# Quantum Spin Ice Dynamics in the Dipole-Octupole Pyrochlore Magnet Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$

## TL;DR

Neutron scattering on Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$ reveals a quantum spin ice state with dipole-octupole doublets, defying expectations of magnetic order and highlighting the role of disorder.

## Contribution

This study provides experimental evidence of a quantum spin ice state in Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$, supporting recent theories of symmetry-enriched U(1) quantum spin liquids for dipole-octupole pyrochlores.

## Key findings

- Discovery of a dynamic quantum spin ice state in Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$
- Suppressed scattering near |Q|=0 indicating no long-range order
- Disorder, especially oxidation, influences low-temperature behavior

## Abstract

Neutron scattering measurements on the pyrochlore magnet Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$ reveal an unusual crystal field splitting of its lowest $J$=5/2 multiplet, such that its ground state doublet is composed of m$_J$=$\pm$3/2, giving these doublets a dipole - octupole (DO) character with local Ising anisotropy. Its magnetic susceptibility shows weak antiferromagnetic correlations with $\theta_{CW}$=-0.4(2)K, leading to a naive expectation of an All-In, All-Out ordered state at low temperatures. Instead our low energy inelastic neutron scattering measurements show a dynamic quantum spin ice state, with suppressed scattering near |$\textbf{Q}$|=0, and no long range order at low temperatures. This is consistent with recent theory predicting symmetry enriched U(1) quantum spin liquids for such DO doublets decorating the pyrochlore lattice. Finally, we show that disorder, especially oxidation of powder samples, is important in Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$ and could play an important role in the low temperature behaviour of this material.