MUON-SPIN-ROTATION STUDY OF ZN-INDUCED MAGNETIC-MOMENTS IN CUPRATE HIGH-T-C SUPERCONDUCTORS

Using muon spin rotation (mu SR) we searched for evidence of Zn-induce d magnetic moments in underdoped cuprates. We find that the moments, w hich in a previous mu SR stady were reported to be Zn induced, exist a lready in the pure underdoped compound and most likely arise from anti ferromagnetic correlated Cu(2) spins. We obtain no evidence for additi onal Zn-induced moments. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude the possibili ty that Zn-induced magnetic moments exist in case they are very weakly coupled to the spin system and the mobile charge carriers of the CuO2 planes. [S0163-1829(98)51438-5].