Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: We extend previous inelastic neutron scattering results on the geometrically frustrated antiferromagnet hexagonal- YMnO 3 , which has been suggested to belong to the class of classical spin liquids. We expand the energy transfer range of the diffuse signal up to 6.9 meV within a wide temperature range around the ordering temperature, T N . The two distinct diffuse signals in the a − b plane, the signal localized at Γ ′ and the scattering intensity connecting Γ ′ points over the M ′ , are shown to be only weakly energy dependent. In addition, an external magnetic field of up to 10.5 T applied along c is shown to have no effect on the diffuse signal. In the orthogonal scattering plane, the signals are shown to be dependent on l only through the magnetic form factor, showing that the correlations are purely two-dimensional, and supporting the origin of this to be the frustrated Mn 3 + triangles. This result is corroborated by atomistic spin dynamics simulations showing similar scattering vector and temperature behaviors. Lastly, data for the spin wave scattering in the ( h , 0 , l ) plane allow for a discussion of the magnetic ground state where better agreement is found between the data and an ordered structure of the Γ 1 or Γ 3 symmetry, albeit crystal electric field arguments dismiss the Γ 1 as a possibility. Published by the American Physical Society 2024
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4403539674