Strong Quantum Fluctuations in a Quantum Spin Liquid Candidate with a Co-Based Triangular Lattice

Published

July 15, 2019

Author(s)

Ruidan Zhong, Shu Guo, Guangyong Xu, Zhijun Xu, Robert J. Cava

Abstract

Currently under active study in condensed matter physics, both theoretically and experimentally, are quantum spin liquid (QSL) states, in which no long-range magnetic ordering appears at low temperatures due to strong quantum fluctuations of the magnetic moments. The existing QSL candidates all have their intrinsic disadvantages, however, and solid evidence for quantum fluctuations is scarce. Here we report a new compound, Na₂BaCo(PO₄)₂, a geometrically frustrated system with effective spin-1/2 local moments for Co²⁺ ions on an isotropic two-dimensional triangular lattice. Magnetic susceptibility and neutron scattering experiments show no magnetic ordering down to 005 K. Thermodynamic measurements show that there is a tremendous amount of magnetic entropy present below 1 K in zero applied magnetic field. The presence of localized low-energy spin fluctuations is revealed by inelastic neutron measurements. At low applied fields, these spin excitations are confined to low energy and contribute to the anomalously large specific heat. In larger applied fields, these spin excitations are confined to low energy and contribute to the anomalously large specific heat. In larger applied fields, the system reverts to normal behavior as evident by both neutron and thermodynamic results. Our experimental characterization thus reveals that this new material is an excellent candidate for the experimental realization of a quantum spin liquid state.

Citation

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Volume

116

Issue

29

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

spin liquid, triangular lattice, spin fluctuation

Citation

Zhong, R. , Guo, S. , Xu, G. , Xu, Z. and Cava, R. (2019), Strong Quantum Fluctuations in a Quantum Spin Liquid Candidate with a Co-Based Triangular Lattice, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=928275 (Accessed October 7, 2025)