Gapless dispersive continuum in a modulated quantum kagome antiferromagnet
Abstract
The pursuit of quantum spin liquid (QSL) states in condensed matter physics has drawn attention to kagome antiferromagnets (AFM) where a two-dimensional corner-sharing network of triangles frustrates conventional magnetic orders. While quantum kagome AFMs based on Cu${}^{2+}$ (3d${}^9$, $s=½$) ions have been extensively studied, there is so far little work beyond copper-based systems. Here we present our bulk magnetization, specific heat and neutron scattering studies on single crystals of a new titanium fluorides Cs${}_8$RbK${}_3$Ti${}_{12}$F${}_{48}$ where Ti${}^{3+}$ (3d${}^1$, $s=½$) ions form a modulated quantum kagome antiferromagnet that does not order magnetically down to 1.5 K. Our comprehensive map of the dynamic response function $S(\mathbf{Q},\hbar \omega)$ acquired at 1.5 K where the heat capacity is $T$-linear reveals a dispersive continuum emanating from soft lines that extend along (100). The data indicate fractionalized spinon-like excitations with quasi-one-dimensional dispersion within a quasi-two-dimensional spin system.