ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

Searching for novel quantum magnetic excitations in the lacunar spinels

Abstract: Spin liquid is the quantum state of matter in which magnetic moments change their orientations just like atoms in liquid change their positions. Since magnetic fields due to electrons are a two dimensional entity existing in three dimensions, they exhibit novel dynamical behaviours that classical physics cannot explain. We are investigating the possibility of spin liquid formation and associated quantum dynamics in GaB4Se8 (B = V, Nb, Ta). In these “lacular spinels”, four magnetic B ions collectively form a tetrahedron like a molecule. Each tetrahedron has one unpaired electron, which interacts with surrounding tetrahedra via quantum mechanical Coulomb force. Although the interaction is measured to be quite strong, no relevant bound state has been explicitly observed. It offers a possibility for the spin liquid state, which we will use neutron scattering method to look for.

Principal Investigator: Professor Jae-Ho Chung
Experimenter: Mr Kee Hwan Lee
Experimenter: Mr InYong Hwang
Local Contact: Dr Gøran Nilsen

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB1820128

ISIS Experiment Number: RB1820128

Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation

The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher], [doi]

For Example:
Professor Jae-Ho Chung et al; (2018): Searching for novel quantum magnetic excitations in the lacunar spinels, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB1820128

Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.