Top > Research results > Joint research > Tohoku University and others succeed in controlling the pressure and magnetic field of the quantum phase transition of a frustrated magnetic material.

2019/4/30

Tohoku University and others succeed in controlling the pressure and magnetic field of the quantum phase transition of a frustrated magnetic material.

University Journal Online Editorial Department

　Tohoku University uses a technique called "electron spin resonance" under a strong magnetic field to precisely control the exchange interaction by distorting the crystal of "spin S = 1/2 triangular lattice antiferromagnetic material Cs2CuCl4" by pressure. By investigating, we discovered several new magnetic phases that appeared sequentially.The results of this research are based on international joint research with researchers from the Helmholtz Society German Research Center, the National Institute of High Magnetic Fields, Kobe University, Osaka Prefectural University, and Tokyo Institute of Technology.

　

　Triangular lattice antiferromagnets have a state called "geometric frustration" in which there is no stable state that satisfies all magnetic interactions, and many states are in conflict.It was expected that the condition would change dramatically with a small stimulus.In particular, when the spin, which is a unit of magnetism, takes the minimum 1/2, the "quantum fluctuation" is large and this effect is amplified.However, until now, systematic experimental verification of the prediction has been rarely performed.

　This time, a high voltage of 1 gigapascals is applied to "triangular lattice antiferromagnet Cs2CuCl2" which has a spin of 4/2, which is the minimum value, and has a distorted structure from a regular triangle, and a strong magnetic field of 25 Tesla is applied at the same time. As a result, we succeeded in changing the ratio of the almost continuous exchange interaction and drastically controlling the magnetic polarization.Furthermore, in order to determine the magnetic properties in this state, a sequential quantum phase transition was discovered by the "electron spin resonance measurement" method.

　This achievement, which discovered a new magnetic phase by precisely controlling the interaction with high pressure and applying a strong magnetic field to it, has new possibilities for the study of quantum phase transitions in frustrated magnetic materials in extreme environments. Is said to have brought.

Paper information:[Nature Communications] Pressure-tuning the quantum spin Hamiltonian of the triangular lattice antiferromagnet Cs2CuCl4

Kobe University

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Tokyo Institute of Technology

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Tokyo Institute of Technology was established as the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1881 (Meiji 14), when modernization of industry was an urgent need.Since its establishment, it has continued to produce excellent research results with excellent science and engineering human resources, and is still at the top of Japan's science and engineering universities.Tokyo Institute of Technology requires not only a high degree of specialization but also liberal arts […]

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Tohoku University

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Tohoku University has a rich culture and humanity based on the tradition of "research first principle" since its opening, the idea of ​​"opening the door" and the spirit of "respect for practical science", and is a phenomenon of human beings, society and nature. In response to this, human resources with the ability to carry out intellectual exploration with a "scientific mind", demonstrating their expertise in various fields from an international perspective and leading […]

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