Abstract
A quantum spin-liquid state, an exotic state of matter, appears when strong quantum fluctuations enhanced by competing exchange interactions suppress a magnetically ordered state. Generally, when an ordered state is continuously suppressed to 0 K by an external parameter, a quantum phase transition occurs. It exhibits critical scaling behaviour, characterized only by a few basic properties such as dimensions and symmetry. Here we report the low-temperature magnetic torque measurements in an organic triangular-lattice antiferromagnet, κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3, where BEDT-TTF stands for bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene. It is found that the magnetic susceptibilities derived from the torque data exhibit a universal critical scaling, indicating the quantum critical point at zero magnetic field, and the critical exponents, γ=0.83(6) and νz=1.0(1). These exponents greatly constrain the theoretical models for the quantum spin liquid, and at present, there is no theory to explain the values, to the best of our knowledge.
Highlights
A quantum spin-liquid state, an exotic state of matter, appears when strong quantum fluctuations enhanced by competing exchange interactions suppress a magnetically ordered state
A remarkable exception is a quantum spin liquid (QSL), which is characterized by the presence of no spontaneous symmetry breaking, and unique magnetic excitations, called spinons[1,2,3]
Such a liquid state is found in several geometrically frustrated spin systems, where strong quantum fluctuations enhanced by the spin frustration hinders the development of the conventional magnetic order; the magnetic transition temperature is reduced down to 0 K
Summary
A quantum spin-liquid state, an exotic state of matter, appears when strong quantum fluctuations enhanced by competing exchange interactions suppress a magnetically ordered state. When an ordered state is continuously suppressed to 0 K by an external parameter, a quantum phase transition occurs It exhibits critical scaling behaviour, characterized only by a few basic properties such as dimensions and symmetry. A remarkable exception is a quantum spin liquid (QSL), which is characterized by the presence of no spontaneous symmetry breaking, and unique magnetic excitations, called spinons[1,2,3] Such a liquid state is found in several geometrically frustrated spin systems, where strong quantum fluctuations enhanced by the spin frustration hinders the development of the conventional magnetic order; the magnetic transition temperature is reduced down to 0 K
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