LAUSR

Abstract We have studied the evolution of the magnetic and dynamical properties as well as structural properties of diluted spin ice Dy 2− x La x Ti 2 O 7 , where Dy was partially replaced by nonmagnetic La. It is found from Raman spectra that the anomalous phonons should be originated from the strong phonon-phonon anharmonic interaction in the system. Magnetic measurements show that the substitution of La 3+ in Dy 2 Ti 2 O 7 weakens ferromagnetic coupling between Dy-Dy ions, leading to the relaxation of spin ice state. Dynamical properties show that the change of local environment affects the crystal field level, which subsequently determines the energy barriers. We also demonstrate a statistical distribution of relaxation times and an acceleration of spin dynamics near 16 K. The distribution of relaxation times originates from some short-range ordered ferromagnetic glasses/clusters in the process of spin freezing. The vacancies introduced by magnetic dilution make reversing of spins more convenient, resulting in a faster relaxation processes.