Spin dynamics in modified honeycomb α-Li2IrO3

The concept of a ‘quantum spin liquid’ (QSL) refers to a system in which strong quantum fluctuations (supported by magnetic frustration) prevent long-range magnetic order from being established, even at absolute zero temperature. This lack of a magnetic ordering signature makes experimental identification of a quantum spin liquid a great challenge. A QSL system exhibits a wealth of exotic phenomena, such as long-range entanglement and fractional spin excitations, which are of fundamental interest but also hold great potential for quantum communications and quantum computation technology. Alkali metal iridates - A2IrO3 (A = Na, Li), has been identified as a candidate QSL material within the framework of the Kitaev model. However, the magnetism in this material class is sensitive to structural distortions and defects. With our recent progress on crystal synthesis, we managed to systematically suppress the magnetic ordering in α-polymorph of Li2IrO3 towards zero temperature. Here, we will focus on the μSR investigation of these modified α-Li2IrO3 samples to convincingly establish their magnetic ground state. Moreover, the role of sample chemistry and disorder on the magnetism of α-Li2IrO3 would be of great importance to the general understanding of potential QSL materials.