Neutron-scattering studies of the S = 2 antiferromagnetic chain MnCl 3 (C 10 D 8 N 2 )

Abstract

Quasi-elastic and inelastic neutron scattering studies of the quasi-one-dimensional S=2 antiferromagnet MnCl3(C10D8N2) are reported. The quasi-elastic measurements exhibit a broad peak at Q≈0.69 A-1, which is consistent with short-range antiferromagnetic coupling between neighboring Mn3+ ions. Inelastic experiments, at 150 mK and Q=0.70 A-1, reveal decreased magnetic scattering at energies less than 0.2 meV when compared to similar studies at 20 K. These results provide microscopic evidence for the presence of a Haldane gap and are consistent with the bulk magnetization measurements of Granroth et al.