Novel Magnetic Phases Revealed by Ultra-High Magnetic Field in the Frustrated Magnet ZnCr2O4

TL;DR

This study maps the complex magnetic phase diagram of ZnCr2O4 under ultra-high magnetic fields, revealing new phases consistent with theoretical predictions and advancing understanding of frustrated magnetism.

Contribution

It reports the discovery of a new 2:1:1 canted phase in ZnCr2O4, confirmed by high-field experiments and theory, expanding knowledge of magnetic phases in frustrated systems.

Findings

Identification of a 2:1:1 canted phase in ZnCr2O4

Observation of multiple magnetic phase transitions up to 190 T

Confirmation of theoretical predictions of supersolid phases

Abstract

The Faraday rotation technique is used to map out the finite-temperature phase diagram of the prototypical frustrated magnet ZnCr2O4, in magnetic fields of up to 190 T generated by the single-turn coil method. We find evidence for a number of magnetic phase transitions, which are well-described by the theory based on spin-lattice coupling. In addition to the 1/2 plateau and a 3:1 canted phase, a 2:1:1 canted phase is found for the first time in chromium spinel oxides, which has been predicted by a theory of Penc et al. to realize in a small spin-lattice coupling limit. Both the new 2:1:1 and the 3:1 phase are regarded as the supersolid phases according to a magnetic analogy of Matsuda and Tsuneto, and Liu and Fisher.