Effect of the spin short-range order on electron transport and neutron scattering in amorphous alloys Gd$_x$Si$_{1-x}$

Direct experimental evidence has been obtained for the existence of short-range ferromagnetic order in Gd$_x$Si$_{1-x}$ alloys. Along with the standard magnetotransport measurements, a “local” experimental method of the elastic scattering of thermal neutrons on the magnetic moment of Gd is applied. The measurement results provide the conclusion that short-range ferromagnetic order is formed in nanoclusters with an increased content of Gd ions. We consider the amorphous alloy Gd$_x$Si$_{1-x}$ as a new magnetic material with unique properties characteristic of both strongly inhomogeneous alloys and nanocomposite compounds.