Stabilizing quantum spin liquids in Spin Ice Pyrochlores by disorder

• Grant number: 24/02232-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Agreement: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Eric de Castro e Andrade
• Grantee: Eric de Castro e Andrade
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/06629-4 - Electronic correlations in quantum materials: inhomogeneities and frustration, AP.JP2
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/13170-6 - Stabilizing quantum spin liquids in Spin Ice Pyrochlores by disorder, BP.JD

Abstract

Quantum spin liquids (QSLs) are novel phases of matter displaying fractionalized excitations and supporting emergent gauge fields. Despite numerous well-established theoretical proposals, conclusively linking experimental results to a QSL phase is a central challenge in modern studies of frustrated magnets. A key issue in understanding some QSL candidates is the interplay of weak structural disorder, which is unavoidable during the sample growth, and the spin liquid state. Interestingly, in one crucial class of candidate QSLs, namely, pyrochlore magnets based on non-Kramers ions such as Pr3+ or Tb3+, inhomogeneities might promote a QSL ground state. In this project, we plan to investigate this mechanism and the stability of the emerging QSL. We will calculate the phase diagram as well as several thermodynamical and spectroscopic observables that could help identify this elusive phase in pyrochlore magnets as Pr2Zr2O7. (AU)