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Quantum fluctuations in spin-ice-like Pr2Zr2O7

Author

Listed:
  • K. Kimura

    (Institute for Solid State Physics (ISSP), University of Tokyo)

  • S. Nakatsuji

    (Institute for Solid State Physics (ISSP), University of Tokyo
    PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho Kawaguchi)

  • J-J. Wen

    (Johns Hopkins University)

  • C. Broholm

    (Johns Hopkins University
    NIST Center for Neutron Research, NIST
    Oak Ridge National Laboratory)

  • M. B. Stone

    (Oak Ridge National Laboratory)

  • E. Nishibori

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University)

  • H. Sawa

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University)

Abstract

Spin ice is a magnetic analog of H2O ice that harbors dense static disorder. Dipolar interactions between classical spins yield a frozen frustrated state with residual configurational Pauling entropy and emergent magnetic monopolar quasiparticles. Introducing quantum fluctuations is of great interest as this could melt spin ice and allow coherent propagation of monopoles. Here, we report experimental evidence for quantum dynamics of magnetic monopolar quasiparticles in a new class of spin ice based on exchange interactions, Pr2Zr2O7. Narrow pinch point features in otherwise diffuse elastic neutron scattering reflects adherence to a divergence-free constraint for disordered spins on long time scales. Magnetic susceptibility and specific heat data correspondingly show exponentially activated behaviors. In sharp contrast to conventional ice, however, >90% of the neutron scattering is inelastic and devoid of pinch points furnishing evidence for magnetic monopolar quantum fluctuations.

Suggested Citation

  • K. Kimura & S. Nakatsuji & J-J. Wen & C. Broholm & M. B. Stone & E. Nishibori & H. Sawa, 2013. "Quantum fluctuations in spin-ice-like Pr2Zr2O7," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-6, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2914
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2914
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