Weak ferromagnetic order breaking the threefold rotational symmetry of the underlying kagom\'e lattice in CdCu$_3$(OH)$_6$(NO$_3$)$_2\cdot$H$_2$O

Abstract

Novel magnetic phases are expected to occur in highly frustrated spin systems. Here we study the structurally perfect kagom\'e antiferromagnet CdCu$_3$(OH)$_6$(NO$_3$)$_2\cdot$H$_2$O by magnetization, magnetic torque, and heat capacity measurements using single crystals.An antiferromagnetic order accompanied by a small spontaneous magnetization that surprisingly is confined in the kagom\'e plane sets in at $T_\mathrm{N}\approx$4 K, well below the nearest-neighbor exchange interaction $J / k_B$ = 45 K.This suggests that a unique $\bf q = 0$ type 120$^\circ$ spin structure with "negative" (downward) vector chirality, which breaks the underlying threefold rotational symmetry of the kagom\'e lattice and thus allows a spin canting within the plane, is exceptionally realized in this compound rather than a common one with "positive" (upward) vector chirality. The origin is discussed in terms of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction.