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Neutron scattering in the proximate quantum spin liquid α-RuCl3.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

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Authors

Yan, Jiaqiang 
Knolle, Johannes 
Bridges, Craig A 

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-RuCl3 is thought to realize a proximate KQSL. We used neutron scattering on single crystals of α-RuCl3 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.

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Keywords

Journal Title

Science

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0036-8075
1095-9203

Volume Title

356

Publisher

Sponsorship
European Commission Horizon 2020 (H2020) Marie Sk?odowska-Curie actions (703697)