arXiv subjects

R. Nath

Publications and source records attributed to R. Nath.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Collinear order in a frustrated three-dimensional spin-$\frac12$ antiferromagnet Li$_2$CuW$_2$O$_8$

Magnetic frustration in three dimensions (3D) manifests itself in the spin-$\frac12$ insulator Li$_2$CuW$_2$O$_8$. Density-functional band-structure calculations reveal a peculiar spin lattice built of triangular planes with frustrated interplane couplings. The saturation field of 29 T contrasts with the susceptibility maximum at 8.5 K and a relatively low Néel temperature $T_N\simeq 3.9$ K. Magnetic order below $T_N$ is collinear with the propagation vector $(0,\frac12,0)$ and an ordered moment of 0.65(4) $μ_B$ according to neutron diffraction data. This reduced ordered moment together with the low maximum of the magnetic specific heat ($C^{\max}/R\simeq 0.35$) pinpoint strong magnetic frustration in 3D. Collinear magnetic order suggests that quantum fluctuations play crucial role in this system, where a non-collinear spiral state would be stabilized classically.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Alternating-spin-chain compound AgVOAsO$_4$ probed by $^{75}$As NMR

$^{75}$As NMR measurements were performed on a polycrystalline sample of spin-1/2 alternating-spin-chain Heisenberg antiferromagnet AgVOAsO$_4$. Temperature-dependent NMR shift $K(T)$, which is a direct measure of the intrinsic spin susceptibility, agrees very well with the spin-1/2 alternating-chain model, justifying the assignment of the spin lattice. From the analysis of $K(T)$, magnetic exchange parameters were estimated as follows: the leading exchange $J/k_{\rm B} \simeq 38.4$ K, alternation ratio $α= J'/J \simeq 0.68$, and spin gap $Δ/k_{\rm B} \simeq 15$ K. The transferred hyperfine coupling between the $^{75}$As nucleus and V$^{4+}$ spins obtained by comparing the NMR shift with bulk susceptibility amounts to $A_{\rm hf} \simeq 3.3$ T/$μ_{\rm B}$. Our temperature-dependent spin-lattice relaxation rate $1/T_1(T)$ also shows an activated behaviour at low temperatures, thus confirming the presence of a spin gap in AgVOAsO$_4$.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Frustrated three-dimensional antiferromagnet Li$_{2}$CuW$_{2}$O$_{8}$: $^7$Li NMR and the effect of non-magnetic dilution

We report a $^7$Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study of a frustrated three-dimensional \mbox{spin-$\frac12$} antiferromagnet Li$_{2}$CuW$_{2}$O$_{8}$ and also explore the effect of non-magnetic dilution. The magnetic long-range ordering in the parent compound at $T_{\rm N}\simeq$ 3.9~K was detected from the drastic line broadening and a peak in the spin-lattice relaxation rate ($1/T_1$). The NMR spectrum above $T_{\rm N}$ broadens systematically, and its full width at half maximum (FWHM) tracks the static spin susceptibility. From the analysis of FWHM vs. static susceptibility, the coupling between the Li nuclei and Cu$^{2+}$ ions was found to be purely dipolar in nature. The magnitude of the maximum exchange coupling constant is $J_{\rm max}/k_{\rm B}\simeq 13$\,K. NMR spectra below $T_{\rm N}$ broaden abruptly and transform into a double-horn pattern reflecting the commensurate nature of the spin structure in the ordered state. Below $T_{\rm N}$, 1/$T_1$ follows a $T^5$ behavior. The frustrated nature of the compound is confirmed by persistent magnetic correlations at high temperatures well above $T_{\rm N}$. The dilution of the spin lattice with non-magnetic Zn atoms has dramatic influence on $T_N$ that decreases exponentially similar to quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnets, even though Li$_2$CuW$_2$O$_8$ has only a weak one-dimensional anisotropy. Heat capacity of doped samples follows power law ($C_{\rm p} \propto T^α$) below $T_{\rm N}$, and the exponent ($α$) decreases from 3 in the parent compound to 1 in the 25\% doped sample.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Multiple magnetic transitions in the spin-$\frac12$ chain antiferromagnet SrCuTe2O6

Using thermodynamic measurements and density-functional band-structure calculations, we explore magnetic behavior of SrCuTe2O6. Despite being a structural sibling of a three-dimensional frustrated system PbCuTe2O6, this spin-1/2 quantum magnet shows remarkably different low-temperature behavior. Above 7 K, magnetic susceptibility of SrCuTe2O6 follows the spin-chain model with the antiferromagnetic intrachain coupling of J = 49.3 K. We ascribe this quasi-one-dimensional behavior to the leading third-neighbor coupling that involves a weakly bent Cu--O......O--Cu superexchange pathway with a short O.....O contact of 2.79 Å. Below 5 K, SrCuTe2O6 undergoes two consecutive magnetic transitions that may be triggered by the frustrated nature of interchain couplings. Field dependence of the magnetic transitions (phase diagram) is reported.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Antiferromagnetism of Zn$_2$VO(PO$_4)_2$ and the dilution with Ti$^{4+}$

We report static and dynamic properties of the antiferromagnetic compound Zn$_{2}$(VO)(PO$_{4}$)$_{2}$, and the consequences of non-magnetic Ti$^{4+}$ doping at the V$^{4+}$ site. $^{31}$P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and spin-lattice relaxation rate ($1/T_1$) consistently show the formation of the long-range antiferromagnetic order below $T_N= 3.8-3.9$\,K. The critical exponent $β=0.33 \pm 0.02$ estimated from the temperature dependence of the sublattice magnetization measured by $^{31}$P NMR at 9.4\,MHz is consistent with universality classes of three-dimensional spin models. The isotropic and axial hyperfine couplings between the $^{31}$P nuclei and V$^{4+}$ spins are $A_{\rm hf}^{\rm iso} = (9221 \pm 100)$ Oe/$μ_{\rm B}$ and $A_{\rm hf}^{\rm ax} = (1010 \pm 50)$ Oe/$μ_{\rm B}$, respectively. Magnetic susceptibility data above 6.5\,K and heat capacity data above 4.5\,K are well described by quantum Monte-Carlo simulations for the Heisenberg model on the square lattice with $J\simeq 7.7$\,K. This value of $J$ is consistent with the values obtained from the NMR shift, $1/T_1$ and electron spin resonance (ESR) intensity analysis. Doping Zn$_2$VO(PO$_4)_2$ with non-magnetic Ti$^{4+}$ leads to a marginal increase in the $J$ value and the overall dilution of the spin lattice. In contrast to the recent \textit{ab initio} results, we find neither evidence for the monoclinic structural distortion nor signatures of the magnetic one-dimensionality for doped samples with up to 15\% of Ti$^{4+}$. The Néel temperature $T_{\rm N}$ decreases linearly with increasing the amount of the non-magnetic dopant.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Quasi-two-dimensional $S=1/2$ magnetism of Cu[C$_6$H$_2$(COO)$_4$][C$_2$H$_5$NH$_3$]$_2$

We report structural and magnetic properties of the spin-$\frac12$ quantum antiferromagnet Cu[C$_6$H$_2$(COO)$_4$][C$_2$H$_5$NH$_3$]$_2$ by means of single-crystal x-ray diffraction, magnetization, heat capacity, and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements on polycrystalline samples, as well as band-structure calculations. The triclinic crystal structure of this compound features CuO$_4$ plaquette units connected into a two-dimensional framework through anions of the pyromellitic acid [C$_6$H$_2$(COO)$_4$]$^{4-}$. The ethylamine cations [C$_2$H$_5$NH$_3]^+$ are located between the layers and act as spacers. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements establish a quasi-two-dimensional, weakly anisotropic and non-frustrated spin-$\frac12$ square lattice with the ratio of the couplings $J_a/J_c\simeq 0.7$ along the $a$ and $c$ directions, respectively. No clear signatures of the long-range magnetic order are seen in thermodynamic measurements down to 1.8\,K. However, the gradual broadening of the ESR line suggests that magnetic ordering occurs at lower temperatures. Leading magnetic couplings are mediated by the organic anion of the pyromellitic acid and exhibit a non-trivial dependence on the Cu--Cu distance, with the stronger coupling between those Cu atoms that are further apart.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

Tuning of magnetic frustration in $S=1/2$ Kagomé lattices {[Cu$_{3}$(CO$_{3}$)$_{2}$$(bpe)_{3}$](ClO$_{4}$)$_2$}$_{n}$ and {[Cu$_{3}$(CO$_{3}$)$_{2}$$(bpy)_{3}$](ClO$_{4}$)$_2$}$_{n}$ through rigid and flexible ligands

Single crystalline and polycrystalline samples of $S=1/2$ Kagomé lattices {[Cu$_{3}$(CO$_{3}$)$_{2}$$(bpe)_{3}$](ClO$_{4}$)$_2$}$_{n}$ and {[Cu$_{3}$(CO$_{3}$)$_{2}$$(bpy)_{3}$](ClO$_{4}$)$_2$}$_{n}$, respectively were synthesized. Their structural and magnetic properties were characterized by means of x-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements. Both compounds crystalize in a hexagonal structure (space group $P-6$) consisting of CuO$_4$ Kagomé layers in the $ab$-plane but linked along $c$ direction through either rigid $bpy$ or flexible $bpe$ ligands to form 3D frame works. Magnetic measurements reveal that both the compounds undergo ferromagnetic ordering ($T_{\rm C}$) at low temperatures and the $T_{\rm C}$ and the extent of frustration could be tuned by changing the nature of the pillar ligands. {[Cu$_{3}$(CO$_{3}$)$_{2}$$(bpe)_{3}$](ClO$_{4}$)$_2$}$_{n}$ which is made up of flexible $bpe$ ligands has a $T_{\rm C}$ of 5.7 K and a Curie-Weiss temperature ($θ_{\rm CW}$) of -39.7 K giving rise to a frustration parameter of $\frac{|θ_{\rm CW}|}{T_{\rm C}} \simeq$ 6.96. But the replacement of $bpe$ by a more rigid and electronically delocalized $bpy$ ligand leads to an enhanced $T_{\rm C} \simeq$ 9.3 K and a reduced frustration parameter of $\frac{|θ_{\rm CW}|}{T_{\rm C}} \simeq$ 3.54.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

Magnetic transitions in the spin S=5/2 frustrated magnet BiMn2PO6 and strong lattice softening in BiMn2PO6 and BiZn2PO6 below 200 K

The crystallographic, magnetic and thermal properties of BiMn2PO6 and BiZn2PO6 were investigated by x-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility χ, heat capacity Cp, and 31P NMR measurements as well as by density-functional band-theory calculations. Both compounds show a strong monotonic lattice softening on cooling, where the Debye temperature decreases by a factor of two from Θ_D=650K at T=300K to Θ_D=300K at T=2K. The χ(T) data for BiMn2PO6 above 150K follow a Curie-Weiss law with a Curie constant consistent with a S=5/2 with g=2 and an antiferromagnetic (AFM) Weiss temperature θ_CW= -78K. The χdata indicate long-range AFM ordering below TN=30K, confirmed by a sharp lambda-type peak in Cp(T) at 28.8K. The band-theory calculations indicate that BiMn2PO6 is an AFM compound with dominant interactions J1/kB= 6.7K and J3/kB= 5.6K along the legs and rungs of a two-leg spin-ladder, respectively. In addition to the long-range AFM ordering at TN=30K, a second transition at 10 K is observed from the χand NMR measurements but is not evident in the Cp data. The Cp data at low T suggest a significant contribution from AFM spin waves moving in three dimensions and the absence of a spin-wave gap. A detailed analysis of the NMR spectra indicates commensurate magnetic order between 10K and 30K and a possible incommensurate modulation and/or spin canting below 10K. The commensurate order is consistent with microscopic simulations that yield a collinear Neel-type AFM spin arrangement both within and between the ladders, despite the presence of multiple weak interactions frustrating this magnetic structure. Frustration for AFM ordering and 1D spatial anisotropy of the 3D spin interactions are manifested in the frustration ratio f=|θCW|/TN=2.6, indicating a suppression of TN from 68K in the absence of these effects to 30K in BiMn2PO6.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2014

Hindered magnetic order from mixed dimensionalities in CuP$_2$O$_6$

We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of the spin-1/2 compound CuP$_2$O$_6$ that features a network of two-dimensional (2D) antiferromagnetic (AFM) square planes, interconnected via one-dimensional (1D) AFM spin chains. Magnetic susceptibility, high-field magnetization, and electron spin resonance (ESR) data, as well as microscopic density-functional band-structure calculations and subsequent quantum Monte-Carlo simulations, show that the coupling $J_{2D}\sim$ 40 K in the layers is an order of magnitude larger than $J_{1D}\sim$ 4 K in the chains. Below $T_N\sim$ 8 K, CuP$_2$O$_6$ develops long-range order (LRO), as evidenced by a weak net moment on the 2D planes induced by anisotropic magnetic interactions of Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya type. A striking feature of this 3D ordering transition is that the 1D moments grow significantly slower than the ones on the 2D layers, which is evidenced by the persistent paramagnetic ESR signal below $T_N$. Compared to typical quasi-2D magnets, the ordering temperature of CuP$_2$O$_6$ $T_N/J_{2D}\sim$ 0.2 is unusually low, showing that weakly coupled spins sandwiched between 2D magnetic units effectively decouple these units and impede the long-range ordering.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2013

Magnetization and spin dynamics of the spin S=1/2 hourglass nanomagnet Cu5(OH)2(NIPA)4*10H2O

We report a combined experimental and theoretical study of the spin S=1/2 nanomagnet Cu5(OH)2(NIPA)4*10H2O (Cu5-NIPA). Using thermodynamic, electron spin resonance and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance measurements on one hand, and ab initio density-functional band-structure calculations, exact diagonalizations and a strong coupling theory on the other, we derive a microscopic magnetic model of Cu5-NIPA and characterize the spin dynamics of this system. The elementary five-fold Cu2+ unit features an hourglass structure of two corner-sharing scalene triangles related by inversion symmetry. Our microscopic Heisenberg model comprises one ferromagnetic and two antiferromagnetic exchange couplings in each triangle, stabilizing a single spin S=1/2 doublet ground state (GS), with an exactly vanishing zero-field splitting (by Kramer's theorem), and a very large excitation gap of Δ~68 K. Thus, Cu5-NIPA is a good candidate for achieving long electronic spin relaxation (T1) and coherence (T2) times at low temperatures, in analogy to other nanomagnets with low-spin GS's. Of particular interest is the strongly inhomogeneous distribution of the GS magnetic moment over the five Cu2+ spins. This is a purely quantum-mechanical effect since, despite the non-frustrated nature of the magnetic couplings, the GS is far from the classical collinear ferrimagnetic configuration. Finally, Cu5-NIPA is a rare example of a S=1/2 nanomagnet showing an enhancement in the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/T1 at intermediate temperatures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

Driven-dissipative dynamics of a strongly interacting Rydberg gas

We study the non-equilibrium many-body dynamics of a cold gas of ground state alkali atoms weakly admixed by Rydberg states with laser light. On a timescale shorter than the lifetime of the dressed states, effective dipole-dipole or van der Waals interactions between atoms can lead to the formation of strongly correlated phases, such as atomic crystals. Using a semiclassical approach, we study the long-time dynamics where decoherence and dissipative processes due to spontaneous emission and blackbody radiation dominate, leading to heating and melting of atomic crystals as well as particle losses. These effects can be substantially mitigated by performing active laser cooling in the presence of atomic dressing.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2011

Magnetism and superconductivity in Eu0.2Sr0.8(Fe0.86Co0.14)2As2 probed by 75As NMR

We report bulk superconductivity (SC) in Eu$_{0.2}$Sr$_{0.8}$(Fe$_{0.86}$Co$_{0.14}$)$_{2}$As$_{2}$ single crystals by means of electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat measurements with $T$$_{\mathrm{c}}$ $\simeq$ 20 K with an antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering of Eu$^{2+}$ moments at $T$$_{\mathrm{N}}$ $\simeq$ 2.0 K in zero field. $^{75}$As NMR experiments have been performed in the two external field directions (H$\|ab$) and (H$\|c$). $^{75}$As-NMR spectra are analyzed in terms of first order quadrupolar interaction. Spin-lattice relaxation rates (1/$T_{1}$) follow a $T^{3}$ law in the temperature range 4.2-15 K. There is no signature of Hebel-Slichter coherence peak just below the SC transition indicating a non s-wave or s$_{\pm}$ type of superconductivity. The increase of 1/$T_{1}T$ with lowering the temperature in the range 160-18 K following $\frac{C}{T+θ}$ law reflecting 2D AFM spin fluctuations.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Magnetic model for A2CuP2O7 (A = Na, Li) revisited: 1D versus 2D behavior

We report magnetization measurements, full-potential band structure calculations, and microscopic modeling for the spin-1/2 Heisenberg magnets A2CuP2O7 (A = Na, Li). Based on a quantitative evaluation of the leading exchange integrals and the subsequent quantum Monte-Carlo simulations, we propose a quasi-one-dimensional magnetic model for both compounds, in contrast to earlier studies that conjectured on the two-dimensional scenario. The one-dimensional nature of A2CuP2O7 is unambiguously verified by magnetization isotherms measured in fields up to 50 T. The saturation fields of about 40 T for both Li and Na compounds are in excellent agreement with the intrachain exchange J1 ~ 27 K extracted from the magnetic susceptibility data. The proposed magnetic structure entails spin chains with the dominating antiferromagnetic nearest-neighbor interaction J1 and two inequivalent, nonfrustrated antiferromagnetic interchain couplings of about 0.01*J1 each. A possible long-range magnetic ordering is discussed in comparison with the available experimental information.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2011

Magnetic Exchange Interactions in BaMn2As2: A Case Study of the J1-J2-Jc Heisenberg Model

BaMn2As2 is unique among BaT2As2 compounds crystallizing in the body-centered-tetragonal ThCr2Si2 structure, which contain stacked square lattices of 3d transition metal T atoms, since it has an insulating large-moment (3.9 muB/Mn) G-type (checkerboard) antiferromagnetic AF ground state. We report measurements of the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility chi versus temperature T from 300 to 1000 K of single crystals of BaMn2As2, and magnetic inelastic neutron scattering measurements at 8 K and 75As NMR measurements from 4 to 300 K of polycrystalline samples. The Neel temperature determined from the chi(T) measurements is TN = 618(3) K. The measurements are analyzed using the J1-J2-Jc Heisenberg model. Linear spin wave theory for G-type AF ordering and classical and quantum Monte Carlo simulations and molecular field theory calculations of chi(T) and of the magnetic heat capacity Cmag(T) are presented versus J1, J2 and Jc. We also obtain band theoretical estimates of the exchange couplings in BaMn2As2. From analyses of our chi(T), NMR, neutron scattering, and previously published heat capacity data for BaMn2As2 on the basis of the above theories for the J1-J2-Jc Heisenberg model and our band-theoretical results, our best estimates of the exchange constants in BaMn2As2 are J1 = 13 meV, J2/J1 = 0.3 and Jc/J1 = 0.1, which are all antiferromagnetic. From our classical Monte Carlo simulations of the G-type AF ordering transition, these exchange parameters predict TN = 640 K for spin S = 5/2, in close agreement with experiment. Using spin wave theory, we also utilize these exchange constants to estimate the suppression of the ordered moment due to quantum fluctuations for comparison with the observed value and again obtain S = 5/2 for the Mn spin.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2011

Phase separation and frustrated square lattice magnetism of Na1.5VOPO4F0.5

Crystal structure, electronic structure, and magnetic behavior of the spin-1/2 quantum magnet Na1.5VOPO4F0.5 are reported. The disorder of Na atoms leads to a sequence of structural phase transitions revealed by synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction and electron diffraction. The high-temperature second-order alpha <--> beta transition at 500 K is of the order-disorder type, whereas the low-temperature beta <--> gamma+gamma' transition around 250 K is of the first order and leads to a phase separation toward the polymorphs with long-range (gamma) and short-range (gamma') order of Na. Despite the complex structural changes, the magnetic behavior of Na1.5VOPO4F0.5 probed by magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity, and electron spin resonance measurements is well described by the regular frustrated square lattice model of the high-temperature alpha-polymorph. The averaged nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor couplings are J1 ~ -3.7 K and J2 ~ 6.6 K, respectively. Nuclear magnetic resonance further reveals the long-range ordering below TN = 2.6 K in low magnetic fields. Although the experimental data are consistent with the simplified square-lattice description, band structure calculations suggest that the ordering of Na atoms introduces a large number of inequivalent exchange couplings that split the square lattice into plaquettes. Additionally, the direct connection between the vanadium polyhedra induces an unusually strong interlayer coupling having effect on the transition entropy and the transition anomaly in the specific heat. Peculiar features of the low-temperature crystal structure and the relation to isostructural materials suggest Na1.5VOPO4F0.5 as a parent compound for the experimental study of tetramerized square lattices as well as frustrated square lattices with different values of spin.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2011

Many-body Physics with Alkaline-Earth Rydberg lattices

We explore the prospects for confining alkaline-earth Rydberg atoms in an optical lattice via optical dressing of the secondary core valence electron. Focussing on the particular case of strontium, we identify experimentally accessible magic wavelengths for simultaneous trapping of ground and Rydberg states. A detailed analysis of relevant loss mechanisms shows that the overall lifetime of such a system is limited only by the spontaneous decay of the Rydberg state, and is not significantly affected by photoionization or autoionization. The van der Waals C_6 coefficients for the 5sns series are calculated, and we find that the interactions are attractive. Finally we show that the combination of magic-wavelength lattices and attractive interactions could be exploited to generate many-body Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2010

NMR and μSR study of spin correlations in SrZnVO(PO4)2 a S=1/2 frustrated magnet on a square lattice

31P nuclear and muon spin-lattice relaxation rate measurements in SrZnVO(PO4)2, a S=1/2 frustrated magnet on a square lattice, are presented. The temperature (T) dependence of the in-plane correlation length ξ(T) is derived and it is shown that the overall behaviour is analogous to the one found for non-frustrated systems but with a reduced spin stiffness. The temperature dependence of ξ(T) in SrZnVO(PO4)2 is compared to the one of other frustrated magnets on a square lattice with competing nearest neighbour (J1) and next-nearest neighbour (J2) exchange couplings and it is shown that ξ(T) progressively decreases as the ratio J2/J1 approaches the critical value leading to the suppression of long-range magnetic order. In spite of the differences in the functional form of ξ(T) found in different vanadates, it is pointed out that the characteristic energy scale describing spin correlations in all those compounds appears to scale as |2J2 + J1|.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2010

Three-dimensional Roton-Excitations and Supersolid formation in Rydberg-excited Bose-Einstein Condensates

We study the behavior of a Bose-Einstein condensate in which atoms are weakly coupled to a highly excited Rydberg state. Since the latter have very strong van der Waals interactions, this coupling induces effective, nonlocal interactions between the dressed ground state atoms, which, opposed to dipolar interactions, are isotropically repulsive. Yet, one finds partial attraction in momentum space, giving rise to a roton-maxon excitation spectrum and a transition to a supersolid state in three-dimensional condensates. A detailed analysis of decoherence and loss mechanisms suggests that these phenomena are observable with current experimental capabilities.

physics.atom-ph↗