Two types of alternating spin-1/2 chains and their field-induced transitions in ε-LiVOPO4


Two types of alternating spin-1/2 chains and their field-induced transitions in ε-LiVOPO4

Mukharjee, P. K.; Ranjith, K. M.; Baenitz, M.; Scurschii, I.; Tsirlin, A. A.; Nath, R.

Thermodynamic properties, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements, and density-functional band-structure calculations for ε-LiVOPO4 are reported. This quantum magnet features a singlet ground state and comprises two types of alternating spin-1/2 chains that manifest themselves by the double maxima in the susceptibility and magnetic specific heat, and by the two-step magnetization process with an intermediate 1/2-plateau. From thermodynamic data and band-structure calculations, we estimate the leading couplings of J1 ≃ 20 K and J2 ≃ 60 K and the alternation ratios of α1 = J’1/J1 ≃ 0.6 and α2 = J’2/J2 ≃ 0.3 within the two chains, respectively. The zero-field spin gap Δ0/kB ≃ 7.3 K probed by thermodynamic and NMR measurements is caused by the J1-J’1 spin chains and can be closed in the applied field of μ0Hc1 ≃ 5.6 T, giving rise to a field-induced long-range order. The NMR data reveal predominant three-dimensional spin-spin correlations at low temperatures. Field-induced magnetic ordering transition observed above Hc1 is attributed to the Bose-Einstein condensation of triplons in the sublattice formed by the J1-J’1 chains with weaker exchange couplings.

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Publ.-Id: 31303