Spin-lattice order in frustrated ZnCr2O4

Abstract

Using synchrotron X-rays and neutron diffraction we disentangle spin-lattice order in highly frustrated ZnCr${}_2$O${}_4$ where magnetic chromium ions occupy the vertices of regular tetrahedra. Upon cooling below 12.5 K the quandary of anti-aligning spins surrounding the triangular faces of tetrahedra is resolved by establishing weak interactions on each triangle through an intricate lattice distortion. The resulting spin order is however, not simply a Néel state on strong bonds. A complex co-planar spin structure indicates that antisymmetric and/or further neighbor exchange interactions also play a role as ZnCr${}_2$O${}_4$ resolves conflicting magnetic interactions.

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