# Magnetic Excitations and Continuum of a Field-Induced Quantum Spin Liquid in $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$

## TL;DR

This study uses terahertz spectroscopy to explore magnetic excitations in $ ext{α-RuCl}_3$, revealing a field-induced quantum spin liquid state with characteristic excitations and a broad continuum above a critical magnetic field.

## Contribution

It provides detailed experimental evidence of magnetic excitations and continuum evolution in $ ext{α-RuCl}_3$ under magnetic field, elucidating the nature of the field-induced quantum spin liquid.

## Key findings

- Development of a magnetic continuum below 62K
- Spectral weight transfer at magnetic ordering temperature
- Emergence of a broad continuum above 7T indicating a quantum spin liquid

## Abstract

We report on terahertz spectroscopy of quantum spin dynamics in $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$, a system proximate to the Kitaev honeycomb model, as a function of temperature and magnetic field. An extended magnetic continuum develops below the structural phase transition at $T_{s2}=62$K. With the onset of a long-range magnetic order at $T_N=6.5$K, spectral weight is transferred to a well-defined magnetic excitation at $\hbar \omega_1 = 2.48$meV, which is accompanied by a higher-energy band at $\hbar \omega_2 = 6.48$meV. Both excitations soften in magnetic field, signaling a quantum phase transition at $B_c=7$T where we find a broad continuum dominating the dynamical response. Above $B_c$, the long-range order is suppressed, and on top of the continuum, various emergent magnetic excitations evolve. These excitations follow clear selection rules and exhibit distinct field dependencies, characterizing the dynamical properties of the field-induced quantum spin liquid.