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Magnetic and non-magnetic phases of a quantum spin liquid

Author

Listed:
  • F. L. Pratt

    (ISIS Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton OX11 0QX, UK)

  • P. J. Baker

    (ISIS Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton OX11 0QX, UK)

  • S. J. Blundell

    (University of Oxford, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK)

  • T. Lancaster

    (University of Oxford, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK)

  • S. Ohira-Kawamura

    (Neutron Science Section, J-PARC Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirane, Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan)

  • C. Baines

    (Paul Scherrer Institut, Laboratory for Muon-Spin Spectroscopy, CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland)

  • Y. Shimizu

    (Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan)

  • K. Kanoda

    (University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan)

  • I. Watanabe

    (Meson Science Laboratory, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan)

  • G. Saito

    (Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Oiwaketyo, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
    Present address: Research Institute, Meijo University, Nagoya 468-8502, Japan.)

Abstract

Characterization of a quantum spin liquid Theoretical predictions of the existence of an exotic state of matter called a quantum spin liquid have been supported by experimental evidence, but many fundamental questions about this novel state remain unanswered. Quantum spin liquids can occur in an insulator with strongly interacting magnetic units when the usual symmetry-breaking magnetically ordered state at low temperatures is avoided as a result of quantum fluctuations. An advanced magnetic probing technique, called muon spin relaxation, has now been used to study the molecular layered system κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3, widely regarded as a prime example of a quantum spin liquid. Using implanted muons as a sensitive local magnetic probe, the authors show that magnetic order can be recovered in this system by applying a very small magnetic field. A complex phase diagram is revealed for the spin liquid, which demonstrates the delicate balance between the spin liquid and magnetic phases.

Suggested Citation

  • F. L. Pratt & P. J. Baker & S. J. Blundell & T. Lancaster & S. Ohira-Kawamura & C. Baines & Y. Shimizu & K. Kanoda & I. Watanabe & G. Saito, 2011. "Magnetic and non-magnetic phases of a quantum spin liquid," Nature, Nature, vol. 471(7340), pages 612-616, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:471:y:2011:i:7340:d:10.1038_nature09910
    DOI: 10.1038/nature09910
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