Dynamical scaling as a signature of multiple phase competition in Yb$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$

TL;DR

This paper investigates the dynamical properties of Yb2Ti2O7, revealing scaling behavior indicative of multiple phase competition, supported by experimental neutron scattering data and theoretical modeling, advancing understanding of frustrated magnetic systems.

Contribution

It demonstrates dynamical scaling in Yb2Ti2O7 associated with multiple phase competition, supported by high-resolution experiments and phenomenological theory, providing new insights into frustrated magnet dynamics.

Findings

Spin correlations exhibit dynamical scaling similar to quantum criticality.

Scaling collapse explained by phenomenological theory of phase competition.

Semi-classical simulations confirm observed scaling behavior.

Abstract

$\rm Yb_2Ti_2O_7$ is a celebrated example of a pyrochlore magnet with highly-frustrated, anisotropic exchange interactions. To date, attention has largely focused on its unusual, static properties, many of which can be understood as coming from the competition between different types of magnetic order. Here we use inelastic neutron scattering with exceptionally high energy resolution to explore the dynamical properties of $\rm Yb_2Ti_2O_7$. We find that spin correlations exhibit dynamical scaling, analogous to behavior found near to a quantum critical point. We show that the observed scaling collapse can be explained within a phenomenological theory of multiple--phase competition, and confirm that a scaling collapse is also seen in semi--classical simulations of a microscopic model of $\rm Yb_2Ti_2O_7$. These results suggest a general picture for dynamics in systems with competing ground states.