arXiv subjects

R. Nath

Publications and source records attributed to R. Nath.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Magnetic and crystal electric field excitations in a spin-orbit coupled frustrated hyperkagome magnet Nd$_3$Li$_3$W$_2$O$_{12}$

Rare-earth based garnets provide a viable platform for studying the frustrated driven magnetic properties of the hyperkagome lattices. Herein, we report a comprehensive study of the magnetic properties and crystal electric field (CEF) scheme of a new Nd$^{3+}$ based hyperkagome antiferromagnet, Nd$_3$Li$_3$W$_2$O$_{12}$ belonging to the garnet family via magnetization, heat capacity, and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measurements. Magnetization measurement reveals a dominant antiferromagnetic interaction with a low temperature Curie-Weiss temperature $\theta_{\rm CW}^{\rm LT} \simeq -0.2$ K. Two broad maxima are observed in the magnetic heat capacity data under magnetic fields, implying multilevel Schottky anomalies due to the effect of CEF and display a two-step magnetic entropy release. No magnetic long-range order is observed down to 0.1 K. The CEF excitations of the Nd$^{3+}$ ($J=9/2$) ion with $D_2$ point group symmetry, probed via INS experiments, show non-dispersive excitations characterizing the transitions among the CEF energy levels. The simultaneous fit of the INS spectra at different temperatures enabled the mapping of the CEF Hamiltonian and the energy eigenvalues of the Kramers' doublets. The simulation using the obtained CEF parameters reproduces the experimental magnetic susceptibility, magnetic isotherms, and magnetic heat capacity data. The thermodynamic properties and INS-derived crystal-field scheme confirm a Kramers' doublet ground state with an effective spin $J_{\rm eff} = 1/2$ at low temperatures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2026

Spin-orbit-entangled frustrated magnetism in fcc Ba$_2$(Yb,Nd)NbO$_6$ double perovskites

The search for candidate Kitaev materials has largely focused on 4$d$ and 5$d$ transition-metal compounds with various lattice geometries. In contrast, investigations of rare-earth 4$f$ systems have thus far been restricted mainly to honeycomb and triangular lattices. In this work, we investigate the rare-earth-based double perovskites Ba$_2$YbNbO$_6$ and Ba$_2$NdNbO$_6$, which crystallize in a face-centered cubic structure. Magnetization and heat-capacity measurements establish isolated ${j_{\rm eff}} = 1/2$ Kramers doublet ground states arising from strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and crystal electric-field effects, which are further supported by density-functional theory calculations. Millikelvin-temperature thermodynamic measurements reveal long-range magnetic order with moderate frustration in both compounds. The emergence of magnetic order may be understood within an order-by-disorder scenario, as theoretically proposed for rare-earth fcc lattices with finite Kitaev interactions. Our results thus identify Ba$_2$YbNbO$_6$ and Ba$_2$NdNbO$_6$ as promising rare-earth spin-orbit-entangled magnets and motivate further experimental and theoretical investigations aimed at determining the complete exchange tensor to elucidate the microscopic origin of the underlying magnetic interactions.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2026

Signatures of unconventional magnetism in the layered metallic ferromagnet LaCrSb$_3$ from ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy

LaCrSb$_{3}$ is a metallic ferromagnet with a layered crystal structure demonstrating intriguing electronic and magnetic properties, such as large anomalous Hall effect, strong canting of the spin lattice, and a peculiar spin-reorientation transition. Here, we report the results of the temperature-dependent x-ray diffraction, static magnetization, and in particular electron spin resonance (ESR) and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) experiments carried out over a wide range of frequencies, magnetic fields, and temperatures. Though x-ray data reveals no structural transition down to 15 K, a strong magneto-elastic coupling is detected across the ferromagnetic transition at $T_{\rm C} \simeq 126$ K. ESR results indicate a presence of the quasi-static short-range correlations extending far above $T_{\rm C}$, which is a typical fingerprint of the low-dimensional magnetism. The frequency-field diagram of the FMR modes mapped below $T_{\rm C}$ strongly suggests presence of two magnetic sublattices in LaCrSb$_{3}$. A quantitative understanding of the FMR excitations was achieved within a phenomenological model of interacting orthogonal ferro- and antiferromagnetic sublattices which was earlier proposed to explain unusually strong spin canting observed by neutron diffraction [E.~Granado et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 107204 (2002)]. The FMR results corroborate this scenario and call for the development of the underlying microscopic model of unconventional magnetism in LaCrSb$_{3}$.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2026

Ground-state properties of the $S=3/2$ anisotropic triangular lattice antiferromagnet Na$_3$Cr(PO$_4$)$_2$

We report the crystal structure and magnetic properties of a $S=3/2$ anisotropic triangular lattice compound Na$_3$Cr(PO$_4$)$_2$ employing single-crystal and powder x-ray diffraction, magnetization, heat capacity, and $^{31}$P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments, supported by the band structure calculations. Magnetic susceptibility exhibits a broad maximum around 3.5 K, indicating the presence of a short-range antiferromagnetic order, typical of a low-dimensional spin system. Magnetization and heat capacity manifest an antiferromagnetic long-range ordering at around $T_{\rm N} \simeq 2.6$ K. This was further confirmed by the drastic NMR line broadening and a peak in the nuclear spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation rates. The isothermal magnetization data exhibit a field-induced spin-flop transition at around $\mu_0H_{\rm SF} \simeq 1.7$ T reminiscent of an anisotropic two-dimensional magnet, before saturating above $\mu_0H_{\rm sat} \simeq 4.5$ T. The saturation field was further upheld by the field-dependent NMR relaxation measurements at low temperatures. The $^{31}$P NMR spectral shape confirms the commensurate antiferromagnetic nature of the ordering below $T_{\rm N}$. \textit{Ab initio} calculations reveal a significant deformation of the triangular spin lattice, resulting in triangles with two antiferromagnetic couplings of similar strength and a much weaker coupling along the third side of the triangle.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2026

Crystal electric field excitations and spin dynamics in a spin-orbit coupled distorted honeycomb magnet BiErGeO$_5$

The magnetic properties and crystal electric field (CEF) scheme of BiErGeO$_5$ are investigated via magnetization, heat capacity, muon spin relaxation (muSR), and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) experiments on a polycrystalline sample. The Er$^{3+}$ ions form a quasi-two-dimensional distorted honeycomb network with a Kramers doublet ground state. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity reveal short-range antiferromagnetic correlations, manifested as a broad maximum around 1.4 K. Heat-capacity data further confirm the onset of a magnetic long-range order at $T_ N = 0.4$ K. The INS spectra exhibit eight CEF excitations and the CEF analysis yields the $g$-factor anisotropy with $g_{xy}/g_{z} = 1.38$ and exchange anisotropy with $J_{xy} = 2.96$ K and $J_{z} = 1.56$ K. The experimental temperature and field dependent magnetization and heat capacity are also reproduced by the simulation using CEF energy scheme. Zero-field muSR measurements down to 30 mK, do not exhibit coherent oscillations or a static 1/3 tail. The spectra are well described by two exponential relaxation components, indicating two magnetically inequivalent muon environments. The relaxation rates display a nearly temperature-independent plateau below $T_{\rm N}$ and follow an Orbach-type activated behavior at higher temperatures involving excited CEF levels, consistent with the INS results. Longitudinal-field $\mu$SR measurements reveal only weak decoupling up to 1.5 T, indicating persistent slow spin fluctuations below $T_{\rm N}$.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Static and dynamic properties of the frustrated spin-1/2 depleted-kagome antiferromagnet Cu$_7$(TeO$_3$)$_2$(SO$_4$)$_2$(OH)$_6$

The structural and magnetic properties of the two-dimensional spin-$1/2$ depleted-kagome compound Cu$_7$(TeO$_3$)$_2$(SO$_4$)$_2$(OH)$_6$ are investigated using x-ray diffraction, magnetization, heat capacity, and $^1$H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurements. From the analysis of magnetic susceptibility, we found a large Curie-Weiss temperature [$\theta_{\rm CW} = -50(2)$ K] and the co-existence of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions. The value of $\theta_{\rm CW}$ gives an estimate of the average nearest-neighbour antiferromagnetic interaction of $J/k_{\rm B} \simeq 66$ K. The NMR relaxation rates ($1/T_1$ and $1/T_2$) exhibit a peak, providing evidence for a magnetic long-range order at $T^*\simeq 4$ K which appears to be canted antiferromagnetic type. Heat capacity also features a broad maximum at $T^*$ that moves towards higher temperatures with increasing magnetic field, reflecting defect induced Schottky anomaly. The frustration parameter $f_r = \lvert \theta_{\rm CW} \lvert/{T^{*}}\simeq 12.5$ renders the compound a highly frustrated low-dimensional magnet.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Frustration driven magnetic correlations in the spin-$5/2$ triangular lattice antiferromagnet RbFe(HPO$_{3}$)$_{2}$

A detailed study of the structural and magnetic properties of a spin-$5/2$ triangular lattice antiferromagnet RbFe(HPO$_{3}$)$_{2}$ is presented using x-ray diffraction, magnetization, heat capacity, and $^{31}$P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments on a polycrystalline sample. The crystal structure features an equilateral triangular lattice of Fe$^{3+}$ ions. The thermodynamic measurements reveal the onset of a magnetic long-range order at $T_{\rm N1} \simeq 7.8$ K in zero-field, followed by another low temperature field induced ordering at $T_{\rm N2}$ in higher fields. The transition at $T_{\rm N1}$ is further confirmed from the NMR spin lattice relaxation measurements. The value of the frustration ratio ($f \simeq 7$) implies moderate spin frustration in the compound. The $^{31}$P NMR spectra exhibit two distinct spectral lines corresponding to two inequivalent phosphorus sites (P1 and P2), consistent with the crystal structure. The P1 site is strongly coupled with an isotropic hyperfine coupling of $A_{\rm hf}^{\rm iso} = 0.55(2)$ T/$\mu_{\rm B}$ while the P2 site is weakly coupled with $A_{\rm hf}^{\rm iso} = 0.25(3)$ T/$\mu_{\rm B}$ with the Fe$^{3+}$ ions. The magnetic susceptibility and NMR shift data are described well assuming a spin-$5/2$ isotropic triangular lattice antiferromagnetic model with an average exchange coupling of $J/k_{\rm B} = 2.8(2)$ K. Below $T_{\rm N1}$, the spectra evolve into a nearly rectangular powder pattern, indicating a commensurate antiferromagnetic type order. The $^{31}$P spin-lattice relaxation rate well below $T_{\rm N1}$ follows a $T^3$ temperature dependence, implying a two-magnon Raman scattering mechanism in the ordered state. Three well-defined phase regimes are clearly ascertained in the $H-T$ phase diagram, reflecting a weak magnetic anisotropy in the compound.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Inhomogeneous dynamic state in the double trillium lattice antiferromagnet KBaFe$_2$(PO$_4$)$_3$

