Kinetic arrest of the first order ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition in Ce(Fe_(0.96)Ru_(0.04))₂ : formation of a magnetic-glass

We present results of dc magnetization and magnetic relaxation study showing the kinetic arrest of a first order ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition in Ce(Fe$_{0.96}$Ru$_{0.04}$)$_2$. This leads to the formation of a non-ergodic glass-like magnetic state. The onset of the magnetic-glass transformation is tracked through the slowing down of the magnetization dynamics. This glassy state is formed with the assistance of an external magnetic field and this is distinctly different from the well known 'spin-glass' state.