A search for non-reciprocal magnons in MnPS$_3$

TL;DR

This study investigates the presence of non-reciprocal magnons in MnPS₃ using neutron spectrometry, finding no significant non-reciprocity within experimental resolution.

Contribution

The paper provides the first detailed neutron spectrometry measurements of magnons in MnPS₃, addressing claims of non-reciprocal magnons and clarifying their existence.

Findings

No significant non-reciprocal magnons detected within resolution

Neutron measurements show symmetric magnon energies at ±q

Results challenge previous suggestions of non-reciprocity in MnPS₃

Abstract

Recent articles have suggested that the quasi-two dimensional antiferromagnet MnPS$_3$ may have non-reciprocal magnons, whereby magnons in a Brillouin zone corner at +q have different energies than those at $-$q. The magnons along the Brillouin zone boundaries were measured using neutron three-axis spectrometry, paying careful attention to the resolution function, to determine whether such non-reciprocity was present. The data show that, within the resolution, there are no significant differences between the magnons in opposite Brillouin zone corners.