Exploring Low-Dimensional Magnetism in Cobalt Vanadates, ${A}$CoV$_{2}$O$_{7}$~(${A}$~=~Ca, Sr) : Crystal Growth and Magnetic Properties of Effective Spin-1/2 Zigzag Chains

TL;DR

This study successfully grew high-quality single crystals of ext{A}CoV$_{2}$O$_{7}$ ( ext{A} = Ca, Sr), revealing their zigzag chain structure and magnetic properties, and highlighting their potential for exploring low-dimensional quantum magnetism.

Contribution

The paper reports the first successful growth of high-quality single crystals of ext{A}CoV$_{2}$O$_{7}$ using the optical floating zone method, enabling detailed magnetic studies of this low-dimensional system.

Findings

Antiferromagnetic transition at T_N ~ 3.5 K

Confirmation of zigzag chain structure via X-ray diffraction

Effective spin-1/2 Kramers doublet state suggested for Co^{2+}

Abstract

We report the successful growth of high-quality single crystals of \ACVO, a quasi-one-dimensional zigzag chain compound containing Co$^{2+}$ ions, using the optical floating zone method. The crystal growth was stabilized under high-pressure argon-oxygen gas with slow growth rates, overcoming challenges associated with the incongruent melting behavior of this material. X-ray diffraction confirms the zigzag arrangement of Co$^{2+}$ ions, forming a quasi-one-dimensional chain structure. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements reveal an antiferromagnetic phase transition at the N\'eel temperature ($T_{\text{N}} \sim 3.5$ K) and negative Curie-Weiss temperatures, indicative of dominant antiferromagnetic interactions. The distorted CoO$_6$ octahedral geometry and strong spin-orbit coupling suggest that Co$^{2+}$ ions likely exhibit an effective $J = 1/2 $ Kramers doublet state. The results presented here demonstrate the potential of \ACVO\ as a platform for investigating low-dimensional magnetism and quantum magnetic phenomena. These insights shed light on the role of the ${A}$-site ion in tuning the magnetic interactions, which will foster future research into the field-induced behavior in these cobalt vanadates.