Quantum effects in a half-polarized pyrochlore antiferromagnet

Details Quantum effects in a half-polarized pyrochlore antiferromagnet Quantum effects in a half-polarized pyrochlore antiferromagnet

2005-10-07

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0510202v1

Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 097207 (2006)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Strongly Correlated Electrons

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.097207

We study quantum effects in a spin-3/2 antiferromagnet on the pyrochlore lattice in an external magnetic field, focusing on the vicinity of a plateau in the magnetization at half the saturation value, observed in CdCr$_2$O$_4$, and HgCr$_2$O$_4$. Our theory, based on quantum fluctuations, predicts the existence of a symmetry-broken state on the plateau, even with only nearest-neighbor microscopic exchange. This symmetry broken state consists of a particular arrangement of spins polarized parallel and antiparallel to the field in a 3:1 ratio on each tetrahedron. It quadruples the lattice unit cell, and reduces the space group from $Fd\bar{3}m$ to $P4_332$. We also predict that for fields just above the plateau, the low temperature phase has transverse spin order, describable as a Bose-Einstein condensate of magnons. Other comparisons to and suggestions for experiments are discussed.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Quantum effects in a half-polarized pyrochlore antiferromagnet does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Quantum effects in a half-polarized pyrochlore antiferromagnet, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Quantum effects in a half-polarized pyrochlore antiferromagnet will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-192977