The complex interplay of spin frustration and quantum fluctuations in
low-dimensional quantum materials leads to a variety of intriguing phenomena.
This research focuses on a detailed analysis of the magnetic behavior exhibited
by NdZnPO, a bilayer spin-1/2 triangular lattice antiferromagnet. The
investigation employs magnetization, specific heat, and powder neutron
scattering measurements. At zero field, a long-range magnetic order is observed
at TN​=1.64 K. Powder neutron diffraction experiments show the
Ising-like magnetic moments along the c-axis, revealing a stripe-like
magnetic structure with three equivalent magnetic propagation vectors.
Application of a magnetic field along the c-axis suppresses the
antiferromagnetic order, leading to a fully polarized ferromagnetic state above
Bc​=4.5 T. This transition is accompanied by notable enhancements
in the nuclear Schottky contribution. Moreover, the absence of spin frustration
and expected field-induced plateau-like phases are remarkable observations.
Detailed calculations of magnetic dipolar interactions revealed complex
couplings reminiscent of a honeycomb lattice, suggesting the potential
emergence of Kitaev-like physics within this system. This comprehensive study
of the magnetic properties of NdZnPO highlights unresolved intricacies,
underscoring the imperative for further exploration to unveil the underlying
governing mechanisms.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figure