The three-dimensional (3D) magnet KBaFe$_2$(PO$_4$)$_3$ hosts a double-trillium lattice of Fe$^{3+}$ (spin, $S=5/2$) ions offering a prototypical platform to study the frustration induced effects in 3D. Through magnetization, specific heat, $^{31}$P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and muon spin relaxation ($\mu$SR) experiments, supported by first principles calculations, we uncover an unconventional ground state. Despite strong antiferromagnetic interactions with a large Curie-Weiss temperature $\theta_{\rm CW} = -70(2)$ K, no magnetic long-range order is observed down to 30 mK. Below $T^{\ast}\simeq 3.5$ K, the NMR linewidth becomes nearly field-independent and the spin-spin relaxation rate $1/T_2$ saturates, accompanied by an inhomogeneous distribution of transverse nuclear magnetization $M_{xy}$. The latter indicates the emergence of short-range dynamical correlations, which was further corroborated by a robust and field-insensitive broad maximum in specific heat. In $\mu$SR, we detect neither a static internal field nor spin freezing; instead the relaxation remains dynamic and is best described by two coexisting dynamic relaxation channels: a dominant fast (sporadic) channel and a slower Markovian component. Their differing weights and fluctuation rates suggest microscopic inhomogeneity in spin dynamics. Altogether, KBaFe$_2$(PO$_4$)$_3$ exemplifies a rare high-spin stochiometric 3D antiferromagnet that evades ordering and instead fosters a mosaic of spin dynamics driven by strong geometric frustration intrinsic to the trillium lattice.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Short-range Spin Freezing State in the Double Trillium Lattice Spin-Liquid Candidate KSrFe$_2$(PO$_4$)$_3$ Revealed via $^{31}$P NMR

A comprehensive $^{31}$P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study, combined with thermodynamic measurements and first-principle band-structure calculations, has been conducted to explore the ground state of the $S = 5/2$ double trillium lattice antiferromagnet KSrFe$_2$(PO$_4$)$_3$. Our experimental results indicate that the magnetic ground state is neither a conventional three-dimensional (3D) long-range order (LRO) nor a pure gapless spin-liquid state, as conjectured previously [Boya et al., APL Mater. 10, 101103 (2022)]. Specifically, the observation of a nearly field-independent NMR linewidth below $T^{*}$ = (3.5 $\pm$ 0.4) K, and a significant enhancement of spin-spin relaxation rate $1/T_2$ below $2T^{*}$ (where $T^{*}$ is the characteristic temperature identified from the magnetic susceptibility), indicate a complex magnetic ground state where spin freezing coexists with persistent dynamics. Furthermore, we argue that the lack of magnetic LRO and the persistence of strong magnetic fluctuations in KSrFe$_2$(PO$_4$)$_3$ are unlikely to originate from intersite K/Sr disorder, rather arise due to intrinsic magnetic frustration. Our findings position KSrFe$_2$(PO$_4$)$_3$ into a broader family of geometrically frustrated magnets characterized by coexisting spin freezing and pronounced antiferromagnetic fluctuations, marking it as a promising platform for investigating exotic phenomena in 3D frustrated magnets.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Proximate spin-liquid behavior in the double trillium lattice antiferromagnet K$_2$Co$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$

We report proximate quantum spin liquid behavior in K$_2$Co$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$ with the magnetic Co$^{2+}$ ions embedded on a highly frustrated three-dimensional double trillium lattice. Single-crystal and high-resolution synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction experiments reveal a structural phase transition at $T_{\rm t} \simeq 125$ K from high-temperature cubic to low-temperature monoclinic phase with the three-fold superstructure. Magnetization and heat capacity consistently show the formation of the $J_{\rm eff} =1/2$ state of Co$^{2+}$ below 50 K. In zero field, K$_2$Co$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$ shows signatures of static magnetic order formed below $T^* \simeq 0.6$ K, but muon spin relaxation experiments reveal a large fluctuating component that persists down to at least 50 mK, reminiscent of quantum spin liquid (QSL). Static order is completely suppressed in the small magnetic field of $\sim 1$ T, and low-temperature heat capacity demonstrates the $T^2$ behavior above this field, another fingerprint of QSL. Ab initio calculations show a competition of several antiferromagnetic couplings that render K$_2$Co$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$ a promising pseudospin-$\frac12$ material for studying quantum magnetism in the double trillium lattice geometry.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Magnetic ground state, critical analysis of magnetization, and large magnetocaloric effect in the ferromagnetically coupled kagome lattice YCa$_3$(MnO)$_3$(BO$_3$)$_4$

