Ultra-robust high-field magnetization plateau and supersolidity in bond-frustrated MnCr2S4

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Vladimir Tsurkan - , Augsburg University, ASM - Institute of Applied Physics (Author)
  • Sergei Zherlitsyn - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • Lilian Prodan - , ASM - Institute of Applied Physics (Author)
  • Viorel Felea - , ASM - Institute of Applied Physics (Author)
  • Pham Thanh Cong - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • Yurii Skourski - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • Zhe Wang - , Augsburg University (Author)
  • Joachim Deisenhofer - , Augsburg University (Author)
  • Hans Albrecht Krug von Nidda - , Augsburg University (Author)
  • Joahim Wosnitza - , Chair of Physics of High Magnetic Fields, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • Alois Loidl - , Augsburg University (Author)

Abstract

Frustrated magnets provide a promising avenue for realizing exotic quantum states of matter, such as spin liquids and spin ice or complex spin molecules. Under an external magnetic field, frustrated magnets can exhibit fractional magnetization plateaus related to definite spin patterns stabilized by field-induced lattice distortions. Magnetization and ultrasound experiments in MnCr2S4 up to 60 T reveal two fascinating features: (i) an extremely robust magnetization plateau with an unusual spin structure and (ii) two intermediate phases, indicating possible realizations of supersolid phases. The magnetization plateau characterizes fully polarized chromium moments, without any contributions from manganese spins. At 40 T, the middle of the plateau, a regime evolves, where sound waves propagate almost without dissipation. The external magnetic field exactly compensates the Cr–Mn exchange field and decouples Mn and Cr sublattices. In analogy to predictions of quantum lattice-gas models, the changes of the spin order of the manganese ions at the phase boundaries of the magnetization plateau are interpreted as transitions to supersolid phases.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere1601982
JournalScience advances
Volume3
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2017
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 28345038

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas