Robust triple-q magnetic order with trainable spin vorticity in Na${}_2$Co${}_2$TeO${}_6$

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that the candidate Kitaev magnet Na${}_2$Co${}_2$TeO${}_6$ possesses novel triple-$\mathbf{q}$ magnetic order instead of conventional single-$\mathbf{q}$ zigzag order. Here we present dedicated experiments in search for distinct properties expected of the triple-$\mathbf{q}$ order, namely, insensitivity of the magnetic domains to weak $C_3$ symmetry-breaking fields and fictitious magnetic fields generated by the spin vorticity. In structurally pristine single crystals, we show that $C_3$ symmetry-breaking in-plane uniaxial strains do not affect the order's magnetic neutron diffraction signals. We further show that $\mathbf{c}$-axis propagating light exhibits large Faraday rotations in the ordered state due to the spin vorticity, the sign of which can be trained via the system's ferrimagnetic moment. These results are in favor of the triple-$\mathbf{q}$ order in Na${}_2$Co${}_2$TeO${}_6$ and reveal its unique emerging behavior.

4 pages, 4 figures, plus Supplemental Material