Pressure-Tuned Exchange Coupling of a Quantum Spin Liquid in the Molecular Triangular Lattice $\kappa$-(ET)$_2$Ag$_2$(CN)$_3$

TL;DR

This study explores how pressure influences a quantum spin liquid in an organic triangular lattice, revealing universal spin behavior and gapless excitations over a broad pressure range.

Contribution

It demonstrates pressure-tuned exchange coupling effects and universal spin susceptibility scaling in a quantum spin liquid material.

Findings

Exchange coupling $J/k_B$ varies from 175 to 310 K under pressure.

Universal scaling observed in spin susceptibilities at low temperatures.

Evidence of gapless low-lying excitations in the quantum spin liquid.

Abstract

The effects of pressure on a quantum spin liquid are investigated in an organic Mott insulator $\kappa$-(ET)$_2$Ag$_2$(CN)$_3$ with a spin-1/2 triangular lattice. The application of negative chemical pressure to $\kappa$-(ET)$_2$Cu$_2$(CN)$_3$, which is a well-known sister Mott insulator, allows for extensive tuning of antiferromagnetic exchange coupling, with $J/k_{\rm B} = 175 - 310$ K, under hydrostatic pressure. Based on $^{13}$C nuclear magnetic resonance measurements under pressure, we uncover universal scaling in the static and dynamic spin susceptibilities down to low temperatures $\sim 0.1k_{\rm B}T/J$. The persistent fluctuations and residual specific heat coefficient are consistent with the presence of gapless low-lying excitations. Our results thus demonstrate fundamental finite-temperature properties of quantum spin liquid in a wide parameter range.