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Title: Field-induced length changes in the spin-liquid candidate kappa{BEDT-TTF){<_2}Cu{<_2}(CN){<_3}.

Journal Article · · Physics Status Solidi C

Measurements of the coefficient of thermal expansion on the spin-liquid candidate {kappa}-(BEDT-TTF){sub 2}Cu{sub 2}(CN){sub 3} have revealed distinct and strongly anisotropic lattice effects around 6 K - a possible spin liquid instability. In order to study the effects of a magnetic field on the low-temperature spin-liquid state, dilatometric measurements have been conducted both as a function of temperature at B = const. and as a function of field at T = const. While the 6 K anomaly is found to be insensitive to magnetic fields B {le} 10 T, the maximum field applied, surprisingly strong B-induced effects are observed for magnetic fields applied along the in-plane b-axis. Above a threshold field of 0.5 T < B{sub c} {le} 1 T, a jump-like anomaly is observed in the b-axis lattice parameter. This anomaly, which is located at 8.7 K at B = 1 T, grows in size and shifts to lower temperatures with increasing the magnetic field. Although the anomaly bears resemblance to a first-order phase transition, the lack of hysteresis suggests otherwise.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC); German Science Foundation
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
1047447
Report Number(s):
ANL/MSD/JA-71074; TRN: US201216%%293
Journal Information:
Physics Status Solidi C, Vol. 9, Issue 5; ISSN 1610-1634
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH