arXiv subjects

Pavel A. Maksimov

Publications and source records attributed to Pavel A. Maksimov.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Ising spin ladders of orthopyroxene CoGeO$_3$

We present thermodynamic and spectroscopic measurements for an orthopyroxene CoGeO$_3$ with magnetic Co$^{2+}$ ions that form quasi-one-dimensional ladders. We show that non-collinear magnetic order below $T_N$=32 K can be stabilized by a strong local easy-axis anisotropy of $j_\text{eff}=1/2$ moments, which is induced by ligand octahedra distortions. Extraction of a magnetic Hamiltonian from inelastic neutron scattering measurements supports this interpretation and allows us to establish an effective magnetic model. The resulting exchange Hamiltonian justifies CoGeO$_3$ as a realization of an Ising spin ladder compound.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$: Strong Kitaev, After All

The inelastic neutron scattering results and their analysis unequivocally point to a dominant Kitaev interaction in the honeycomb-lattice cobaltate BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$. Our anisotropic-exchange model closely describes $all$ available neutron scattering data in the material's field-polarized phase. The density-matrix renormalization group results for our model are in close accord with the unusual double-zigzag magnetic order and the low in-plane saturation field of BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Quantum selection of order and dynamic properties of Kitaev-Heisenberg ferromagnet on a triangular lattice

Recent interest in monolayer materials motivated a search for two-dimensional ferromagnets with sizable spin-orbit coupling. Magnetic anisotropy of exchange Hamiltonian, induced by spin-orbit coupling, may not only stabilize long-range order, but also in turn can be a source of frustration and accidental degeneracy, which is the case for the Kitaev-Heisenberg model. Here we present an extensive study of ground state and excitations of ferromagnetic anisotropic-exchange Kitaev-Heisenberg model on a triangular lattice using order-by-disorder and augmented spin-wave theory calculations. It is shown that while bond-dependent terms of the model do not affect the ground state classically, quantum fluctuations select preferred magnetization direction of the ferromagnetic state and significantly alter classical phase diagram. Anisotropic terms of the magnetic Hamiltonian also give rise to magnon-magnon interactions that lead to spontaneous decay and spectral renormalization, which we illustrate using non-linear spin-wave theory.

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arXiv2024

Cobalt-Based Pyroxenes: A New Playground for Kitaev Physics and Ising Model Realization

Recent advances in the study of cobaltites have unveiled their potential as a promising platform for realizing Kitaev physics in honeycomb systems and the Ising model in weakly coupled chain materials. In this manuscript, we explore the magnetic properties of pyroxene SrCoGe$_2$O$_6$ using a combination of neutron scattering, {\it ab initio} methods, and linear spin-wave theory. Through careful examination of inelastic neutron scattering powder spectra, we propose a modified Kitaev model to accurately describe the twisted chains of edge-sharing octahedra surrounding Co$^{2+}$ ions. The extended Kitaev-Heisenberg model, including a significant anisotropic bond-dependent exchange term with $K/|J|=0.96$, is identified as the key descriptor of the magnetic interactions in SrCoGe$_2$O$_6$. Furthermore, our heat capacity measurements reveal an effect of an external magnetic field (approximately 13~T) which shifts the system from a fragile antiferromagnetic ordering with $T_{\mathrm{N}}=9$~K to a field-induced state. We argue that pyroxenes, particularly those modified by substituting Ge with Si and its less extended $p$ orbitals, emerge as a novel platform for the Kitaev model. This opens up possibilities for advancing our understanding of Kitaev physics.

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arXiv2023

Proximity-induced sequence of field transitions in Kitaev candidate BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$

We study field-induced phase transitions of the minimal exchange model proposed earlier for BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$, a candidate for Kitaev honeycomb model, using numerical minimization of classical spin clusters. We show that experimentally observed sequence of step-like transitions in magnetic field is realized in the phase diagram of the minimal model. Surprisingly, intermediate up-up-down plateau phase is stabilized only in the proximity of a double-zigzag$-$zigzag phase boundary. We systematically map out the region of stability of experimentally observed cascade of transitions and argue that BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$ exchange parameters are close to a region of strong phase competition, which can explain suppressed saturation field.

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arXiv2022

Ab initio guided minimal model for the "Kitaev" material BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$: Importance of direct hopping, third-neighbor exchange and quantum fluctuations

By considering two {\it ab initio}-based complementary approaches, we analyze the electronic structure and extract effective spin models of BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$, a honeycomb material which has been proposed as a candidate for Kitaev physics. Both methods show that the dominant direct hopping makes the bond-dependent Kitaev term negligible averting the material away from the sought-after spin-liquid regime. As a result, we present a simple three-parameter exchange model to describe the interactions of the lowest doublet of the honeycomb cobaltate BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$. Remarkably, it is the third-neighbor interactions, both isotropic and anisotropic, that are responsible for the standout double-zigzag ground state of BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$, stabilized by quantum fluctuations. A significantly large third-nearest neighbor hopping, observed in {\it ab initio}, supports the importance of the third-neighbor interactions in the stabilization of the unique ground state of BaCo$_2$(AsO$_4$)$_2$.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Breakdown of Magnons in a Strongly Spin-Orbital Coupled Magnet

The description of quantized collective excitations stands as a landmark in the quantum theory of condensed matter. A prominent example occurs in conventional magnets, which support bosonic magnons - quantized harmonic fluctuations of the ordered spins. In striking contrast is the recent discovery that strongly spin-orbital coupled magnets, such as $α$-RuCl$_3$, may display a broad excitation continuum inconsistent with conventional magnons. Due to incomplete knowledge of the underlying interactions unraveling the nature of this continuum remains challenging. The most discussed explanation refers to a coherent continuum of fractional excitations analogous to the celebrated Kitaev spin liquid. Here we present a more general scenario. We propose that the observed continuum represents incoherent excitations originating from strong magnetic anharmoniticity that naturally occurs in such materials. This scenario fully explains the observed inelastic magnetic response of $α$-RuCl$_3$ and reveals the presence of nontrivial excitations in such materials extending well beyond the Kitaev state.

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