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Nearest-neighbour resonating valence bonds in YbMgGaO4

Author

Listed:
  • Yuesheng Li

    (Experimental Physics VI, Center for Electronic Correlations and Magnetism, University of Augsburg
    Renmin University of China)

  • Devashibhai Adroja

    (ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus
    Highly Correlated Matter Research Group, University of Johannesburg)

  • David Voneshen

    (ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus)

  • Robert I. Bewley

    (ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus)

  • Qingming Zhang

    (Renmin University of China
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China)

  • Alexander A. Tsirlin

    (Experimental Physics VI, Center for Electronic Correlations and Magnetism, University of Augsburg)

  • Philipp Gegenwart

    (Experimental Physics VI, Center for Electronic Correlations and Magnetism, University of Augsburg)

Abstract

Since its proposal by Anderson, resonating valence bonds (RVB) formed by a superposition of fluctuating singlet pairs have been a paradigmatic concept in understanding quantum spin liquids. Here, we show that excitations related to singlet breaking on nearest-neighbour bonds describe the high-energy part of the excitation spectrum in YbMgGaO4, the effective spin-1/2 frustrated antiferromagnet on the triangular lattice, as originally considered by Anderson. By a thorough single-crystal inelastic neutron scattering study, we demonstrate that nearest-neighbour RVB excitations account for the bulk of the spectral weight above 0.5 meV. This renders YbMgGaO4 the first experimental system where putative RVB correlations restricted to nearest neighbours are observed, and poses a fundamental question of how complex interactions on the triangular lattice conspire to form this unique many-body state.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuesheng Li & Devashibhai Adroja & David Voneshen & Robert I. Bewley & Qingming Zhang & Alexander A. Tsirlin & Philipp Gegenwart, 2017. "Nearest-neighbour resonating valence bonds in YbMgGaO4," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-6, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms15814
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15814
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