Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation
  • Editors' Suggestion

Crystal electric field excitations and spin dynamics in the spin-orbit coupled distorted honeycomb magnet BiErGeO5

S. Mohanty1, S. Guchhait1,2, S. S. Islam3,*, Surya P. Patra1, M. P. Saravanan4, J. A. Krieger3, T. J. Hicken3, H. Luetkens3, D. T. Adroja5 et al.

Gøran J. Nilsen5, M. D. Le5, and R. Nath1,†

  • *Contact author: shams.islam@psi.ch
  • †Contact author: rameshchandra.nath@gmail.com

Phys. Rev. B 113, 214452 – Published 23 June, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/z66x-362w

Abstract

The magnetic properties and crystal electric field (CEF) scheme of BiErGeO5 are investigated via magnetization, heat capacity, inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and muon spin relaxation (µSR) experiments on a polycrystalline sample. The Er3+ ions form a quasi-two-dimensional distorted honeycomb network with a Kramers doublet ground state. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity reveal short-range antiferromagnetic correlations, manifested as a broad maximum around 1.4 K and 1.1 K, respectively. Heat-capacity data further confirm the onset of a magnetic long-range order at TN≃0.4K. The INS spectra exhibit eight CEF excitations, and the CEF analysis yields the g-factor anisotropy with gxy/gz≃1.38 and exchange anisotropy with Jxy≃2.96K and Jz≃1.56K. The experimental temperature and field-dependent magnetization and heat capacity are also reproduced by the simulation using the CEF energy scheme. Zero-field μSR measurements down to 30 mK do not exhibit coherent oscillations or a static 1/3 tail. The spectra are well described by two exponential relaxation components, indicating two magnetically inequivalent muon environments. The relaxation rates display a nearly temperature-independent plateau below TN and follow an Orbach-type activated behavior at higher temperatures involving excited CEF levels, consistent with the INS results. Longitudinal-field μSR measurements reveal only weak decoupling up to 1.5 T, indicating the presence of slow spin fluctuations that persist well below TN. Overall, BiErGeO5 emerges as an anisotropic spin-orbit-coupled honeycomb magnet in which strong CEF-driven anisotropy and reduced dimensionality give rise to unconventional low-temperature magnetic behavior distinct from its Yb counterpart BiYbGeO5.

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Authorization Required

We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

References (Subscription Required)

Outline

Information

Sign In to Your Journals Account

Filter

Filter

Article Lookup

Enter a citation