Frustration-driven magnetic correlations in the spin- triangular lattice antiferromagnet
Phys. Rev. B 113, 144421 – Published 13 April, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/9z82-81s8
Abstract
A detailed study of the structural and magnetic properties of a spin- triangular lattice antiferromagnet is presented using x-ray diffraction, magnetization, heat capacity, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments on a polycrystalline sample. The crystal structure features an equilateral triangular lattice of ions. The thermodynamic measurements reveal the onset of a magnetic long-range order at in zero field, followed by another low-temperature field-induced ordering at in higher fields. The transition at is further confirmed from the NMR spin lattice relaxation measurements. The value of the frustration ratio () implies moderate spin frustration in the compound. The NMR spectra exhibit two distinct spectral lines corresponding to two inequivalent phosphorus sites (P1 and P2), consistent with the crystal structure. The P1 site is strongly coupled with an isotropic hyperfine coupling of while the P2 site is weakly coupled with with the ions. The magnetic susceptibility and NMR shift data are described well assuming a spin- isotropic triangular lattice antiferromagnetic model with an average exchange coupling of . Below , the spectra evolve into a nearly rectangular powder pattern, indicating a commensurate antiferromagnetic type order. The spin-lattice relaxation rate well below follows a temperature dependence, implying a two-magnon Raman scattering mechanism in the ordered state. Three well-defined phase regimes are clearly ascertained in the phase diagram, reflecting a weak magnetic anisotropy in the compound.