas the detailed shape of the density of states differs significantly, indicating that the effect of magnon-magnon interactions rather than that of distant-neighbour exchange is of primary importance in the optical measurements.