Spin-phonon interaction and short range order in $\mathrm{Mn_3Si_{2}Te_6}$

TL;DR

This study explores the vibrational and magnetic properties of Mn3Si2Te6 using Raman spectroscopy and DFT, revealing complex spin-phonon interactions and evidence of competing short-range magnetic phases.

Contribution

It provides detailed vibrational mode analysis and uncovers the influence of magnetic correlations on phonon behavior in Mn3Si2Te6.

Findings

Identification of 18 Raman-active modes

Unconventional temperature dependence of certain phonon modes

Evidence of competing short-range magnetic phases

Abstract

The vibrational properties of ferrimagnetic $\mathrm{Mn_3Si_{2}Te_6}$ single crystals are investigated using Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. Eighteen Raman-active modes are identified, fourteen of which are assigned according to with the trigonal symmetry. Four additional peaks, obeying the $A_{1g}$ selection rules, are attributed to the overtones. The unconventional temperature evolution of the $A_{1g}^5$ mode self-energy suggests a competition between different short-range magnetic correlations that significantly impact the spin-phonon interaction in $\mathrm{Mn_3Si_{2}Te_6}$. The research provides a comprehensive insight to the lattice properties, studies their temperature dependence and shows the arguments for existence of competing short-range magnetic phases in $\mathrm{Mn_3Si_{2}Te_6}$.