Disordered ground state in the three-dimensional face-centred frustrated spin-$\frac{5}{2}$ system MnSn(OH)$_\text{6}$

TL;DR

This study reveals a disordered magnetic ground state in a three-dimensional face-centered frustrated spin-5/2 system, MnSn(OH)$_6$, characterized by short-range correlations and absence of long-range order despite strong antiferromagnetic interactions.

Contribution

It provides detailed structural and magnetic characterization of MnSn(OH)$_6$, demonstrating its disordered ground state and highlighting the potential of face-centered cubic lattices for exotic magnetic phenomena.

Findings

Absence of long-range magnetic order down to 350 mK

Presence of short-range magnetic correlations with a correlation length of 24.66 Å

Diffuse magnetic scattering indicating three-dimensional antiferromagnetic correlations

Abstract

Frustrated magnetism in face-centred cubic (fcc) magnetic sublattices remains underexplored but holds considerable potential for exotic magnetic behaviour. Here we report on the crystal structure, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of the $A$-site-vacant double hydroxide perovskite MnSn(OH)$_6$. Despite dominant antiferromagnetic interactions among Mn$^{2+}$ moments, evidenced by a negative Curie-Weiss temperature, the lack of a sharp thermodynamic transition down to 350$\,$mK implies the absence of long-range magnetic order. However, a broad hump in the specific heat at 1.6$\,$K suggests short-range correlations. Neutron diffraction at low temperatures confirms the presence of three-dimensional antiferromagnetic correlations, manifested as diffuse magnetic scattering with a correlation length $\xi = 24.66\,${\AA} and magnetic propagation vectors $\mathbf{k}=(\frac{1}{2}\,\frac{1}{2}\,\frac{1}{2})$ and $(0\,0.625\,0)$ at 20$\,$mK.