Collinear order in a frustrated three-dimensional spin-$\frac12$ antiferromagnet Li$_2$CuW$_2$O$_8$

TL;DR

This paper investigates the complex magnetic frustration in the 3D spin-1/2 insulator Li$_2$CuW$_2$O$_8$, revealing collinear magnetic order influenced by quantum fluctuations and a frustrated spin lattice.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of the 3D frustrated spin lattice in Li$_2$CuW$_2$O$_8$ using neutron diffraction and density-functional calculations, highlighting quantum effects.

Findings

Collinear magnetic order with propagation vector (0, 1/2, 0)

Reduced ordered magnetic moment of 0.65 μ_B

Strong magnetic frustration evidenced by low specific heat maximum

Abstract

Magnetic frustration in three dimensions (3D) manifests itself in the spin-$\frac12$ insulator Li$_2$CuW$_2$O$_8$. Density-functional band-structure calculations reveal a peculiar spin lattice built of triangular planes with frustrated interplane couplings. The saturation field of 29 T contrasts with the susceptibility maximum at 8.5 K and a relatively low N\'eel temperature $T_N\simeq 3.9$ K. Magnetic order below $T_N$ is collinear with the propagation vector $(0,\frac12,0)$ and an ordered moment of 0.65(4) $\mu_B$ according to neutron diffraction data. This reduced ordered moment together with the low maximum of the magnetic specific heat ($C^{\max}/R\simeq 0.35$) pinpoint strong magnetic frustration in 3D. Collinear magnetic order suggests that quantum fluctuations play crucial role in this system, where a non-collinear spiral state would be stabilized classically.