Magnetic-field-induced instability of the cooperative paramagnetic state in ZnxCo(4-x)(OD)6Cl2

Using elastic and inelastic neutron scattering techniques with and without application of an external magnetic field H, the magnetic ground states of ZnxCo(4-x)(OD)6Cl2 (x = 0,1) were studied. Our results show that for x = 0, the ground state is a magnetic long-range ordered (LRO) state where each tetrahedron forms an "umbrella"-type structure. On the other hand, for x = 1, no static ordering was observed down to 1.5 K, which resembles the behavior found in the isostructural quantum system ZnxCo(4-x)(OD)6Cl2. When H field is applied, however, the x = 1 system develops the same LRO state as x = 0. This indicates that the x = 1 disordered state is in the vicinity of the x = 0 ordered state. © 2012, American Physical Society.

Keywords

Magnetic fields, Paramagnetism, Antiferromagnetism, Neutrons, Quantum information, Neutron reactions

Citation

Dissanayake, S. E., Chan, C., Ji, S., Lee, J., Qiu, Y., Rule, K. C., Lake, B., Green, M., Hagihala, M., Zheng, X. G., Ng, T. K., & Lee, S. H. (2012). Magnetic-field-induced instability of the cooperative paramagnetic state in ZnxCo(4-x)(OD)6Cl2. Physical Review B, 85(17), 174435. doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.85.174435