Electron-electron interaction, quantum interference and spin fluctuation effects in the resistivity of Fe-rich Fe-Zr metallic glasses

Electrical resistivity (rho) measurements have been performed in various te mperature ranges on different batches of samples with nominal composition x = 0 and 1 in the amorphous alloy series Fe90+xZr10-x. An elaborate data an alysis brings out clearly the actual functional dependences of rho on tempe rature (T) in different temperature ranges. The results of this analysis, w hen discussed in the light of existing theories, permit identification of t he dominant mechanisms of electrical transport in different temperature reg ions as electron-diffuson (non-propagating longitudinal spin fluctuations) scattering for T less than or equal to 10 K, enhanced electron-electron int eraction (EEI) effects in the range 10 K less than or equal to T less than or equal to 25 K and quantum interference (QI) effects, electron-phonon (e- ph) as well as electron-spin fluctuations scattering in different temperatu re ranges above 25 K. EEI and QI contributions to rho, in turn, yield fairl y accurate values for the diffusion constant (that obey the Einstein relati on) and the dephasing time. Out of the inelastic scattering processes such as e-ph scattering, spin-orbit scattering and spin-flip scattering that des troy phase coherence, e-ph scattering seems to be the most effective dephas ing mechanism. Dephasing persists to temperatures well. above the Curie poi nt and Debye temperature in the amorphous alloys in question.