Journal Article

FZJ-2026-04466

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Competing Ordering Modes in the Distorted Quantum Kagome Material Clinoatacamite Cu$_2$Cl(OH)$_3$

Stödter, L. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Kastner, C. ; Jeschke, H. O. ; Reehuis, M. ; Chan, E. ; Lemée-Cailleau, M.-H. ; Beauvois, K. ; Ouladdiaf, B. ; Yokaichiya, F. ; Bert, F. ; Hicken, T. J. ; Krieger, J. A. ; Luetkens, H. ; Allen, J. L. ; Feyerherm, R. ; Tovar, M. ; Menzel, D. ; Wolter, A. U. B. ; Büchner, B. ; Rule, K. C. ; Litterst, F. J. ; Rößler, U. K. ; Süllow, S.

2026
APS College Park, Md.

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1103/xmh8-68vk  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2026-04466

Abstract: We have studied the magnetic properties of clinoatacamite Cu$_2$⁢Cl⁢(OH)$_3$, the parent compound of the quantum spin liquid candidate herbertsmithite and a long-standing puzzle among frustrated quantum magnets. As we reveal using density-functional theory, clinoatacamite belongs to the class of distorted kagome antiferromagnets with the kagome plane being embedded into a low-symmetry crystal structure. By means of thermodynamic measurements, muon spin rotation and relaxation, as well as neutron diffraction on single crystals, we find in zero magnetic field complex behavior below $T_\rm{I}$ = 18.1  K which unfolds in three temperature regions I-III. We propose this complexity in multicritical clinoatacamite to arise from the competition of antiferromagnetic ordering modes from the underconstrained manifold of modes, which can lead to a metamagnetic texture in zero field.

Keyword(s): Magnetic Materials (1st) ; Condensed Matter Physics (2nd) ; Magnetism (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. JCNS-4 (JCNS-4)
2. JCNS-3 (JCNS-3)
3. Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ)
4. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS-FRM-II)

Research Program(s):

1. 6G4 - Jülich Centre for Neutron Research (JCNS) (FZJ) (POF4-6G4) (POF4-6G4)
2. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)

Experiment(s):

1. Measurement at external facility

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Electronics and Telecommunications Collection ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOAP3 sponsored Journal ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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