Spin Dynamics of the Spin-1/2 Kagome Lattice Antiferromagnet ZnCu_3(OH)_6Cl_2

  • 19 October 2006
Abstract
We have performed thermodynamic and neutron scattering measurements on the S=1/2 kagome lattice antiferromagnet Zn Cu_3 (OH)_6 Cl_2. The susceptibility indicates a Curie-Weiss temperature of ~ -300 K; however, no magnetic order is observed down to 50 mK. Inelastic neutron scattering reveals a spectrum of low energy spin excitations with no observable gap down to 0.1 meV. The specific heat at low-T follows a power law with exponent less than or equal to 1. These results suggest that an unusual spin-liquid state with essentially gapless excitations is realized in this kagome lattice system.

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