Simulation study on antiferromagnetic order of Ising spins in a Zn–Mg–Ho model structure

Abstract

A long-range antiferromagnetic order was studied on Ising spins in a Zn–Mg–Ho model structure for Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida (RKKY)-like alternating magnetic interaction in simulated annealing calculations. The order showed sharp magnetic diffraction peaks, with similar widths as ordinary lattice diffraction, but diminished intensity of the central peak. This indicated a long-range antiferromagnetic order. The order was most suitably interpreted as a separation of the occupation domain in the phason space. The energetic mechanism of the order was qualitatively analysed in magnetic interaction connections in the phason space.