Researchers at the University of Tokyo and Japan's National Institute for Materials Science have discovered pure organic substances exhibiting the quantum spin liquid state.
Water loses kinetic energy as it is cooled, and when water molecules become unable to move, water becomes solid (ice). Similarly, electron spins in magnetic materials normally align and form a solid state at low temperature.
Figure 1: (a) An arrangement of dimerized molecules of κ-H3(Cat- EDT-TTF)2 on the 2-D plane, b-c. (b) An anisotropic 2-D triangular lattice made of spin-1/2 molecular dimers. Antiferromagnetically coupled spins normally align in the opposite direction to one another. On a triangular lattice, when two spins (red and blue arrows) align antiparallel, the third spin cannot decide a direction either up or down (and its energy became unstable). This frustration effect restricts spins from formation of an ordered state. (c) 2-D molecular layers bonded by hydrogen atoms.
Recent theoretical studies suggest that spins on a triangular lattice maintain their liquid state (quantum spin liquid state) even at an extremely low temperature.
However, a substantial understanding of this phenomenon, such as whether the quantum spin liquid state really exists, and if it does exist, what kind of spin state it is, has not yet been obtained.
To clarify these matters, efforts have been made over many years in the quest for quantum spin liquid substances.
A group of researchers at the University of Tokyo's Institute for Solid State Physics, led by Professor Hatsumi Mori, project researcher Takayuki Isono (currently a NIMS postdoctoral researcher), and research associate Akira Ueda, were engaged in searching for hydrogen-bonded single-component pure organic semiconductors.
In this process, in partnership with another research group led by Unit Director Shinya Uji at the Superconducting Properties Unit of the National Institute for Materials Science, they discovered that electron spins in a pure organic substance, κ-H3(Cat- EDT-TTF)*2, were in the quantum spin liquid state.
A detailed understanding of quantum spin liquid is expected to present a new direction in the course of research into the superconducting mechanism of high-temperature superconductors and the development of new data storage and communication technology.
*Cat- EDT-TTF: catechol-fused ethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene
Mikiko Tanifuji | Research SEA News
Sequencing the DNA of Things with the Materials Genomics Initiative
30.03.2015 | West Virginia University - Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Electrifying Research: Piezoelectric Effects for the Suppression of Material Stresses
30.03.2015 | Austrian Science Fund FWF
In an experiment at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, scientists precisely measured the temperature and structure of aluminum as...
The IPH presents a solution at HANNOVER MESSE 2015 to make ship traffic more reliable while decreasing the maintenance costs at the same time. In cooperation with project partners, the research institute from Hannover, Germany, has developed a sensor system which continuously monitors the condition of the marine gearbox, thus preventing breakdowns. Special feature: the monitoring system works wirelessly and energy-autonomously. The required electrical power is generated where it is needed – directly at the sensor.
As well as cars need to be certified regularly (in Germany by the TÜV – Technical Inspection Association), ships need to be inspected – if the powertrain stops...
When an earthquake hits, the faster first responders can get to an impacted area, the more likely infrastructure--and lives--can be saved.
The Atlantic overturning is one of Earth’s most important heat transport systems, pumping warm water northwards and cold water southwards. Also known as the Gulf Stream system, it is responsible for the mild climate in northwestern Europe.
Scientists now found evidence for a slowdown of the overturning – multiple lines of observation suggest that in recent decades, the current system has been...
Because they are regularly subjected to heavy vehicle traffic, emissions, moisture and salt, above- and underground parking garages, as well as bridges, frequently experience large areas of corrosion. Most inspection systems to date have only been capable of inspecting smaller surface areas.
From April 13 to April 17 at the Hannover Messe (hall 2, exhibit booth C16), engineers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing IZFP will be...
25.03.2015 | Event News
19.03.2015 | Event News
17.03.2015 | Event News
30.03.2015 | Press release
30.03.2015 | Life Sciences
30.03.2015 | Earth Sciences