Rethinking <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:mrow><mml:mi>α</mml:mi><mml:mtext>−</mml:mtext><mml:msub><mml:mi>RuCl</mml:mi><mml:mn>3</mml:mn></mml:msub></mml:mrow></mml:math>

Abstract

The authors demonstrate that the available phenomenology restricts the allowed model parameters for $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-RuCl${}_{3}$. The anisotropic couplings in the presented model produce a spectrum of spin excitations that consists of a broad continuum coexisting with well-defined modes. The paper uncovers that $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-RuCl${}_{3}$ can be described as a fluctuating ferro-antiferromagnet in a proximity to an incommensurate state.

Topics & Concepts