Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We report a study of the magnetic ground state and crystal electric field (CEF) scheme in the triangular-lattice antiferromagnet ${\mathrm{NdCd}}_{3}{\mathrm{P}}_{3}$. Combined neutron scattering, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements demonstrate that the ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ moments occupying the triangular lattice in this material harbor hidden signs of frustration not detected in typical Curie-Weiss-based parametrization of the frustration index ($f={\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Theta}}}_{CW}/{T}_{N}$). This is evidenced by a zero-field splitting of the Kramers' ground state and first excited state doublets at temperatures far in excess of ${T}_{N}$ as well as signatures of low-energy fluctuations for $T\ensuremath{\gg}{T}_{N}$. A suppression of the zero-field ordered moment relative to its field saturation value is observed, and the impacts of this magnetic frustration as well as the coexisting bond frustration in the CdP honeycomb network on the physical properties of ${\mathrm{NdCd}}_{3}{\mathrm{P}}_{3}$ are discussed.
Source: Physical Review Materials
DOI: 10.1103/2dcv-nkz7
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, Paul Scherrer Institut, Office of Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Harvard University, Division of Materials Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering
Awards: G1141670404, G2232042528, Discovery-Driven Search for Polar Electronic Phases, G2450830071, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at UCSB, G401861217, G4281768896, G4394554495, G501274426, G5975534213, G6046614428, G6282714480, G6692005437, Enabling Quantum Leap: Q-AMASE-i: Quantum Foundry at UCSB, G8683056649, G9001001347
OpenAlex ID: W4416109606