Comment on "Competition between helimagnetism and commensurate quantum spin correlations in LiCu2O2"

TL;DR

This paper critiques a previous model of LiCu2O2's magnetic structure, proposing a more realistic single-chain frustrated model with specific exchange interactions, challenging earlier double-chain assumptions.

Contribution

It introduces a revised single-chain frustrated magnetic model for LiCu2O2, replacing the previously assumed double-chain scenario, based on microscopic considerations.

Findings

The double-chain model is deemed unrealistic.

A single-chain model with ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic exchanges is proposed.

The new model better explains the observed helical structure.

Abstract

The microscopic origin of the recently observed helical structure in LiCu2O2 [1] is considered. It is shown that the frustrated antiferromagnetic double chain scenario adopted in Ref.1 is unrealistic. It should be replaced by a frustrated single-chain (CuO2) scenario proposed in Ref. 2 with ferromagnetic nearest neighbor and antiferromagnetic next nearest neighbor exchange integrals \. [1] T. Masuda et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 92 (2004), 177201. [2] A. Gippius et al. Phys. Rev. B 70 (2004), R01426; cond-mat/0312576.