Spin-Ice Thin Films: Large- N Theory and Monte Carlo Simulations

We explore the physics of highly frustrated magnets in confined geometries, focusing on the Coulomb phase of pyrochlore spin ices. As a specific example, we investigate thin films of nearest-neighbor spin ice, using a combination of analytic large-Ntechniques and Monte Carlo simulations. In the simp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review. X 2018-05, Vol.8 (2), p.021053, Article 021053
Main Authors: Lantagne-Hurtubise, Étienne, Rau, Jeffrey G., Gingras, Michel J. P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Boundary conditions
Broken symmetry
Computer simulation
Crystallography
Electromagnetic fields
Electromagnetism
Ferromagnetism
Gauge theory
Low temperature
Magnetic moments
Magnets
Numerical methods
Optical communication
Optical fibers
Phases
Simulation
Spin ice
Spin liquid
Thin films
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Summary:We explore the physics of highly frustrated magnets in confined geometries, focusing on the Coulomb phase of pyrochlore spin ices. As a specific example, we investigate thin films of nearest-neighbor spin ice, using a combination of analytic large-Ntechniques and Monte Carlo simulations. In the simplest film geometry, with surfaces perpendicular to the [001] crystallographic direction, we observe pinch points in the spin-spin correlations characteristic of a two-dimensional Coulomb phase. We then consider the consequences of crystal symmetry breaking on the surfaces of the film through the inclusion of orphan bonds. We find that when these bonds are ferromagnetic, the Coulomb phase is destroyed by the presence of fluctuating surface magnetic charges, leading to a classicalZ2spin liquid. Building on this understanding, we discuss other film geometries with surfaces perpendicular to the [110] or the [111] direction. We generically predict the appearance of surface magnetic charges and discuss their implications for the physics of such films, including the possibility of an unusualZ3classical spin liquid. Finally, we comment on open questions and promising avenues for future research.
ISSN:2160-3308
2160-3308
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevX.8.021053