Abstract
Inelastic neutron scattering at low temperatures T≤30 K from a powder of LiZn2Mo3O8 demonstrates this triangular-lattice antiferromagnet hosts collective magnetic excitations from spin-1/2 Mo3O13 molecules. Apparently gapless (Δ<0.2 meV) and extending at least up to 2.5 meV, the low-energy magnetic scattering cross section is surprisingly broad in momentum space and involves one-third of the spins present above 100 K. The data are compatible with the presence of valence bonds involving nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor spins forming a disordered or dynamic state.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 027202 |
| Journal | Physical Review Letters |
| Volume | 112 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 15 2014 |