research article
Direct Observation of Magnon Fractionalization in the Quantum Spin Ladder
We measure by inelastic neutron scattering the spin excitation spectra as a function of applied magnetic field in the quantum spin-ladder material (C5H12N)(2)CuBr4. Discrete magnon modes at low fields in the quantum disordered phase and at high fields in the saturated phase contrast sharply with a spinon continuum at intermediate fields characteristic of the Luttinger-liquid phase. By tuning the magnetic field, we drive the fractionalization of magnons into spinons and, in this deconfined regime, observe both commensurate and incommensurate continua.
Type
research article
Web of Science ID
WOS:000264139500066
Author(s)
Thielemann, B
Ruegg, C
Lauchli, A M
Caux, J S
Normand, B
Biner, D
Kramer, K W
Gudel, H U
Stahn, J
Date Issued
2009
Published in
Volume
102
Issue
10
Article Number
107204
Subjects
Editorial or Peer reviewed
REVIEWED
Written at
EPFL
EPFL units
Available on Infoscience
February 8, 2010
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