Two geometrically frustrated magnets studied by neutron diffraction

I. Mirebeau; A. Apetrei; I. N. Goncharenko; R. Moessner

doi:10.1016/j.physb.2006.05.026

paper

Two geometrically frustrated magnets studied by neutron diffraction

arXiv:cond-mat/0602384 · doi:10.1016/j.physb.2006.05.026

Abstract

In the pyrochlore compounds, Tb $_{2}$ Ti $_{2}$ O $_{7}$ and Tb $_{2}$ Sn $_{2}$ O $_{7}$ , only the Tb $^{3 +}$ ions are magnetic. They exhibit quite abnormal -- and, in view of their chemical similarity, strikingly different -- magnetic behaviour, as probed by neutron diffraction at ambient and applied pressure. Tb $_{2}$ Ti $_{2}$ O $_{7}$ is a cooperative paramagnet (`spin liquid'), without long range order at ambient pressure; however, it does become ordered under pressure. By contrast, Tb $_{2}$ Sn $_{2}$ O $_{7}$ enters an "ordered spin ice" state already at ambient pressure. We analyse a simple model which already clearly exhibits some of the qualitative features observed experimentally. Overall, comparing these two compounds emphasizes the power of small perturbations in selecting low-temperature states in geometrically frustrated systems.

6 pages, 4 figures, International Conference on Neutron Scattering Sydney(2005)

Two geometrically frustrated magnets studied by neutron diffraction

Abstract

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