Observation of a gapped phase in the one-dimensional $S=\frac{1}{2}$ Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain Cu(Ampy)ClBr

Abstract

Spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnetic frustrated spin chain systems display exotic ground states with unconventional excitations and distinct quantum phase transitions as the ratio of next-nearest-neighbor to nearest-neighbor coupling is tuned. We present a comprehensive investigation of the structural, magnetic, and thermodynamics properties of the spin-1/2 compound, Cu(Ampy)ClBr (Ampy= C${}_6$H${}_8$N${}_2$ = 2-(Aminomethyl)pyridine) via x-ray diffraction, magnetization, specific heat, ${}^1$H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron spin resonance (ESR), and muon spin relaxation ($\mu$SR) techniques. The crystal structure features an anisotropic triangular chain lattice of magnetic Cu${}^{2+}$ ions. Our bulk and local probe experiments detect neither long-range magnetic ordering nor spin freezing down to 0.06 K despite the presence of moderate antiferromagnetic interaction between Cu${}^{2+}$ spins as reflected by a Curie-Weiss temperature of about $-9$ K from the bulk susceptibility data. A broad maximum is observed at about 9 K in magnetic susceptibility and specific heat data, indicating the onset of short-range spin correlations. At low temperatures, the zero-field magnetic specific heat and the ${}^1$H NMR spin-lattice relaxation rate follow an exponential temperature dependence, indicating the presence of gapped magnetic excitations. Furthermore, persistent spin dynamics down to 0.088 K observed by zero-field $\mu$SR evidences lack of any static magnetism.

arXiv commentPublished in Physical Review B

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