Coexistence of spin liquid state and magnetic correlations in 3d-5d based triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Sr3CuIr2O9

Abstract

Here, we report detailed lattice structure, magnetization (dc and ac) and specific heat measurements on a 3d-5d based new triple-perovskite material Sr3CuIr2O9. The Sr/Cu forms a layered structure of triangular-lattice while the Ir forms Ir2O9 dimers which lie in chain as well as simultaneously makes layered triangular-lattice with neighboring atoms. Due to random site-sharing with Sr2+, the Cu2+ (3d 9, spin-1/2) forms a diluted magnetic lattice, thus giving a disordered in-plane exchange interaction. Opposed to conventional model, the Ir5+ (5d 4, = 0) is believed to be magnetic here which participates both in-chain and in-plane magnetic interactions. This complex lattice structure driven competing exchange interaction leads the ground state to a gapless quantum-spin-liquid state which coexists with (weak) ferromagnetic spin correlations. While underling the importance of spin state (spin-1/2), we believe that the combined effect of lattice structure, geometric frustration, spin–orbit coupling and spin state has given rise this interesting ground state in this material.