We report a detailed study of the magnetic properties, critical analysis of magnetization, and magnetocaloric effect of a spin-$2$ kagome lattice YCa$_3$(MnO)$_3$(BO$_3$)$_4$. The experiments are complemented by the density functional band structure calculations. The magnetic measurements suggest a highly frustrated nature of the compound due to competing ferro- and antiferromagnetic interactions with the dominant one being ferromagnetic. It undergoes a unconventional ferromagnetic ordering at $T^* \simeq 7.8$ K and a field induced metamagnetic transition in low fields, implying spin canting. A $H$-$T$ phase diagram is constructed that features three phase regimes. Indeed, the band structure calculations reveal dominant ferromagnetic interaction along the chains that are coupled antiferromagnetically yielding a frustrated kagome geometry. This compound shows a large magnetocaloric effect with isothermal entropy change $\Delta S_{\rm m} \simeq 12$ J/kg-K, adiabatic temperature change $\Delta T_{\rm ad} \simeq 8.4$ K, and relative cooling power $RCP \simeq 349$ J/kg for a field change of 7 T. The critical analysis of magnetization and magnetocaloric parameters suggests that the transition is a second order phase transition and it is tricritical mean field type. Owing to it's large magnetocaloric parameters, second order phase transition, and no thermal hysteresis, YCa$_3$(MnO)$_3$(BO$_3$)$_4$ emerges as a potential rare-earth free material for magnetic refrigeration.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Spin fluctuations, absence of magnetic order, and crystal electric field studies in the Yb$^{3+}$-based triangular lattice antiferromagnet Rb$_3$Yb(VO$_4$)$_2$

We report a comprehensive experimental investigation of the structural, thermodynamic, static, and dynamic properties of a triangular lattice antiferromagnet Rb$_3$Yb(VO$_4$)$_2$. Through the analysis of magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and specific heat, complemented by crystal electric field (CEF) calculations, we confirm the Kramers' doublet with effective spin $J_{\rm{eff}}=1/2$ ground state. Magnetic susceptibility and isothermal magnetization analysis reveal a weak antiferromagnetic interaction among the $J_{\rm{eff}}=1/2$ spins, characterized by a small Curie-Weiss temperature ($\theta_{\text{CW}}^{\text{LT}}\simeq-0.26$ K) or a reduced exchange coupling ($J/k_{\rm B} \simeq 0.18$ K). The $^{51}$V NMR spectra and spin-lattice relaxation rate ($1/T_1$) show no evidence of magnetic long-range-order down to 1.6 K but reflect strong influence of CEF excitations in the intermediate temperatures. At low temperatures, $1/T_1(T)$ shows pronounced frequency dependence and $1/T_1$ vs field in different temperatures follows the scaling behaviour, highlighting the role of paramagnetic fluctuations. The CEF calculations using the point charge approximation divulge a large energy gap ($\sim 18.61$ meV) between the lowest and second lowest energy doublets, further establishing Kramers' doublet as the ground state. Our calculations also reproduce the experimental magnetization and specific heat data and indicate an in-plane magnetic anisotropy. These findings position Rb$_3$Yb(VO$_4$)$_2$ as an ideal and disorder-free candidate to explore intrinsic quantum fluctuations and possible quantum spin-liquid physics in a Yb$^{3+}$-based triangular lattice antiferromagnet.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Magnetic order and spin dynamics across the ferromagnetic quantum critical point in Ni\boldmath{$_{1-x}$}Mo\boldmath{$_{x}$}

Realizing a quantum critical point (QCP) in clean ferromagnetic (FM) metals has remained elusive due to the coupling of magnetization to the electronic soft modes that drive the transition to be of first order. However, by introducing a suitable amount of quenched disorder, one can still establish a QCP in ferromagnets. In this study, we ascertain that the itinerant ferromagnet Ni$_{1-x}$Mo$_{x}$ exhibits a FM QCP at a critical doping of $x_c \simeq 0.125$. Through magnetization and muon-spin relaxation measurements, we demonstrate that the FM ordering temperature is suppressed continuously to zero at $x_c$, while the magnetic volume fraction remains $100\%$ up to $x_c$, indicating a second-order phase transition. The QCP is accompanied by a non-Fermi liquid behavior, as evidenced by the logarithmic divergence of the specific heat and the linear temperature dependence of the low-temperature resistivity. Our findings reveal a minimal effect of disorder on the critical spin dynamics of Ni$_{1-x}$Mo$_{x}$ at $x_c$, highlighting it as one of the rare systems to exhibit a clean FM QCP.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Ground state properties of a spin-$\frac{5}{2}$ frustrated triangular lattice antiferromagnet NH$_{4}$Fe(PO$_{3}$F)$_2$

