Magnetic structure and Ising-like antiferromagnetism in the bilayer triangular lattice compound NdZnPO
Here, the complex interplay of spin frustration and quantum fluctuations in low-dimensional quantum materials leads to a variety of intriguing phenomena. This research focuses on a detailed analysis of the magnetic behavior exhibited by NdZnPO, a bilayer spin-1/2 triangular lattice antiferromagnet. The investigation employs magnetization, specific heat, and powder neutron scattering measurements. At zero field, a long-range magnetic order is observed at T N = 1.64 K. Powder neutron diffraction experiments show the Ising-like magnetic moments along the c-axis, revealing a stripe like magnetic structure with magnetic propagation vector (1/2, 0, 1/2). Application of a magnetic field along the c-axis suppresses the antiferromagnetic order, leading to a fully polarized ferromagnetic state above B c = 4.5 T. This transition is accompanied by notable enhancements in the nuclear Schottky contribution. Moreover, the absence of spin frustration and expected field-induced plateau-like phases are remarkable observations. Detailed calculations of magnetic dipolar interactions revealed complex couplings reminiscent of a honeycomb lattice, suggesting the potential emergence of Kitaev-like physics within this system. This comprehensive study of the magnetic properties of NdZnPO highlights unresolved intricacies, underscoring the imperative for further exploration to unveil the underlying governing mechanisms.