Thermodynamic signatures of a field-induced ordered intermediate phase in Na$_2$Co$_2$TeO$_6$

Abstract

The honeycomb cobaltate Na$_2$Co$_2$TeO$_6$ has recently been proposed as a candidate material for hosting field-induced quantum spin liquid (QSL) behavior. Here, we present a comprehensive thermodynamic study of its low-temperature, high-field phase diagram using magnetization, specific heat, and magnetocaloric-effect measurements down to 1 K. In zero field, we observe a weak residual moment that provides further insight into the nature of the magnetic ground state. For in-plane magnetic fields ($B \parallel a^*$), we identify three field-induced transitions at $B_{c1} \simeq 6$ T, $B_{c2} \simeq 7.8$ T, and $B_{c3} \simeq 10.4$ T. The magnetic Gr\"uneisen parameter and specific heat reveal clear thermodynamic signatures of these successive phase transitions enclosing two intermediate phases. Contrary to expectations for a field-induced QSL, the phase between $B_{c2}$ and $B_{c3}$ lacks enhanced magnetic entropy but instead shows behavior consistent with a distinct ordered state. Above $B_{c3}$, the absence of additional anomalies indicates a crossover to a conventional spin-polarized regime. Our results place stringent thermodynamic constraints on the proposed QSL scenario in Na$_2$Co$_2$TeO$_6$, calling for further microscopic investigations to establish the precise nature of the field-induced phases.