Disorder-driven competing magnetic interactions and glassy magnetic behavior in quaternary Heusler alloy FeRuMnGe

In this combined experimental and theoretical study, we investigate the role of disorder in governing the magnetic ground state of the quaternary Heusler alloy FeRuMnGe. In the FeRuMnZ (Z = Ga, Si) series, chemical substitution modifies atomic ordering and electronic structure, resulting in distinct magnetic ground states. Motivated by this, we extend the series to FeRuMnGe. X-ray diffraction reveals B2-type antisite disorder, where Fe–Ru and Mn–Ge intermix. Theoretical calculations show that such disorder modifies exchange interactions, leading to competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic couplings, and drives the system from half-metallic to metallic. Magnetic measurements reveal competing interactions, giving rise to a cluster-glass state coexisting with long-range magnetic order. The absence of a thermodynamic signature at $T_f$, together with ac susceptibility and relaxation measurements, supports the presence of short-range magnetic interactions and a glassy magnetic state. The compound exhibits an enhanced magnetic response below $\sim 161$ K and a maximum magnetization of $\sim 1.64{\mu }_B$/f.u. at 5 T. Overall, this work establishes a direct correlation between antisite disorder, competing exchange interactions, and glassy magnetism in quaternary Heusler alloys. Combined experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that disorder drives the system from an AFM-dominated state in FeRuMnSi to an FM-dominated state in FeRuMnGe, providing deeper insight into the role of the extent of disorder in governing the magnetic properties of QHAs.