Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The possibilities of combining several degrees of freedom inside a unique material have recently been highlighted in their dynamics and proposed as information carriers in quantum devices where their cross-manipulation by external parameters such as electric and magnetic fields could enhance their functionalities. An emblematic example is that of electromagnons, spin-waves dressed with electric dipoles, that are fingerprints of multiferroics. Point-like objects have also been identified, which may take the form of excited quasiparticles. This is the case for magnetic monopoles, the exotic excitations of spin ices, that have been recently proposed to carry an electric dipole, although experimental evidences remain elusive. Presently, we investigate the electrical signature of a classical spin ice and a related compound that supports quantum fluctuations. Our in-depth study clearly attributes magneto-electricity to the correlated spin ice phase distinguishing it from extrinsic and single-ion effects. Our calculations show that the proposed model conferring magneto-electricity to monopoles is not sufficient, calling for higher-order contributions.
Source: npj Quantum Materials
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,790
OpenAlex ID: W4402660811