Dynamical spectra of quantum strings in quantum spin ice

ORAL

Abstract

String-like excitations in quantum spin-ice are a fascinating manifestation of quantum fluctuations and may be observable in materials such as Yb$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ and Pr$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$. We study quantum spin-ice under external magnetic fields on both the checkerboard and pyrochlore lattice for experimentally relevant conditions. We show that excitations in quantum spin ice may be string-like, and that stronger quantum fluctuations reduce string tension and lead to deconfined monopoles. Additionally, we discuss the crossover from strings to magnons in the high-field regime. We provide predictions for observing strings via inelastic neutron scattering and THz spectroscopy.

Authors

  • Wesley Fuhrman

    Johns Hopkins

  • Yuan Wan

    Johns Hopkins

  • Oleg Tchernyshyov

    Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins