Development of spin correlations in the geometrically frustrated triangular-lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet CuCrO2

TL;DR

This study investigates magnetic excitations in the triangular-lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet CuCrO2, revealing persistent diffusive spin correlations and characteristic momentum dependence, suggesting universal spin cluster behavior in such frustrated systems.

Contribution

It provides new insights into spin correlations in CuCrO2, highlighting persistent diffusive components and minimal spin clusters across a wide temperature range.

Findings

Persistent diffusive quasielastic component observed

Characteristic momentum dependence reproduced by spin clusters

Robust spin clusters contrast with conventional magnetic order

Abstract

Magnetic excitations in the triangular-lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet (TLHA) CuCrO2 were studied using single-crystal inelastic neutron scattering. A diffusive quasielastic component that persisted without developing a correlation length over a wide temperature range both below and above the ordering temperature was observed. Furthermore, characteristic momentum dependence was observed that was reproduced using minimum spin clusters. The robust spin clusters contrast with conventional magnetic ordering and may be universal in TLHAs.