Impact of the lattice on magnetic properties and possible spin nematicity in the S=1 triangular antiferromagnet NiGa${}_2$S${}_4$

Abstract

NiGa${}_2$S${}_4$ is a triangular lattice S=1 system with strong two-dimensionality of the lattice, actively discussed as a candidate to host spin-nematic order brought about by strong quadrupole coupling. Using Raman scattering spectroscopy we identify a phonon of E${}_g$ symmetry which can modulate magnetic exchange $J_1$ and produce quadrupole coupling. Additionally, our Raman scattering results demonstrate a loss of local inversion symmetry on cooling, which we associate with sulfur vacancies. This will lead to disordered Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, which can prevent long range magnetic order. Using magnetic Raman scattering response we identify 160~K as a temperature of an upturn of magnetic correlations. The temperature below 160~K, but above 50~K where antiferromagnetic magnetic start to increase, is a candidate for spin-nematic regime.

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• Magnetic correlations in triangular antiferromagnet FeGa${}_2$S${}_4$
• Torque equilibrium spin wave theory of Raman scattering in an anisotropic triangular lattice antiferromagnet with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction
• Dynamic Spin-Lattice Coupling and Statistical Interpretation for the Molecular-Like Excitations in Frustrated Pyrochlores
• Exfoliation and Optical Properties of S=1 Triangular Lattice Antiferromagnet NiGa${}_2$S${}_4$
• Poisson-Dirichlet distributions and weakly first-order spin-nematic phase transitions
• Unusual spin dynamics in the van der Waals antiferromagnet FeGa2S4
• Controllable and Non-Dissipative Inertial Dynamics of Skyrmion in a Bosonic Platform