Structural and magnetic properties of a two-dimensional spin-$\frac{5}{2}$ frustrated triangular lattice antiferromagnet NH$_{4}$Fe(PO$_{3}$F)$_2$ are explored via x-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, high-field magnetization, heat capacity, and $^{31}$P nuclear magnetic resonance experiments on a polycrystalline sample. The compound portrays distorted triangular units of the Fe$^{3+}$ ions with anisotropic bond lengths. The magnetic susceptibility shows a broad maxima around $T^{\rm{max}}_{\chi}\simeq 12$ K, mimicking the short-range antiferromagnetic order of a low-dimensional spin system. The magnetic susceptibility and NMR shift could be modeled assuming the spin-$5/2$ isotropic triangular lattice model and the average value of the exchange coupling is estimated to be $J/k_{\rm B} \simeq 1.7$ K. This value of the exchange coupling is reproduced well from the saturation field of the pulse field data. It shows the onset of a magnetic ordering at $T_{\rm N} \simeq 5.7$ K, setting the frustration ratio of $f = \frac{|\theta_{\rm CW}|}{T_{\rm N}} \simeq 5.7$. Such a value of $f$ reflects moderate magnetic frustration in the compound. The d$M$/d$H$ vs $H$ plots of the low temperature magnetic isotherms exhibit a sharp peak at $H_{\rm SF} \simeq 1.45$ T, suggesting a field-induced spin-flop transition and magnetic anisotropy. The rectangular shape of the $^{31}$P NMR spectra below $T_{\rm N}$ unfolds that the ordering is commensurate antiferromagnet type. Three distinct phase regimes are clearly discerned in the $H - T$ phase diagram, redolent of a frustrated magnet with in-plane (XY-type) anisotropy.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Magnetic and crystal electric field studies of two Yb$^{3+}$-based triangular lattice antiferromagnets

We present the low-temperature magnetic properties of two Yb$^{3+}$-based triangular lattice compounds NaSrYb(BO$_3$)$_2$ and K$_3$YbSi$_2$O$_7$ via thermodynamic measurements followed by crystal electric field (CEF) calculations. Magnetization and specific heat data as well as the CEF energy levels confirm that the ground state is characterized by the low-lying Kramers' doublet of Yb$^{3+}$ with effective spin-1/2 ($J_{\rm eff} = 1/2$). A small Curie-Weiss temperature and scaling of magnetic isotherms corroborate very weak magnetic correlations among $J_{\rm eff} = 1/2$ spins. The crystal field parameters are calculated using the point charge model and the CEF Hamiltonian is determined for both the compounds. The simulation using the eigenvalues of the CEF Hamiltonian reproduces the experimental susceptibility, magnetic isotherm, and magnetic specific heat data very well. The large separation between the ground state and first excited state doublets implies that the ground state is a Kramers' doublet with $J_{\rm eff} = 1/2$ at low temperatures, endorsing the experimental findings.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Magnetic properties of frustrated spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ capped-kagome antiferromagnet (CsBr)Cu$_5$V$_2$O$_{10}$

The structural and magnetic properties of a spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ averievite (CsBr)Cu$_5$V$_2$O$_{10}$ are investigated by means of temperature-dependent x-ray diffraction, magnetization, heat capacity, and $^{51}$V nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. The crystal structure (trigonal, $P\bar{3}$) features a frustrated capped-kagome lattice of the magnetic Cu$^{2+}$ ions. Magnetic susceptibility analysis indicates a large Curie-Weiss temperature of $\theta_{\rm CW} \simeq-175$ K. Heat capacity signals the onset of a magnetic long-range-order (LRO) at $T_{\rm N}\simeq 21.5$ K at zero magnetic field due to the presence of significant inter-planer coupling in this system. The magnetic LRO below 27 K is further evident from the drastic change in the $^{51}$V NMR signal intensity and rapid enhancement in the $^{51}$V spin-lattice relaxation rate in a magnetic field of 6.3 T. The frustration index $f=|\theta_{\rm CW}|/T_{\rm N} \simeq 8$ ascertains strong magnetic frustration in this compound. From the high-temperature value of the $^{51}$V NMR spin-lattice relaxation rate, the leading antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the Cu$^{2+}$ ions is calculated to be $J/k_{\rm B}\simeq 136$ K.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Magnetic and crystal electric field studies in the rare-earth-based square lattice antiferromagnet NdKNaNbO$_5$

The interplay of magnetic correlations, crystal electric field interactions, and spin-orbit coupling in low-dimensional frustrated magnets fosters novel ground states with unusual excitations. Here, we report the magnetic properties and crystal electric field (CEF) scheme of a rare-earth-based square-lattice antiferromagnet NdKNaNbO$_5$ investigated via magnetization, specific heat, electron spin resonance (ESR), and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) experiments. The low-temperature Curie-Weiss temperature $\theta_{\rm CW} \simeq -0.6$ K implies net antiferromagnetic interactions between the Nd$^{3+}$ ions. Two broad maxima are observed in the low temperature specific heat data in magnetic fields, indicating multilevel Schottky anomalies due to the effect of CEF. No magnetic long-range-order is detected down to 0.4 K. The CEF excitations of Kramers' ion Nd$^{3+}$ ($J=9/2$) probed via INS experiments evince dispersionless excitations characterizing the transitions among the CEF energy levels. The fit of the INS spectra enabled the mapping of the CEF Hamiltonian and the energy eigenvalues of the Kramers' doublets. The simulation using the obtained CEF parameters reproduces the broad maxima in specific heat in zero-field as well as in different applied fields. The significant contribution from $J_z = \pm 1/2$ state to the wave function of the ground state doublet indicates the role of strong quantum fluctuations at low temperatures. The magnetic ground state is found to be a Kramers' doublet with effective spin $J_{\rm eff} = 1/2$ at low temperatures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Evidence of quantum spin liquid state in a Cu$^{2+}$-based $S = 1/2$ triangular lattice antiferromagnet

The layered triangular lattice owing to $1:2$ order of $B$ and $B'$ sites in the triple perovskite $A_3 B B'_2$O$_9$ family provides an enticing domain for exploring the complex phenomena of quantum spin liquids (QSLs). We report a comprehensive investigation of the ground state properties of Sr$_3$CuTa$_2$O$_9$ that belongs to the above family, by employing magnetization, specific heat, and muon spin relaxation ($\mu$SR) experiments down to the lowest temperature of 0.1~K. Analysis of the magnetic susceptibility indicates that the spin-lattice is a nearly isotropic $S = 1/2$ triangular lattice. We illustrate the observation of a gapless QSL, in which conventional spin ordering or freezing effects are absent, even at temperatures more than two orders of magnitude smaller than the exchange energy ($J_{\rm CW}/k_{\rm B} \simeq -5.04$~K). Magnetic specific heat in zero-field follows a power law, $C_{\rm m} \sim T^\eta$, below 1.2~K with $\eta \approx 2/3$, which is consistent with a theoretical proposal of the presence of spinon Fermi surface. Below 1.2~K, the $\mu$SR relaxation rate shows no temperature dependence, suggesting persistent spin dynamics as expected for a QSL state. Delving deeper, we also analyze longitudinal field $\mu$SR spectra revealing strong dynamical correlations in the spin-disordered ground state. All of these highlight the characteristics of spin entanglement in the QSL state.

cond-mat.str-el↗