Multiphase magnetism in Yb<sub>2</sub>Ti<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub>.

Scheie, Allen; Kindervater, Jonas; Zhang, Shu; Changlani, Hitesh J; Sala, Gabriele; Ehlers, Georg; Heinemann, Andre; Tucker, Gregory S et al. · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2020

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We use neutron scattering to show that ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism coexist in the low T state of the pyrochlore quantum magnet [Formula: see text] While magnetic Bragg peaks evidence long-range static ferromagnetic order, inelastic scattering shows that short-range correlated antiferromagnetism is also present. Small-angle neutron scattering provides direct evidence for mesoscale magnetic structure that we associate with metastable antiferromagnetism. Classical Monte Carlo simulations based on exchange interactions inferred from [Formula: see text]-oriented high-field spin wave measurements confirm that antiferromagnetism is metastable within the otherwise ferromagnetic ground state. The apparent lack of coherent spin wave excitations and strong sensitivity to quenched disorder characterizing [Formula: see text] is a consequence of this multiphase magnetism.