Structure of multiple spin-flop states in BaCu2Si2O7
Abstract
The unusual two-stage spin-flop transition in the quasi-one-dimensional S=1/2 antiferromagnet BaCu2Si2O7 is studied by single-crystal neutron diffraction. The staggered magnetization in the system, aligned along the (0,0,1) direction in zero field, rotates towards the (0,1,0) direction at Hc1~2 T. A second reorientation occurs at Hc2~4.8 T, when the staggered magnetization aligns itself along (1,0,0). The relative orientations of adjacent spins remain more or less unchanged in the various spin-flop phases. This behavior is inconsistent with the previously proposed theoretical explanation of the two-stage transition.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review B
- Pub Date:
- May 2002
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevB.65.174416
- arXiv:
- arXiv:cond-mat/0112196
- Bibcode:
- 2002PhRvB..65q4416Z
- Keywords:
-
- 75.25.+z;
- 75.50.-y;
- 75.30.-m;
- 75.10.-b;
- Spin arrangements in magnetically ordered materials;
- Studies of specific magnetic materials;
- Intrinsic properties of magnetically ordered materials;
- General theory and models of magnetic ordering;
- Condensed Matter - Strongly Correlated Electrons
- E-Print:
- 6 pages 5 figures