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

Abstract

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.