Analytical theory of pyrochlore cooperative paramagnets

Abstract

The pyrochlore lattice is associated with several potential and actual spin liquid phases as a result of its strong geometric frustration. At finite temperature, these can exhibit an unusually broad cross-over regime to a conventional paramagnet. Here, we study this regime analytically by showing how a single-tetrahedron Hamiltonian can extrapolate beyond the first term of a high-temperature expansion and yield insights into the build-up of correlations. We discuss how this unusual behaviour is brought about by the structure of the eigenspaces of the coupling matrix. Further interesting behaviour can appear for parameter values located near phase transitions: we find coexistence of $(111)$ rods and $(220)$ peaks in the structure factor, as observed in neutron scattering experiments on Yb${}_2$Ti${}_2$O${}_7$.

7 pages, 4 figures