Magnetic Properties of an Effective Spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ Triangular-Lattice Compound LiYbS${}_2$

Abstract

Here, we report the synthesis and magnetic properties of a Yb-based triangular-lattice compound LiYbS${}_2$. At low temperatures, it features an effective spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ state due to the combined effect of crystal electric field and spin orbit coupling. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and ${}^7$Li nuclear magnetic resonance experiments reveal the absence of magnetic long range ordering down to 2~K, which suggests a possible quantum spin liquid ground state. A dominant antiferromagnetic nearest neighbour exchange interaction $J/k_{\mathrm{B}}\simeq$ 5.3~K could be extracted form the magnetic susceptibility. The NMR linewidth analysis yields the coupling constant between the Li nuclei and Yb${}^{3+}$ ions which was found to be purely dipolar in nature.

(accepted)