Spin dynamics in linear magnetoelectric material Mn$_{3}$Ta$_{2}$O$_{8}$

TL;DR

This study investigates the spin dynamics of the linear magnetoelectric material Mn$_{3}$Ta$_{2}$O$_{8}$ using inelastic neutron scattering and linear spin-wave theory, revealing complex magnetic interactions and frustration.

Contribution

First detailed analysis of spin excitations in Mn$_{3}$Ta$_{2}$O$_{8}$ combining experiments with theoretical modeling.

Findings

Multiple spin-wave modes observed and reproduced by theory

Strong magnetic frustration identified in the material

Complex spin Hamiltonian with eight Heisenberg interactions

Abstract

We performed inelastic neutron scattering experiments on single crystal samples of a linear magnetoelectric material Mn$_{3}$Ta$_{2}$O$_{8}$, which exhibits a collinear antiferromagnetic order, to reveal the spin dynamics. Numerous modes observed in the neutron spectra were reasonably reproduced by linear spin-wave theory on the basis of the spin Hamiltonian including eight Heisenberg interactions and an easy-plane type single-ion anisotropy. The presence of strong frustration was found in the identified spin Hamiltonian.