Chemical insights into the synthesis and properties of polycrystalline and single crystal iron scandium sulfide (FeSc$_{\mathrm{2}}$S$_{\mathrm{4}})$

ORAL

Abstract

Iron scandium sulfide, FeSc$_{\mathrm{2}}$S$_{\mathrm{4}}$, has recently attracted significant theoretical and experimental interest as a candidate spin-orbital liquid. An AB$_{\mathrm{2}}$X$_{\mathrm{4}}$ spinel, FeSc$_{\mathrm{2}}$S$_{\mathrm{4}}$ (space group Fd-3m, No. 227) features a high degree of frustration associated with the Fe$^{\mathrm{2+}}$, which occupies the A-site diamond sublattice and is tetrahedrally coordinated by sulfur. The Fe$^{\mathrm{2+}}$ ion is in a high spin (S$=$2) state, resulting in orbital degeneracy due to a single hole on the $e$ orbitals. We report the strides we have made to produce material in powder and single crystal form, and the relationship between the chemistry and the structural, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties of FeSc$_{\mathrm{2}}$S$_{\mathrm{4}}$.

–

Authors

  • Jennifer R. Morey

    Institute for Quantum Matter and Johns Hopkins University

  • K.W. Plumb

    Institute for Quantum Matter and Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins University

  • S. M. Koopayeh

    Institute for Quantum Matter and Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Univ, Institute for Quantum Matter, Johns Hopkins University

  • Collin Broholm

    Institute for Quantum Matter, Jonhs Hopkins University, and Quantum Condensed Matter Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Johns Hopkins University, Institute for Quantum Matter and Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins University, Institute for Quantum Matter, Johns Hopkins Univ

  • Tyrel M. McQueen

    Johns Hopkins Univ, Institute for Quantum Matter and Jonhs Hopkins University, Institute for Quantum Matter and Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins University, Institute for Quantum Matter, Johns Hopkins University