Neutron Scattering and Highly Frustrated Magnetism

Abstract

Neutron scattering is a paradigm technique for the determination of spin correlation functions. It is the method of choice for the study of magnetic order and magnetic interactions, and, in favourable cases, it may provide an unambiguous distinction between conventional paramagnetism and cooperative paramagnetism. This chapter is an introduction to neutron scattering with an emphasis on its interpretation in terms of spin correlation functions and generalised susceptibilities. The main aim is to illustrate how neutron scattering is used to interrogate the nature of the disordered and highly degenerate states that occur in highly frustrated magnets.