Similarity of the Magnetization Distribution around Transition and Nontransition Element Impurities in Nickel

Abstract

The magnetization distribution around a wide variety of impurities in nickel (Al, Ga, Si, Ge, Sn, Sb nontransition metals; Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh 4d; W, Re, Os 5d) has been measured. This work is an extension of the study initiated by Low and Collins1 of the 3d transition elements V, Cr, Mn, Fe dissolved in nickel. Two distinct kinds of magnetization distribution have been observed. In one category (Mn, Fe, Rh), the magnetic disturbance is confined to the impurity site. In the other category the magnetic disturbance is widespread, extending some 6 Å into the nickel lattice. With the exception of V, Ru, and Os, the individual scattering curves of the second class, when normalized at a single point, superpose. This leads to the conclusion that the spatial form of the moment disturbance in the nickel matrix is similar for Al, Ga, Si, Ge, Sn, Sb, Nb, Cr, Mo, W, and Re. This suggests that this wide variety of impurities affects the nickel matrix through the same mechanism. Differences between the impurities show up only in the strength of the disturbance. The normalization factor, which causes superposition of the scattering lengths, for a particular impurity appears to be proportional to the number of electrons outside closed shells in that impurity.