Dynamic fields in the partial magnetization plateau of Ca3Co2O6

TL;DR

This study investigates the fluctuation dynamics within the magnetization plateau of Ca3Co2O6 using muon spin relaxation, revealing a characteristic fluctuation timescale linked to short-range magnetic order.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed measurement of fluctuation timescales and field distributions in the magnetization plateau of Ca3Co2O6 using muon spin relaxation.

Findings

Fluctuation timescale tau = 880 ps

Field distribution width Delta = 40.6 mT

Short-range, slowly fluctuating magnetic order

Abstract

Fluctuation dynamics in magnetization plateaux are a relatively poorly explored area in frustrated magnetism. Here we use muon spin relaxation to determine the fluctuation timescale and associated field distribution width in the partial magnetization plateau of Ca3Co2O6. The muon spin relaxation rate has a simple and characteristic field dependence which we model and by fitting to the data at 15 K extract a fluctuation timescale tau = 880(30) ps and a field distribution width Delta = 40.6(3) mT. Comparison with previous results on Ca3Co2O6 suggests that this fluctuation timescale can be associated with short-range, slowly fluctuating magnetic order.