Response to comment on "Spin-lattice coupling and the emergence of the trimerized phase in the $S=1$ kagome antiferromagnet Na$_2$Ti$_3$Cl$_8$", Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 167203 (2020)

TL;DR

This paper is a formal response addressing comments on previous research about spin-lattice coupling and trimerized phases in a specific $S=1$ kagome antiferromagnet, clarifying and defending earlier findings.

Contribution

It provides a detailed rebuttal to critiques of prior work on the magnetic properties of Na$_2$Ti$_3$Cl$_8$, reinforcing the original conclusions about its phase behavior.

Findings

Clarifies misunderstandings in the comment by Khomskii et al.

Reaffirms the original interpretation of the spin-lattice coupling effects.

Strengthens the evidence for the trimerized phase in the material.

Abstract

In the context of the $S=1$ kagome antiferromagnet Na$_2$Ti$_3$Cl$_8$, we respond to the comment by Khomskii et al. [D.I. Khomskii, T. Mizokawa and S.V. Streltsov, Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 049701 (2021)] on previous work by Paul et al. [A. Paul, C.-M. Chung, T. Birol, and H. J. Changlani, Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 167203 (2020)].