October 2025

Journal

Hidden frustration in the triangular-lattice antiferromagnet NdCd3P3

By:
Chamorro, J; Alvarado, S; Rout, D.; Schwarz, S; Scheie, Allen; Pokharel, Ganesh; Kolesnikov, Alexander I; Keller, L; Wilson, Stephen
Journal Name:
Physical Review Materials
Page Number:
104414
Volume:
9
Issue Number:
10
Publication Date:
October 2025
View DOI Listing:
https://doi.org/10.1103/2dcv-nkz7

Abstract

We report a study of the magnetic ground state and crystal electric field (CEF) scheme in the triangular-lattice antiferromagnet NdCd3⁢P3. Combined neutron scattering, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements demonstrate that the Nd3+ moments occupying the triangular lattice in this material harbor hidden signs of frustration not detected in typical Curie-Weiss-based parametrization of the frustration index (𝑓=Θ𝐶⁢𝑊/𝑇𝑁). This is evidenced by a zero-field splitting of the Kramers' ground state and first excited state doublets at temperatures far in excess of 𝑇𝑁 as well as signatures of low-energy fluctuations for 𝑇≫𝑇𝑁. A suppression of the zero-field ordered moment relative to its field saturation value is observed, and the impacts of this magnetic frustration as well as the coexisting bond frustration in the CdP honeycomb network on the physical properties of NdCd3⁢P3 are discussed.


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