Two geometrically frustrated magnets studied by neutron diffraction

TL;DR

This study compares the magnetic behaviors of two geometrically frustrated pyrochlore magnets, Tb$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ and Tb$_2$Sn$_2$O$_7$, using neutron diffraction, revealing how slight differences and external pressure influence their magnetic states.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of two similar frustrated magnets, highlighting how small perturbations affect their low-temperature magnetic ordering.

Findings

Tb$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ is a spin liquid at ambient pressure but orders under pressure.

Tb$_2$Sn$_2$O$_7$ exhibits ordered spin ice behavior at ambient conditions.

A simple model captures key experimental features of the magnetic states.

Abstract

In the pyrochlore compounds, Tb$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ and Tb$_2$Sn$_2$O$_7$, only the Tb$^{3+}$ ions are magnetic. They exhibit quite abnormal -- and, in view of their chemical similarity, strikingly different -- magnetic behaviour, as probed by neutron diffraction at ambient and applied pressure. Tb$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ is a cooperative paramagnet (`spin liquid'), without long range order at ambient pressure; however, it does become ordered under pressure. By contrast, Tb$_2$Sn$_2$O$_7$ enters an "ordered spin ice" state already at ambient pressure. We analyse a simple model which already clearly exhibits some of the qualitative features observed experimentally. Overall, comparing these two compounds emphasizes the power of small perturbations in selecting low-temperature states in geometrically frustrated systems.