Quantum phase transition in the dioptase magnetic lattice

TL;DR

This paper investigates the quantum phase transition in the green dioptase crystal, revealing a transition between antiferromagnetic order and a quantum spin liquid state based on its unique magnetic structure.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the dioptase magnetic lattice can host a quantum phase transition, linking its crystal structure to quantum magnetic phenomena.

Findings

Identified a quantum phase transition in dioptase's magnetic lattice.

Showed the transition between antiferromagnetic order and quantum spin liquid.

Linked crystal structure to quantum magnetic states.

Abstract

The study of quantum phase transitions, which are zero-temperature phase transitions between distinct states of matter, is of current interest in research since it allows for a description of low-temperature properties based on universal relations. Here we show that the crystal green dioptase Cu_6Si_6O_18 . 6H_2O, known to the ancient Roman as the gem of Venus, has a magnetic crystal structure, formed by the Cu(II) ions, which allows for a quantum phase transition between an antiferromagnetically ordered state and a quantum spin liquid.