Short-range order in the quantum XXZ honeycomb lattice material BaCo 2 ( PO 4 ) 2
In this paper, we present observations of highly frustrated quasi-two-dimensional (2D) magnetic correlations in the honeycomb lattice layers of the S eff =1/2 compound γ-BaCo 2 (PO 4 ) 2 (γ-BCPO). Specific heat shows a broad peak comprised of two weak kink features at T N1 ~6 K and T N2 ~3.5 K, the relative weights of which can be modified by sample annealing. Neutron powder diffraction measurements reveal short range quasi-2D order that is established below T N1 and T N2 , at which two separate, incompatible, short range magnetic orders onset: commensurate antiferromagnetic correlations with correlation length ξ c =60±2 Å (T N1 ) and in quasi-2D helical domains with ξ h =350±11 Å (T N2 ). The ac magnetic susceptibility response lacks frequency dependence, ruling out spin freezing. Inelastic neutron scattering data on γ-BCPO is compared with linear spin wave theory, and two separate parameter regions of the XXZ J 1 -J 2 -J 3 model with ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor exchange J 1 are favored, both near regions of high classical degeneracy. High energy coherent excitations (~10 meV) persist up to at least 40 K, suggesting strong in-plane correlations persist above TN. Finally, these data show that γ-BCPO is a rare highly frustrated, quasi-2D S eff =1/2 honeycomb lattice material which resists long range magnetic order and spin freezing.