Seminar FO: A.Zorko: Phase Separation in Spin Systems

Phase separation in a uniform system is a widespread phenomenon found in diverse fields of matter, ranging from biological systems to soft matter and strongly correlated electron systems. Electronic inhomogeneity is a fascinating effect, well known from high-Tc cuprates, colossal magnetoresistive manganites and many other transition-metal oxides. It is related to competing degrees of freedom and it generally requires active charge degrees of freedom. However, a similar phenomenon may be expected also in geometrically frustrated spin systems with multiple competing degenerate phases. I will present a paradigm of an intrinsically inhomogeneous magnetostructural state that was recently experimentally detected in a triangular-lattice antiferromagnet. The crucial role of geometrical frustration and near-degenerate crystal structures in stabilizing this unprecedented ground state will be discussed.

Lijep pozdrav,

Damir Pajić, voditelj Seminara FO