Executive Summary : | Geometrically Frustrated magnets (GFM) are magnetic materials with competing spin interactions and large quantum fluctuations, making them ideal for studying quantum entanglement. The S=½ quantum 1D spin chains and 2D spin layered materials with frustrating interactions play an ideal platform for studying quantum entanglement. Interest in this area was initiated from the theoretical prediction of the quantum spin liquid (QSL) state by P. W. Anderson as the ground state for the 2D triangular lattice. This project aims to solve exciting and challenging problems in condensed matter physics. Problem 1 involves studying the "floating phase" state of matter proposed by Mazumdar and Ghosh in the early 1970s. The project will study the magnetic ground state properties of two potential materials, K3FeMo4O12 and Bi3FeMo2O12, which have S = 5/2 frustrated MG chains. Problem 2 involves discovering the model material with the S=½ 2D checkerboard lattice quantum model, also known as a 2D pyrochlore lattice. Theoretical studies of this model claim that the ground state is Valance Bond Solid (VBS), but there is no practical example discovered. The project will focus on realizing exotic phases of matter, such as the floating phase and the S=1/2 distorted checkerboard lattice model. The project will involve single-crystal growth, polycrystalline sample preparation, structural determination, single-phase confirmation from XRD, and understanding the magnetic ground state using Magnetization and Heat capacity measurements. It will also aim for solid-state NMR and MuSR measurements at low temperatures and high magnetic fields. |