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Strong quantum fluctuations in a quantum spin liquid candidate with a Co-based triangular lattice

Author(s): Zhong, Ruidan; Guo, Shu; Xu, Guangyong; Xu, Zhijun; Cava, Robert J

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Abstract: Currently under active study in condensed matter physics, both theoretically and experimentally, are quantum spin liquid (QSL) states, in which no long-range magnetic ordering appears at low temperatures due to strong quantum fluctuations of the magnetic moments. The existing QSL candidates all have their intrinsic disadvantages, however, and solid evidence for quantum fluctuations is scarce. Here, we report a previously unreported compound, , a geometrically frustrated system with effective spin-1/2 local moments for Co2+ ions on an isotropic 2-dimensional (2D) triangular lattice. Magnetic susceptibility and neutron scattering experiments show no magnetic ordering down to 0.05 K. Thermodynamic measurements show that there is a tremendous amount of magnetic entropy present below 1 K in 0-applied magnetic field. The presence of localized low-energy spin fluctuations is revealed by inelastic neutron measurements. At low applied fields, these spin excitations are confined to low energy and contribute to the anomalously large specific heat. In larger applied fields, the system reverts to normal behavior as evident by both neutron and thermodynamic results. Our experimental characterization thus reveals that this material is an excellent candidate for the experimental realization of a QSL state.
Publication Date: 2-Jul-2019
Electronic Publication Date: 2-Jul-2019
Citation: Zhong, Ruidan, Guo, Shu, Xu, Guangyong, Xu, Zhijun, Cava, Robert J. (2019). Strong quantum fluctuations in a quantum spin liquid candidate with a Co-based triangular lattice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116 (29), 14505 - 14510. doi:10.1073/pnas.1906483116
DOI: doi:10.1073/pnas.1906483116
ISSN: 0027-8424
EISSN: 1091-6490
Pages: 14505 - 14510
Language: en
Type of Material: Journal Article
Journal/Proceeding Title: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Version: Author's manuscript



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