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High-pressure synthesis of quantum magnet M−YbTaO4 with a stretched diamond lattice

Nicola D. Kelly1,2,*, Xuan Liang2, Siân E. Dutton1,†, Kazunari Yamaura2, and Yoshihiro Tsujimoto2,‡

  • *Contact author: ne281@cam.ac.uk
  • †Contact author: sed33@cam.ac.uk
  • ‡Contact author: tsujimoto.yoshihiro@nims.go.jp
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Phys. Rev. Materials 10, 024411 – Published 25 February, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/3xqz-qzr7

Abstract

We report bulk magnetic properties of ytterbium tantalate in its monoclinic fergusonite modification, M−YbTaO4. The spin-12 Yb3+ ions in this phase are arranged on a geometrically frustrated “stretched diamond” lattice. M−YbTaO4 cannot be prepared at ambient pressure and was instead prepared in a belt-type apparatus at 6 GPa and 1800∘C. Susceptibility and specific heat data show no long-range ordering down to 1.8 K and are consistent with a Jeff=12 Kramers doublet which splits in an applied field. Furthermore, under high-pressure synthesis the entire solid solution YbNbxTa1−xO4 (0≤x≤1) can be stabilized in the M phase, in contrast to ambient-pressure synthesis which favors the competing M′ phase for Ta-rich compositions. Subsequent annealing of the Nb-Ta mixed samples resulted in color changes, suggesting oxygen deficiency in some of the as-prepared high pressure samples. There was little variation in the bulk magnetic properties upon varying either the Nb/Ta ratio or the annealing conditions.

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Phys. Rev. Materials 10, 024411– Published 25 February, 2026
  • Received 13 November 2025
  • Accepted 6 February 2026
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