Incommensurate lattice modulations in Potassium Vanadate

ORAL

Abstract

Potassium Vanadate (K$_{\mathrm{2}}$V$_{\mathrm{3}}$O$_{\mathrm{8}})$ is an S $=$ \textonehalf 2D square lattice antiferromagnet that shows spin reorientation indicating a strong coupling between the magnetism and its dielectric properties with a promise of rich physics that promises multiferroicity. These tangible physical properties are strongly tied through a spin-lattice coupling to the underlying lattice and superlattice behavior. It has a superlattice (SL) onsetting below T$_{\mathrm{c}}=$115 K with an approximate [3 x 3 x 2] modulation. Here we present our recent experiments at TOPAZ beamline at SNS which for the first time proves conclusively that the lattice modulations are incommensurate, with an in-plane Q of 0.315. We will also show our attempts to refine the data using JANA which requires a redefinition of the lattice, as well as the temperature and Q dependence of the superlattice modulation measured using neutrons at HFIR and synchrotron x-rays at APS. Our results are not only relevant for the ongoing search of multifunctional behavior in K$_{\mathrm{2}}$V$_{\mathrm{3}}$O$_{\mathrm{8\thinspace }}$but also generally for the superlattice modulations observed in a large family of fresnoites.

*Work performed at ORNL and ANL is supported by U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences and Office of User Facilities Division.

Authors

  • Bryan Chakoumakos

    • Quantum Condensed Matter Div., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN - 37830
  • Arnab Banerjee

    • Quantum Condensed Matter Div., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN - 37830
  • Mark Lumsden

    • Quantum Condensed Matter Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    • Quantum Condensed Matter Div., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN - 37830
    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • Huibo Cao

    • Oak Ridge National Lab
    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    • Quantum Condensed Matter Div., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN - 37830
  • Jong Woo Kim

    • Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL - 60439
    • Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory
  • Christina Hoffman

    • Chem. & Mat. Sci. Div., Oak Ridge Nat. Lab. Oak Ridge, TN - 37830
    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • Xiaoping Wang

    • Chem. & Mat. Sci. Div., Oak Ridge Nat. Lab. Oak Ridge, TN - 37830
    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory