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Matthew B. Stone

Publications and source records attributed to Matthew B. Stone.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Observation geometry for uncertainty-aware Hamiltonian inference and experimental design in quantum magnets

Determining microscopic interactions from spectroscopic and scattering measurements is central to understanding quantum materials, yet it often remains unclear which interactions can be reliably revealed by the available experimental data and how additional experimental modalities should be designed to resolve the remaining ambiguities. Here we present an artificial intelligence-enabled framework for uncertainty-aware Hamiltonian inference and adaptive experimental design. By combining Hamiltonian-conditioned neural surrogates with Bayesian inference and observation geometry, the framework characterizes how measurements constrain Hamiltonian parameter space, quantifies the identifiability of microscopic interactions, and propagates posterior uncertainty directly in the physical Hamiltonian parameter space rather than an abstract learned representation. Using multimodal powder and single-crystal inelastic neutron scattering measurements of the quantum magnet NiPS$_{3}$, we demonstrate physically interpretable Hamiltonian inference, modality-aware uncertainty quantification, and adaptive experimental design. The framework provides a general strategy for uncertainty-aware microscopic characterization and multimodal experimental design across quantum materials.

cond-mat.str-el

Helimagnetism from competing intra- and interchain interactions in CrBr$_2$ and CrI$_2$

CrBr$_2$ and CrI$_2$ are promising platforms for studying the effect of dimensionality on magnetic order, having been isolated in a 3-, 2-, and 1-dimensional form as bulk crystals, monolayers, and individual chains encapsulated in carbon nanotubes. However, the interactions that give rise to their helimagnetic order are unknown. Via inelastic neutron scattering on single crystals, we have determined the exchange interactions of these compounds from the spin wave dispersions, finding that the helimagnetic order arises primarily from competing antiferromagnetic interactions between intrachain and interchain nearest-neighbors. Single-ion anisotropy is substantial, modulating the helical spin rotation and gapping the inelastic intensity at points of branch crossings. As temperature increases, long-range order vanishes but intralayer correlations remain detectable up to at least 50 K.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Frustration induced dimensional reduction and coexistence of long and short-range magnetic order in NdCl$_{3}$

The phenomenon of frustration greatly enriches the accessible physics of quantum magnets. With this in mind we study the magnetism of NdCl$_{3}$ using a combination of bulk properties measurements and neutron scattering techniques. The low-temperature heat capacity reveals two magnetic transitions at $T_{N1}$ = 270 mK and $T_{N2}$ = 180 mK. However, much of the magnetic entropy is released above $T_{N1}$, manifesting as a broad peak centered at $T^{*} \approx$ 450 mK. Single crystal elastic neutron scattering reveals highly anisotropic magnetic diffuse scattering above $T_{N2}$, confirming that quasi-one-dimensional, short-range, antiferromagnetic order is the origin of the broad peak in the heat capacity. Magnetic Bragg peaks characterized by a $\vec{k}$ = ($0$ $0$ $\frac{1}{2}$) propagation vector emerge below $T_{N1}$. Interestingly, the magnetic diffuse scattering persists for $T_{N2} < T < T_{N1}$, indicating a regime of coexisting short and long-range order. The magnetic Bragg peaks exhibit an additional increase in intensity below $T_{N2}$ with no change in $\vec{k}$. Concomitantly, the diffuse scattering disappears indicating the attainment of full long-range order. While the precise nature of the ordered magnetic ground state remains unresolved, the observed magnetic scattering indicates predominate $c$-axis moments with a small $ab$-plane component. We propose that the quasi-one-dimensional behavior and the coexistence of short and long-range order are driven by frustration of anisotropic exchange interactions.

cond-mat.str-el

Winding feature and thermal evolution of the Dirac magnons in CrI$_3$

Two-dimensional honeycomb lattice ferromagnet chromium tri-iodide (CrI$_3$) has attracted tremendous interest because it retains ferromagnetism down to the monolayer limit and hosts intriguing topological magnons. As a prototypical van der Waals magnet, CrI$_3$ provides an ideal platform for exploring the interplay between reduced dimensionality, magnetic order, and nontrivial spin excitations. Here, using inelastic neutron scattering together with improved sample quality, we uncover the magnon winding feature around the $K$-point of the hexagonal Brillouin zone, a key signature of Dirac magnons. In addition, we find that the magnon energy follows a $T^2$-renormalization behavior at elevated temperatures, consistent with magnon-magnon interactions. These results provide previously missing information on the magnon spectrum of CrI$_3$ and further consolidate the topological nature of its spin excitations.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Superconductivity and fractionalized magnetic excitations in CeCoIn5

Recent experiments on CeCoIn5 -- a prototypical d-wave superconductor -- indicate that its normal state lies near an unconventional quantum critical point (QCP). One intriguing hypothesis is that quantum-critical fluctuations promote fractionalization of localized 4f moments into fermionic spinons. This fractionalized Fermi liquid (FL*) scenario provides a comprehensive framework for the unconventional QCP and superconductivity, and can reconcile a "missing" Fermi-surface volume relative to the Luttinger count in the normal state of CeCoIn5. To test this possibility, we performed inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measurements on CeCoIn5 across the superconducting transition and corresponding theoretical analysis. Our high-precision spectra reveal detailed momentum and temperature dependence of the spin resonance and a structured spin excitation continuum persisting even in the normal state, placing stringent constraints on the physical picture of pairing in a d-wave superconductor. We show that a Kondo-lattice framework incorporating proximity to FL* physics and d-wave pairing reproduces key features of the data. The model suggests that both the quasi-localized nature of the f-moments above Tc and the resonance below Tc arise from common underlying gauge dynamics, implying a unifying organizing principle linking spin fractionalization and unconventional superconductivity in strongly correlated metals.

cond-mat.str-el

Magnetic order and excitations in Ce$_3$TiBi$_5$ and Ce$_3$ZrBi$_5$

The R3MBi5 rare-earth intermetallics (R = rare earth, M = Ti, Zr, Sc) provide a versatile platform to explore how Kondo hybridization, RKKY exchange, magnetic frustration, and broken inversion symmetry may cooperate to generate unusual magnetic behavior. We present a comprehensive neutron scattering investigation of the magnetic structure, crystal electric field (CEF), and low-energy excitations in the locally noncentrosymmetric Kondo-lattice compounds Ce3TiBi5 and Ce3ZrBi5. Powder and single-crystal neutron diffraction reveals incommensurate cycloidal antiferromagnetic order in Ce3TiBi5 with propagation vector k = (0, 0, 0.388) and a reduced ordered moment of m = 0.53(3)$\mu_{B}$. Ce3ZrBi5 exhibits a qualitatively similar magnetic diffraction profile, with k $\simeq$ (0, 0, 0.37). Inelastic neutron scattering measurements resolve two clear, well-separated CEF excitations in both compounds with nearly the same profile, confirming a well-isolated Kramers doublet ground state. At low energies, a broad, quasi-elastic magnetic response is observed at T $\simeq$ TN, whose momentum-dependence is inconsistent with that expected from conventional collective excitations of localized moments. This discrepancy, along with a Kondo temperature estimate TK ~ 3--5 K -- comparable to TN -- indicates sizable Kondo hybridization, which accounts for the moment reduction and the spiral magnetic order that appears to involve the magnetic hard direction. Our results place these compounds in a regime where local inversion symmetry breaking, anisotropic CEF effects, and competing Kondo and RKKY interactions collectively give rise to unconventional magnetic order.

cond-mat.str-el

Quasiparticle Dynamics in the 4d-4f Ising-like Double Perovskite Ba2DyRuO6 studied using Neutron Scattering and Machine-Learning Framework

Double perovskites containing 4d--4f interactions provide a platform to study complex magnetic phenomena in correlated systems. Here, we investigate the magnetic ground state and quasiparticle excitations of the fascinating double perovskite system, Ba$_2$DyRuO$_6$, through Time of flight (TOF) neutron diffraction (TOF), inelastic neutron scattering (INS), and theoretical modelling. The compound Ba$_2$DyRuO$_6$ is reported to exhibit a single magnetic transition, in sharp contrast to most of the other rare-earth (R) members in this family, A$_2$RRuO$_6$ (A = Ca/Sr/Ba), which typically show magnetic ordering of the Ru ions, followed by R-ion ordering. Our neutron diffraction results confirm that long-range antiferromagnetic order emerges at $T_\mathrm{N} \approx 47$~K, primarily driven by 4d--4f Ru$^{5+}$--Dy$^{3+}$ exchange interactions, where both Dy and Ru moments start to order simultaneously. The ordered ground state is a collinear antiferromagnet with Ising character, carrying ordered moments of $\mu_{\mathrm{Ru}} = 1.6(1)~\mu_\mathrm{B}$ and $\mu_{\mathrm{Dy}} = 5.1(1)~\mu_\mathrm{B}$ at 1.5~K. Low-temperature INS reveals well-defined magnon excitations below 10~meV. SpinW modelling of the INS spectra evidences complex exchange interactions and the presence of magnetic anisotropy, which governs the Ising ground state and accounts for the observed magnon spectrum. Combined INS and Raman spectroscopy reveal crystal-electric-field (CEF) excitations of Dy$^{3+}$ at 46.5 and 71.8~meV in the paramagnetic region. The observed CEF levels are reproduced by point-charge calculations consistent with the $O_h$ symmetry of Dy$^{3+}$. A complementary machine-learning approach is used to analyse the phonon spectrum and compare with INS data. Together, these results clarify the origin of phonon and magnon excitations and their role in the ground-state magnetism of Ba$_2$DyRuO$_6$.

cond-mat.str-el

Skyrmion and Meron Crystals in Intermetallic Gd$_3$Ru$_4$Al$_{12}$: Microscopic Model Insights into Chiral Phases

Topological spin textures in frustrated intermetallics hold great promise for spintronics applications. However, understanding their origin and properties remains a significant challenge due to competing and often long-range interactions mediated by conduction electrons. Here, by combining neutron scattering experiments with theoretical modeling via unprecedented multi-target fits that further incorporate the ferromagnentic resonance data and magnetization curve, we construct a realistic microscopic model for the prototypical intermetallic skyrmion host \text{Gd}$_3$\text{Ru}$_4$\text{Al}$_{12}$. Beyond magnetic frustration, we identify the competition between dipolar interactions and easy-plane single-ion anisotropy as a key ingredient for stabilizing the rich chiral magnetic phases observed in this compound -- including a hexagonal skyrmion crystal and two distinct meron crystals. Remarkably, the meron crystal in lower field is revealed to be commensurate with the underlying lattice, and its unique three-meron-one-antimeron spin texture is verified by the polarized x-ray diffraction data. At elevated temperatures, the short-range spin correlations in \text{Gd}$_3$\text{Ru}$_4$\text{Al}$_{12}$ are well described by a codimension-two spiral spin-liquid. Perturbations from staggered Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions give rise to chiral fluctuations that account for the temperature and field dependence of the anomalous Hall response. Our results highlight the unique power of neutron scattering, especially when combined with complementary experimental techniques, to unravel complex magnetic phase transitions and provide new insights into the rich variety of topological spin textures in frustrated systems.

cond-mat.str-el

Weyl Magnons in the Non-Coplanar Antiferromagnet MnTe$_2$

Using a combination of band representation analysis, inelastic neutron scattering (INS), magneto-Raman spectroscopy measurements, and linear spin wave theory, we establish that the non-coplanar antiferromagnet MnTe$_2$ is a tunable Weyl magnon material, hosting symmetry-protected topological nodal lines in its magnon band structure, protected by the the non-coplanar nature of the antiferromagnetic ordering, that transition into Weyl magnons upon the application of symmetry-breaking perturbations using an external magnetic field. By constructing a spin model that reproduces the observed INS magnon spectra and field-dependence of the Raman $\Gamma$-magnons, we directly probe the topological magnon nodal lines and observe their associated signature of non-trivial topology through the pseudo-spin winding of the scattering intensity in angular scans near the nodal lines. Finally, we discuss how to induce Weyl magnons in the spectrum through an external magnetic field, shedding light on future in-field INS and thermal Hall experiments. This work establishes a clear magnonic analog to Weyl electrons, enabling further exploration of topological behavior in bosonic systems and highlighting the interplay between magnetic order and band topology in non-coplanar antiferromagnets.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Evidence for itinerant electron-local moment interaction in Li-doped $\alpha$-MnTe

We use inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to study the impact of Li doping on the semiconducting altermagnet $\alpha$-MnTe. Introducing Li results in a spin reorientation from in-plane to out-of-plane direction and increases the density of itinerant carriers. While our ARPES measurements do not indicate any notable doping-induced changes in the electronic band structure or the magnitude of the altermagnetic band splitting, our INS measurements reveal an abrupt carrier-induced decrease in the spin wave lifetime near the zone boundary at high energies. This finding is consistent with a new magnon decay channel driven by doping-induced subtle changes in the band structure and enhanced interactions between Mn$^{2+}$ local moments and itinerant electrons. By extracting the local dynamic susceptibility from INS spectra and applying the total moment sum rule, we find that both undoped and Li-doped $\alpha$-MnTe exhibit the full expected Mn$^{2+}$ local moment of $\approx5.9~\mu_\mathrm{B}$ with $S=5/2$. These findings suggest that $\alpha$-MnTe hosts robust local-moment altermagnetism which shows a breakdown at high energies upon addition of itinerant carriers, highlighting the importance of carrier-spin coupling in magneto-transport and spin dynamic properties of altermagnets even in the dilute-carrier limit.

cond-mat.str-el

Coherent high-velocity chiral magnons in the metallic altermagnet CrSb

We report the collective magnetism of the metallic altermagnet CrSb. Magnetic susceptibility and polarized neutron diffraction measurements show that CrSb is a perfectly compensated Ising altermagnet below a N\'eel temperature of $T_N = 733(4)$ K. Inelastic neutron scattering experiments reveal coherent and highly-dispersive antiferromagnetic spin waves with large group velocities of 61(2) km s$^{-1}$ and 58(2) km s$^{-1}$ along the in-plane and out-of-plane directions, respectively. The observed magnon dispersions along high-symmetry directions of the Brillouin zone are well described by a minimal Heisenberg model up to third nearest neighbors of alternating antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic character, $J_1 = 23(4)$ meV, $J_2 = -5.4(8)$ meV, $J_3 = 5.2(8)$ meV, and an Ising single-ion anisotropy term $D = 0.15(4)$ meV. We observe clear momentum space signatures of chiral spin splitting along the low-symmetry $\Gamma$-$L$ direction, characteristic of higher-order altermagnetic exchange interactions, the first such observation in a metallic altermagnet. These findings identify CrSb as a singular material: a metallic altermagnet in which coherent spin-split magnons persist well above room temperature, providing a compelling platform for spintronic applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Vanishing ordered moment in the frustrated triangular lattice antiferromagnet CuNdO$_2$

We investigate the magnetic ground state of CuNdO$_2$, which is a delafossite with a triangular lattice of magnetic Nd$^{3+}$ ions that are well separated by non-magnetic Cu spacer layers. From inelastic neutron scattering measurements of the crystal electric field, we determine the strong Ising character of the pseudo-spin 1/2 Nd$^{3+}$ moments. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements reveal the onset of long-range antiferromagnetic order at $T_N=0.78$ K. While the magnetic transition is definitively observed with muon spin relaxation, accompanied by the formation of a weakly dispersing spin wave excitation, no dipole-ordered moment is detected with neutron diffraction. We show that the apparent absence of a dipolar ordered moment is a consequence of the dominant Ising character of the antiferromagnetically coupled Nd$^{3+}$ moments, which experience extreme frustration on the triangular lattice. Consequently, the frustration in CuNdO$_2$ is relieved through in-plane ordering of the substantially smaller perpendicular component of the Nd$^{3+}$ moments into a 120\textdegree\ structure, with a nearly vanishing ordered moment.

cond-mat.str-el

Strain-tunable anomalous Hall effect in hexagonal MnTe

The ability to control and manipulate time-reversal ($T$) symmetry-breaking phases with near-zero net magnetization is a sought-after goal in spintronic devices. The recently discovered hexagonal altermagnet manganese telluride ($\alpha$-MnTe) is a prime example. It has a compensated altermagnetic ground state where the magnetic moments are aligned in each layer and stacked antiparallel along the $c$ axis, yet it exhibits a spontaneous anomalous Hall effect (AHE) that breaks the $T$-symmetry with a vanishingly small $c$-axis ferromagnetic (FM) moment. However, the presence of three 120$^\circ$ separated in-plane magnetic domains presents a challenge in understanding the origin of the AHE and the effective control of the altermagnetic state. Here we use neutron scattering to show that symmetry breaking anisotropic strain, induced by compressive uniaxial pressure along the nearest-neighbor (NN) Mn-Mn bond directions, detwins $\alpha$-MnTe into a single in-plane magnetic domain. This control over in-plane domains allows us to unambiguously establish that the in-plane moments are aligned along the NNN Mn-Mn bond direction, irrespective of the applied strain directions. Mounting the sample on a piezoelectric strain cell along both NN and NNN directions can drive the sample into a single-domain state that significantly sharpens the AHE hysteresis loop and extends the AHE to lower temperatures. Furthermore, tuning the uniaxial strain reverses the sign of the AHE near room temperature. Remarkably, this is achieved without altering the altermagnetic phase-transition temperature or substantially changing the small $c$-axis FM moment. Combined with our phenomenological model, we argue that these effects result from the modification of the electronic Berry curvature by a combination of both spin-orbit coupling and strain. (See the full abstract in the PDF.)

cond-mat.str-el

From weakly interacting spinons to tightly bound triplons in the frustrated quantum spin-Peierls chain

Fractionalized quasiparticles and their confinement into emergent bound states lie at the heart of modern quantum magnetism. While the evolution into magnonic bound states has been well characterized, experimental insight into the analogous transition to triplons remains limited. Here, using high-resolution neutron spectroscopy and state-of-the-art spin dynamics simulations, we uncover the transformation from weakly interacting spinons to tightly bound triplons in the spin-Peierls compound CuGeO3. Quantitative comparisons between the measured spectra and tensor network simulations reveal substantial next-nearest-neighbor frustration and weak external dimerization, placing the system deep within the spontaneously dimerized regime and near the exactly solvable Majumdar-Ghosh point. We further show an energy- and temperature-dependent evolution between two contrasting quasiparticle regimes: deconfined spinons with markedly suppressed interactions by frustration, and coherent triplonic bound states with no observable spinon degrees of freedom. Remarkably, triplon character persists into the two-particle regime, forming a structured two-triplon continuum with a spectral feature associated with a van Hove singularity at its lower boundary. These findings challenge the conventional view that robust triplons require strong external dimerization and demonstrate how the interplay between frustration and dimerization can reshape fractionalization and confinement.

cond-mat.str-el

Quenched Disorder in the Triangular Lattice Antiferromagnet YbZn$_2$GaO$_5$

We investigate the crystal electric field (CEF) excitations of Yb$^{3+}$ ions in powder samples of the triangular-lattice rare-earth-based antiferromagnet YbZn$_2$GaO$_5$ using inelastic neutron scattering (INS). Three CEF excitations from the ground-state Kramers doublet were observed, each exhibiting significant broadening beyond instrumental resolution. Combining temperature-dependent INS and neutron powder diffraction, we identify a significant static contribution to this broadening and attribute it to heterogeneous coordination of Yb$^{3+}$ ions due to Ga$^{3+}$/Zn$^{2+}$ site mixing. Rietveld refinement of neutron powder diffraction indicates that 35% of Ga occupies the Zn site and 60% of Zn occupies the Ga site. We show with a point charge model for the CEF Hamiltonian that heterogeneous coordination of Yb$^{3+}$ ions leads to broadened CEF peaks. First-principles calculations demonstrate that the random Ga$^{3+}$/Zn$^{2+}$ distribution can produce the distortions of the YbO$_6$ octahedra observed from neutron diffraction. Because the documented heterogeneity will extend to exchange interactions, our results suggest that disorder is a significant factor in the unusual magnetism previously reported in YbZn$_2$GaO$_5$, including broad low-energy magnetic excitations and the absence of magnetic ordering down to 0.3K.

cond-mat.str-el

Emergent Hidden Multipolar State in the Triangular Lattice Magnet TmZn2GaO5

TmZn2GaO5 is a newly synthesized triangular lattice magnet that exhibits a unique quantum phase characterized by strong Ising anisotropy, a pseudo-doublet crystal electric field ground state, and a low-energy gapped excitation at the K point. Unlike its well-known counterparts, TmMgGaO4 and YbMgGaO4, this material crystallizes in a distinct hexagonal structure, leading to a cleaner platform for investigating frustrated magnetism. Magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity, and inelastic neutron scattering measurements confirm the absence of long-range magnetic order down to 50 mK, placing TmZn2GaO5 in a distinct region of the transverse-field Ising model phase diagram. Theoretical calculations based on spin-wave theory and mean-field modeling reproduce key experimental observations, reinforcing the material's placement in a quantum disordered/multipolar state. These results highlight its potential for exploring quantum disordered states, anisotropic excitations, and exotic quantum phases in frustrated spin systems.

cond-mat.str-el

Crystal field splittings and magnetic ground state of the square-lattice antiferromagnets YbBi2ClO4 and YbBi2IO4 with Jeff = 1/2

We report on the crystal field level splitting and magnetic ground state of the Jeff = 1/2 square lattice antiferromagnets YbBi2ClO4 and YbBi2IO4 using powder inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and neutron diffraction measurements. Both compounds exhibit a well-isolated $\Gamma_{7}$ doublet ground state under a tetragonal crystal field environment, confirming a robust Jeff = 1/2 picture with slight XY-type anisotropic character in the g-tensor. Notably, the ground state wave functions closely resemble the $\Gamma_{7}$ doublet expected in the perfect cubic limit, consistent with the nearly cubic ligand configuration of eight O2- ions surrounding Yb3+. Below TN =0.21 K, YbBi2IO4 exhibits a stripe long-range magnetic order characterized by an ordering wave vector qm = (1/2, 0, 0) or its symmetry-equivalent (0, 1/2, 0), with magnetic moments aligned along qm. The ordered moment is approximately 79 % of the classical prediction, significantly larger than expected from the isotropic J1-J2 model, suggesting the possible involvement of exchange anisotropy in explaining this observation. We show that symmetry-allowed XXZ and bond-dependent anisotropic exchange terms in a square lattice can play a critical role in stabilizing the stripe order and suppressing the moment reduction as observed. These findings establish YbBi2ClO4 and YbBi2IO4 as unique platforms for exploring rich Jeff = 1/2 magnetism from two less investigated perspectives: (i) on a square lattice and (ii) within a (nearly) cubic ligand environment.

cond-mat.str-el

Kitaev interaction and proximate higher-order skyrmion crystal in the triangular lattice van der Waals antiferromagnet NiI2

Topological spin textures, such as magnetic skyrmions, are a spectacular manifestation of magnetic frustration and anisotropy. Most known skyrmion systems are restricted to a topological charge of one, require an external magnetic field for stabilization, and are only reported in a few materials. Here, we investigate the possibility that the Kitaev anisotropic-exchange interaction stabilizes a higher-order skyrmion crystal in the insulating van der Waals magnet NiI2. We unveil and explain the incommensurate static and dynamic magnetic correlations across three temperature-driven magnetic phases of this compound using neutron scattering measurements, simulations, and modeling. Our parameter optimisation yields a minimal Kitaev-Heisenberg Hamiltonian for NiI2 which reproduces the experimentally observed magnetic excitations. Monte Carlo simulations for this model predict the emergence of the higher-order skyrmion crystal but neutron diffraction and optical experiments in the candidate intermediate temperature regime are inconclusive. We discuss possible deviations from the Kitaev-Heisenberg model that explains our results and conclude that NiI2, in addition to multiferroic properties in the bulk and few-layer limits, is a Kitaev bulk material proximate to the finite temperature higher-order skyrmion crystal phase.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci