The thermal equilibrium properties of the spin-ice material ${\mathrm{Dy}}_2{\mathrm{Ti}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_7$, including specific heat, magnetization, and spin correlations, could be successfully reproduced by a model featuring magnetic interactions up to the third nearest neighbor and long-ranged dipolar forces. With the best-fit parameters, the model predicts an ordered ground state which breaks the cubic symmetry of the lattice. In this work, we analyze results from a neutron scattering experiment in which, instead of sharp Bragg peaks, a diffuse pattern was observed down to $300\text{mK}$, despite very slow cooling [A. M. Samarakoon et al., Phys. Rev. Res. 4, 033159 (2022)]. Using a reverse Monte Carlo approach, we find compatible spin configurations, analyze the suitability of antiferromagnetic spin chains as building blocks for the ground state, and provide various measures of correlation and calculate their energy. Our analysis suggests that, while infinitely long chains are not present in the experimental configuration, antiferromagnetic spin chains provide a good approximation of the data. There are indications of possible evidence for short-range chains, but further investigation is needed for confirmation.

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• Frustrated magnetism
• Spin ice
• Transition-metal rare-earth alloys
• Monte Carlo methods
• Neutron scattering