A NEW KIND OF MAGNETISM Using low-frequency laser pulses, a team of researchers has carried out the first measurements that reveal the detailed characteristics of a unique kind of magnetism found in a mineral called herbertsmithite. In this material, the magnetic elements constantly fluctuate, leading to an exotic state of fluid magnetism called a quantum spin liquid. This is in contrast to conventional magnetism, found in materials called ferromagnets—where all of the magnetic forces align in the same direction, reinforcing each other—or antiferromagnets, where adjacent magnetic elements align in opposite directions, leading to complete cancellation of the materials overall magnetic field. The concept of quantum spin liquids was first proposed in 1973, but the first direct evidence for such a material was only found within the last few years. The new measurements help to clarify the fundamental characteristics of this exotic system, which is thought to be closely related to the origins of high-temperature superconductivity. See full report at : phys.org/news/2013-09-kind-magnetism.html
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 06:31:36 +0000
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