Magnetic transition and spin dynamics in the triangular Heisenberg antiferromagnet $\alpha$-KCrO$_{2}$

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetic transition and spin dynamics in the triangular Heisenberg antiferromagnet $ extalpha$-KCrO$_{2}$ using muon-spin relaxation, revealing distinct magnetic behaviors and phase transitions at specific temperatures.

Contribution

First muon-spin relaxation study on $ extalpha$-KCrO$_{2}$ revealing unique magnetic transitions and dynamics compared to related compounds.

Findings

Sharp magnetic transition at 23 K

Broad feature in relaxation rate at 13 K

Behavior aligns qualitatively with theoretical predictions

Abstract

We present the results of muon-spin relaxation measurements on the triangular lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet $\alpha$-KCrO$_{2}$. We observe sharp changes in behaviour at an ordering temperature of $T_{\mathrm{c}}=23$ K, with an additional broad feature in the muon-spin relaxation rate evident at T=13 K, both of which correspond to features in the magnetic contribution to the heat capacity. This behaviour is distinct from both the Li- and Na- containing members of the series. These data may be qualitatively described with the established theoretical predictions for the underlying spin system.