Rare-Earth Chalcogenides: An Inspiring Playground For Exploring Frustrated Magnetism

TL;DR

Rare-earth chalcogenides serve as a versatile platform for exploring frustrated magnetism, revealing diverse ground states and excitations, and advancing understanding of quantum magnetic phenomena.

Contribution

This review synthesizes recent experimental and theoretical progress on $ARECh_{2}$ compounds, emphasizing their structural, magnetic, and excitational properties in quantum magnetism.

Findings

Rich phase diagrams with quantum spin liquids and exotic orders

Neutron scattering reveals unusual low-energy excitations

Chemical tunability enables systematic exploration of magnetic interactions

Abstract

The rare-earth chalcogenide $ARECh_{2}$ family ($A =$ alkali metal or monovalent ions, $RE =$ rare earth, $Ch =$ chalcogen) has emerged as a paradigmatic platform for studying frustrated magnetism on a triangular lattice. The family members exhibit a variety of ground states, from quantum spin liquid to exotic ordered phases, providing fascinating insight into quantum magnetism. Their simple crystal structure and chemical tunability enable systematic exploration of competing interactions in quantum magnets. Recent neutron scattering and thermodynamic studies have revealed rich phase diagrams and unusual excitations, refining theoretical models of frustrated systems. This review provides a succinct introduction to $ARECh_{2}$ research. It summarizes key findings on crystal structures, single-ion physics, magnetic Hamiltonians, ground states, and low-energy excitations. By highlighting current developments and open questions, we aim to catalyze further exploration and deeper physical understanding on this frontier of quantum magnetism.