High order magnon bound states in the quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnet α\alpha-NaMnO2_2

Here we report on the formation of two and three magnon bound states in the quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnet $\alpha$-NaMnO$_2$, where the single-ion, uniaxial anisotropy inherent to the Mn$^{3+}$ ions in this material provides a binding mechanism capable of stabilizing higher order magnon bound states. While such states have long remained elusive in studies of antiferromagnetic chains, neutron scattering data presented here demonstrate that higher order $n>2$ composite magnons exist, and, specifically, that a weak three-magnon bound state is detected below the antiferromagnetic ordering transition of NaMnO$_2$. We corroborate our findings with exact numerical simulations of a one-dimensional Heisenberg chain with easy-axis anisotropy using matrix-product state techniques, finding a good quantitative agreement with the experiment. These results establish $\alpha$-NaMnO$_2$ as a unique platform for exploring the dynamics of composite magnon states inherent to a classical antiferromagnetic spin chain with Ising-like single ion anisotropy.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Quantitative investigation of the short-range magnetic correlations in candidate quantum spin liquid NaYbO2_2

We present a neutron diffraction study of NaYbO$_2$, a candidate quantum spin liquid compound hosting a geometrically frustrated triangular lattice of magnetic Yb$^{3+}$ ions. We observe diffuse magnetic scattering that persists to at least 20 K, demonstrating the presence of short-range magnetic correlations in this system up to a relatively high energy scale. Using reverse Monte Carlo and magnetic pair distribution function analysis, we confirm the predominant antiferromagnetic nature of these correlations and show that the diffuse scattering data can be well described by noninteracting layers of XY spins on the triangular lattice. We rule out Ising spins and short-range-ordered stripe or 120$^{\circ}$ phases as candidate ground states of NaYbO$_2$. These results are consistent with a possible QSL ground state in NaYbO$_2$ and showcase the benefit of combined reciprocal- and real-space analysis of materials with short-range magnetic correlations

Defect Tolerance to Intolerance in the Vacancy-Ordered Double Perovskite Semiconductors Cs₂SnI₆ and Cs₂TeI₆

Vacancy-ordered double perovskites of the general formula <i>A</i>₂<i>BX</i>₆ are a family of perovskite derivatives composed of a face-centered lattice of nearly isolated [<i>BX</i>₆] units with <i>A</i>-site cations occupying the cuboctahedral voids. Despite the presence of isolated octahedral units, the close-packed iodide lattice provides significant electronic dispersion, such that Cs₂SnI₆ has recently been explored for applications in photovoltaic devices. To elucidate the structure–property relationships of these materials, we have synthesized solid-solution Cs₂Sn_1–<i>x</i>Te_<i>x</i>I₆. However, even though tellurium substitution increases electronic dispersion via closer I–I contact distances, the substitution experimentally yields insulating behavior from a significant decrease in carrier concentration and mobility. Density functional calculations of native defects in Cs₂SnI₆ reveal that iodine vacancies exhibit a low enthalpy of formation, and that the defect energy level is a shallow donor to the conduction band rendering the material tolerant to these defect states. The increased covalency of Te–I bonding renders the formation of iodine vacancy states unfavorable and is responsible for the reduction in conductivity upon Te substitution. Additionally, Cs₂TeI₆ is intolerant to the formation of these defects, because the defect level occurs deep within the band gap and thus localizes potential mobile charge carriers. In these vacancy-ordered double perovskites, the close-packed lattice of iodine provides significant electronic dispersion, while the interaction of the <i>B</i>- and <i>X</i>-site ions dictates the properties as they pertain to electronic structure and defect tolerance. This simplified perspective based on extensive experimental and theoretical analysis provides a platform from which to understand structure–property relationships in functional perovskite halide

Magnetic properties and signatures of ordering in triangular lattice antiferromagnet KCeO2.

The magnetic ground state and the crystalline electric field level scheme of the triangular lattice antiferromagnet KCeO2 are investigated. Below TN=300 mK, KCeO2 develops signatures of magnetic order in specific heat measurements and low energy inelastic neutron scattering data. Trivalent Ce3+ ions in the D3d local environment of this compound exhibit large splittings among the lowest three 4f1 Kramers doublets defining for the free ion the J=5/2 sextet and a ground state doublet with dipole character, consistent with recent theoretical predictions in M. S. Eldeeb et al. Phys. Rev. Materials 4, 124001 (2020). An unexplained, additional local mode appears, and potential origins of this anomalous mode are discussed

Field-tunable quantum disordered ground state in the triangular-lattice antiferromagnet NaYbO2

Antiferromagnetically coupled S=1/2 spins on an isotropic triangular lattice is the paradigm of frustrated quantum magnetism, but structurally ideal realizations are rare. Here we investigate NaYbO$_2$, which hosts an ideal triangular lattice of $J_{eff}=1/2$ moments with no inherent site disorder. No signatures of conventional magnetic order appear down to 50 mK, strongly suggesting a quantum spin liquid ground state. We observe a two-peak specific heat and a nearly quadratic temperature dependence in accord with expectations for a two-dimensional Dirac spin liquid. Application of a magnetic field strongly perturbs the quantum disordered ground state and induces a clear transition into a collinear ordered state consistent with a long-predicted up-up-down structure for a triangular lattice XXZ Hamiltonian driven by quantum fluctuations. The observation of spin liquid signatures in zero field and quantum-induced ordering in intermediate fields in the same compound demonstrate an intrinsically quantum disordered ground state. We conclude that NaYbO$_2$ is a model, versatile platform for exploring spin liquid physics with full tunability of field and temperature