Abstract. Using muon spin relaxation (μSR) and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) we have investigated the normal state of the superconductor Mo₃Sb₇ and the reference compound Ru₃Sn₇. The μSR experiments on Ru₃Sn₇ reveal static and relatively slow dynamic relaxations, which are ascribed to a random static nuclear dipole field and thermally activated muon motion, respectively. INS experiments on Ru₃Sn₇, on the other hand, reveal three phononic excitations at 11, 18 and 23 meV, substantiating the assertion of Einstein and Debye oscillations derived from the specific heat and electrical resistivity data. The distinct difference in the μSR as well as INS spectra between Ru₃Sn₇ and Mo₃Sb₇ provides strong evidence for a magnetic/electronic nature of the phase transition at T^* = 50 K in the Mo-based compound. On the basis of the μSR and INS data, the energy spin pseudogap of 150(10) K was estimated. The observed weak magnetism in the dynamic susceptibility χ^''(Q,ω) and residual longitudinal field relaxation at 5 K imply a static ordering or quantum fluctuations.

Print publication: Issue 48 (2 December 2009)
Received 26 April 2009, in final form 6 October 2009
Published 30 October 2009