Direct Observation of Magnon Fractionalization in the Quantum Spin Ladder

We measure by inelastic neutron scattering the spin excitation spectra as a function of applied magnetic field in the quantum spin-ladder material $({\mathrm{C}}_5{\mathrm{H}}_{12}\mathrm{N}{)}_2{\mathrm{CuBr}}_4$. Discrete magnon modes at low fields in the quantum disordered phase and at high fields in the saturated phase contrast sharply with a spinon continuum at intermediate fields characteristic of the Luttinger-liquid phase. By tuning the magnetic field, we drive the fractionalization of magnons into spinons and, in this deconfined regime, observe both commensurate and incommensurate continua.