Magnetic Properties of an Effective Spin-$frac{1}{2}$ Triangular-Lattice Compound LiYbS$_2$


Abstract in English

Here, we report the synthesis and magnetic properties of a Yb-based triangular-lattice compound LiYbS$_2$. At low temperatures, it features an effective spin-$frac{1}{2}$ state due to the combined effect of crystal electric field and spin orbit coupling. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and $^7$Li nuclear magnetic resonance experiments reveal the absence of magnetic long range ordering down to 2~K, which suggests a possible quantum spin liquid ground state. A dominant antiferromagnetic nearest neighbour exchange interaction $J/k_{rm B}simeq$ 5.3~K could be extracted form the magnetic susceptibility. The NMR linewidth analysis yields the coupling constant between the Li nuclei and Yb$^{3+}$ ions which was found to be purely dipolar in nature.

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