Novel quantum phase of the chromium spinel oxide HgCr${}_2$O${}_4$ in high magnetic fields

Abstract

In this study, we have performed the magnetocaloric effect and the specific heat measurements of chromium spinel oxide HgCr${}_2$O${}_4$, wherein the magnetic Cr${}^{3+}$ ions form a highly frustrated pyrochlore lattice with significant spin-lattice coupling. In addition to the known magnetic-field-induced phases, our thermodynamic measurements detect a novel quantum phase just before the saturation of the magnetization, which has not been expected from the classical theories of the pyrochlore lattice antiferromagnet with spin-lattice coupling. Based on recent theoretical model calculation, we discuss the possibility of a spin nematic state appearing for this quantum phase.

14 pages, 4 figures

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• Dynamics of quantum spin-nematics: Comparisons with canted antiferromagnets
• Search for magnetoacoustic quantum oscillations in the insulating phase of YbB${}_{12}$