Short-range Magnetic interactions in the Spin-Ice compound Ho₂Ti₂O₇

الأصل · EN

Magnetization and susceptibility studies on single crystals of the pyrochlore Ho₂Ti₂O₇ are reported for the first time. Magnetization isotherms are shown to be qualitatively similar to that predicted by the nearest neighbor spin-ice model. Below the lock-in temperature, T≃ 1.97 K, magnetization is consistent with the locking of spins along [111] directions in a specific two-spins-in, two-spins-out arrangement. Below T the magnetization for B||[111] displays a two step behavior signalling the breaking of the ice rules.