Local-scale magnetic studies of the condensed valence-bond state in LiZn$_{2}$Mo$_{3}$O$_{8}$

ORAL

Abstract

The reduced molybdenum oxide LiZn$_{2}$Mo$_{3}$O$_{8}$ is an insulating material composed of layers of Mo$_{3}$O$_{13}$ clusters, with the clusters arranged on a triangular lattice and non-magnetic Li/Zn inter-layers. A formal electron count results in each molybdenum cluster acting as S$=$1/2 magnetic unit. Superexchange between clusters is mediated through Mo-O-Mo oxo bridges that lead to a frustrated magnetic state. Local-scale magnetic measurements indicate the existence of a gapless spin excitation spectrum that persists down to the lowest temperatures measured. In addition, these local probe measurements indicate local magnetic behavior that corresponds to bulk measurements. The data presented are consistent with expected magnetic responses of a condensed valence-bond state. Structural and measured magnetic properties and ongoing research will be discussed.

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Authors

  • John Sheckelton

    The Johns Hopkins University

  • Francesca Foronda

    Oxford University

  • LiDong Pan

    The Johns Hopkins University

  • Camilla Moir

    National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University

  • Ross McDonald

    National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos NM 87545, LANL, Los Alamos National Lab, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Tom Lancaster

    Durham University, Durham University, UK

  • Peter Baker

    ISIS Facility, UK, ISIS Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

  • N. Peter Armitage

    Physics and Astronomy Dept., Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins University

  • Takashi Imai

    McMaster University

  • Stephen Blundell

    University of Oxford, UK, Oxford University

  • Tyrel McQueen

    Johns Hopkins University, Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics and Astronomy The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins University