Novel quantum phase of the chromium spinel oxide HgCr$_{\rm 2}$O$_{\rm 4}$ in high magnetic fields

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a novel quantum phase in the highly frustrated magnetic material HgCr2O4 under high magnetic fields, suggesting the emergence of a spin nematic state not predicted by classical theories.

Contribution

The study provides experimental evidence of a new quantum phase in HgCr2O4, supported by thermodynamic measurements and theoretical discussions on spin nematic states.

Findings

Detection of a new quantum phase before magnetization saturation

Evidence supporting the possible emergence of a spin nematic state

Thermodynamic measurements reveal phases beyond classical predictions

Abstract

In this study, we have performed the magnetocaloric effect and the specific heat measurements of chromium spinel oxide HgCr$_2$O$_4$, wherein the magnetic Cr$^{3+}$ ions form a highly frustrated pyrochlore lattice with significant spin-lattice coupling. In addition to the known magnetic-field-induced phases, our thermodynamic measurements detect a novel quantum phase just before the saturation of the magnetization, which has not been expected from the classical theories of the pyrochlore lattice antiferromagnet with spin-lattice coupling. Based on recent theoretical model calculation, we discuss the possibility of a spin nematic state appearing for this quantum phase.