Quantum Phases and Spin Liquid Properties of 1T-TaS2

TL;DR

This study investigates the quantum spin liquid properties of 1T-TaS2, revealing evidence for competing quantum phases and suggesting the presence of multiple Z2 QSL states within its layered structure, broadening understanding of quantum materials.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence for multiple competing quantum spin liquid phases in 1T-TaS2, a layered material, using muon spin relaxation and specific heat measurements.

Findings

Evidence for competing quantum phases in 1T-TaS2.

Identification of distinct Z2 QSL phases.

Extension of QSL description beyond low temperatures.

Abstract

Quantum materials exhibiting magnetic frustration are connected to diverse phenomena including high-Tc superconductivity, topological order and quantum spin liquids (QSLs). A QSL is a quantum phase (QP) related to a quantum-entangled fluid-like state of matter. Previous experiments on QSL candidate materials are usually interpreted in terms of a single QP, although theories indicate that many distinct QPs are closely competing in typical frustrated spin models. Here we report on combined temperature-dependent muon spin relaxation and specific heat measurements for the triangular-lattice QSL candidate material 1T-TaS2 that provide evidence for competing QPs. The measured properties are assigned to arrays of individual QSL layers within the layered charge density wave structure of 1T-TaS2 and their characteristic parameters can be interpreted as those of distinct Z2 QSL phases. The present results reveal that a QSL description can extend beyond the lowest temperatures, offering a new perspective in the search for novel quantum materials.