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Title: Collective Dynamics in the Heisenberg Pyrochlore Antiferromagnet Gd2Sn2O7

Journal Article · · Physical Review B
OSTI ID:944843

Gd{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} is believed to be a good approximation to a Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a pyrochlore lattice with exchange and dipole-dipole interactions. The system is known to enter a long-range ordered ground state (the 'Palmer Chalker' state) below T{sub c} = 1 K with k{sub ord} = (000). However, persistent electronic spin fluctuations have been observed as T {yields} 0. Using inelastic neutron scattering, we have studied the buildup of short-range spin-spin correlations as the temperature is lowered, and the eventual formation of a gapped long-range ordered state that is able to sustain spin waves below T{sub c}. As a magnetic field is applied, new magnetic phases develop and the gap widens. These measurements show that Gd{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} completely relieves itself of frustration, but the self-selected ground state is very delicate.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Spallation Neutron Source (SNS)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC05-00OR22725
OSTI ID:
944843
Journal Information:
Physical Review B, Vol. 78, Issue 13
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English