Spin-glass-like ordering in the spinel ZnFe2O4 ferrite

In the present study, spin-glass-like ordering has been observed in the spinel ZnFe2O4 ferrite. Field cooled (FC) and zero-field cooled (ZFC) DC magnetizations display divergence at low temperature, which indicates a frozen state with the freezing temperature of T-f=21 K. Frequency dependence of AC susceptibility measurement was performed on the sample. It shows a peak at around T-f, with the peak position shifting as a function of driving frequency, indicating a spin-glass-like transition of the sample. The sample shows a typical spin-glass behavior with a manifestation of non-equilibrium dynamics of the spin glass, such as aging, rejuvenation and memory effects. These experimental findings indicate that Zn-ferrite exhibits a spin-glass-like phase at low temperature and it is not canted antiferromagnetic. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.