Reaching the equilibrium state of the frustrated triangular Ising magnet <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msub><mml:mrow><mml:mi>Ca</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn></mml:msub><mml:msub><mml:mrow><mml:mi>Co</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mn>2</mml:mn></mml:msub><mml:msub><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant="normal">O</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mn>6</mml:mn></mml:msub></mml:math>

Abstract

Ca${}_{3}$Co${}_{2}$O${}_{6}$ is a triangular frustrated Ising magnet whose magnetic properties have puzzled the community for decades and have generated many theoretical descriptions. The magnetization shows regular steps with magnetic field that are metastable for days to weeks at low temperatures. Here, the authors explore ways to bypass metastability and reach the ground state. They compare Monte Carlo simulations and different experimental approaches to identify the elusive ground state.

Topics & Concepts