arXiv · 1208.1664
Power-law dependence of the optical conductivity observed in the quantum spin-liquid compound \kappa-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3
Abstract
The Mott-insulator \kappa-(BEDT-TTF)_2Cu_2(CN)_3 is the prime candidate of a quantum spin liquid with puzzling magnetic properties. Our THz and infrared investigations reveal that also the charge dynamics does not follow the expectations for a Mott insulator. The frequency-dependent conductivity exhibits a power-law behavior $\sigma_1(\omega)\propto \omega^n$ that grows stronger as the temperature decreases and extends all the way through the far-infrared. With $n\approx 0.8$ to 1.5 we obtain a significantly smaller exponent than predicted by Ng and Lee [Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 99}, 156402 (2007)]. We suggest fluctuations becomes important in the spin-liquid state and couple to the electrodynamic properties differently compared to the antiferromagnetic Mott insulator \kappa-(BEDT-TTF)_2Cu[N(CN)_2]Cl. We discuss the various possibilities of how charge fluctuations are influenced by the presence or absence of magnetic order.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Sebastian Elsasser, Dan Wu, Martin Dressel, John A. Schlueter. 2012-08-08. Power-law dependence of the optical conductivity observed in the quantum spin-liquid compound \kappa-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.86.155150
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.