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arXiv · 2404.15773

Possible gapless quantum spin liquid behavior in the triangular-lattice Ising antiferromagnet PrMgAl$_{11}$O$_{19}$

Abstract

Quantum spin liquids (QSLs) represent a novel state where spins are highly entangled but do not order even at zero temperature due to strong quantum fluctuations. Such a state is mostly studied in Heisenberg models defined on geometrically frustrated lattices. Here, we turn to a new triangular-lattice antiferromagnet PrMgAl$_{11}$O$_{19}$, in which the interactions are believed to be of Ising type. Magnetic susceptibility measured with an external field along the $c$ axis is two orders of magnitude larger than that with a field in the $ab$ plane, displaying an ideal easy-axis behavior. Meanwhile, there is no magnetic phase transition or spin freezing observed down to 1.8 K. Ultralow-temperature specific heat measured down to 50 mK does not capture any phase transition either, but a hump at 4.5 K, below which the magnetic specific heat exhibits a quasi-quadratic temperature dependence that is consistent with a Dirac QSL state. Inelastic neutron scattering technique is also employed to elucidate the nature of its ground state. In the magnetic excitation spectra, there is a gapless broad continuum at the base temperature 55~mK, in favor of the realization of a gapless QSL. Our results provide a scarce example for the QSL behaviors observed in an Ising-type magnet, which can serve as a promising platform for future research on QSL physics based on an Ising model.

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BibTeXRIS

Zhen Ma, Shuhan Zheng, Yingqi Chen, Ruokai Xu, Zhao-Yang Dong, Jinghui Wang, Hong Du, Jan Peter Embs, Shuaiwei Li, Yao Li, Yongjun Zhang, Meifeng Liu, Ruidan Zhong, Jun-Ming Liu, Jinsheng Wen. 2024-04-24. Possible gapless quantum spin liquid behavior in the triangular-lattice Ising antiferromagnet PrMgAl$_{11}$O$_{19}$. https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.15773

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