Neutron scattering in the proximate quantum spin liquid α-RuCl 3 .

Authors :: Banerjee A
Yan J
Knolle J
Bridges CA
Stone MB
Lumsden MD
Mandrus DG
Tennant DA
Moessner R
Nagler SE
Source :: Science (New York, N.Y.) [Science] 2017 Jun 09; Vol. 356 (6342), pp. 1055-1059.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: The Kitaev quantum spin liquid (KQSL) is an exotic emergent state of matter exhibiting Majorana fermion and gauge flux excitations. The magnetic insulator α-RuCl <subscript>3</subscript> is thought to realize a proximate KQSL. We used neutron scattering on single crystals of α-RuCl <subscript>3</subscript> to reconstruct dynamical correlations in energy-momentum space. We discovered highly unusual signals, including a column of scattering over a large energy interval around the Brillouin zone center, which is very stable with temperature. This finding is consistent with scattering from the Majorana excitations of a KQSL. Other, more delicate experimental features can be transparently associated with perturbations to an ideal model. Our results encourage further study of this prototypical material and may open a window into investigating emergent magnetic Majorana fermions in correlated materials.<br /> (Copyright © 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science.)