Magnetism study on a frustration-free spatially anisotropic $S$ = 1 square lattice antiferromagnet Ni[SC(NH${}_2$)${}_2$]${}_6$Br${}_2$

Abstract

Magnetism of the $S$ = 1 Heisenberg antiferromagnets on the spatially anisotropic square lattice has been scarcely explored. Here we report a study of the magnetism, specific heat, and thermal conductivity on Ni[SC(NH${}_2$)${}_2$]${}_6$Br${}_2$ (DHN) single crystals. Ni${}^{2+}$ ions feature an $S$ = 1 rectangular lattice in the $bc$ plane, which can be viewed as an unfrustrated spatially anisotropic square lattice. A long-range antiferromagnetic order is developed at $T{}_{\mathrm{N}}=$ 2.23 K. Below $T{}_{\mathrm{N}}$, an upturn is observed in the $b$-axis magnetic susceptibility and the resultant minimum might be an indication for the $XY$ anisotropy in the ordered state. A gapped spin-wave dispersion is confirmed from the temperature dependence of the magnetic specific heat. Anisotropic temperature-field phase diagrams are mapped out and possible magnetic structures are proposed.

10 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. B