Magnetic phase diagram of the breathing-kagome antiferromagnet Nd$_3$BWO$_9$

TL;DR

This study explores the magnetic phase diagram of Nd$_3$BWO$_9$, revealing fractional magnetization plateaus, multiple ordered phases, and complex magnetic behavior indicative of potential spin liquid physics.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed magnetic phase diagram of Nd$_3$BWO$_9$ using bulk and microscopic techniques, highlighting complex ordering and a zero-field commensuration transition.

Findings

Fractional magnetization plateau observed in multiple field directions

Multiple magnetic ordered phases below 0.3 K

Identification of a zero-field commensuration transition

Abstract

The highly-frustrated rare-earth based magnet Nd$_3$BWO$_9$ is a promising candidate in the search for proximate spin liquid physics. We present a thorough investigation on single crystals of this material using bulk and microscopic techniques. Magnetization data reveal a fractional magnetization plateau for three different investigated field directions. The magnetic phase diagram is mapped out from calorimetric data and exhibits several domes of magnetic order below 0.3 K. Propagation vectors for all ordered phases are presented. The results suggest complex ordering in this material, and unveil the existence of a commensuration transition of the propagation vector at zero magnetic field. A scenario where interplane exchange interactions are essential to a magnetic model of Nd$_3$BWO$_9$ is discussed.