Evidence of quantum spin liquid state in a Cu$^{2+}$-based $S = 1/2$ triangular lattice antiferromagnet

Abstract

The layered triangular lattice owing to $1:2$ order of $B$ and $B'$ sites in the triple perovskite $A_3 B B'_2$O$_9$ family provides an enticing domain for exploring the complex phenomena of quantum spin liquids (QSLs). We report a comprehensive investigation of the ground state properties of Sr$_3$CuTa$_2$O$_9$ that belongs to the above family, by employing magnetization, specific heat, and muon spin relaxation ($\mu$SR) experiments down to the lowest temperature of 0.1~K. Analysis of the magnetic susceptibility indicates that the spin-lattice is a nearly isotropic $S = 1/2$ triangular lattice. We illustrate the observation of a gapless QSL, in which conventional spin ordering or freezing effects are absent, even at temperatures more than two orders of magnitude smaller than the exchange energy ($J_{\rm CW}/k_{\rm B} \simeq -5.04$~K). Magnetic specific heat in zero-field follows a power law, $C_{\rm m} \sim T^\eta$, below 1.2~K with $\eta \approx 2/3$, which is consistent with a theoretical proposal of the presence of spinon Fermi surface. Below 1.2~K, the $\mu$SR relaxation rate shows no temperature dependence, suggesting persistent spin dynamics as expected for a QSL state. Delving deeper, we also analyze longitudinal field $\mu$SR spectra revealing strong dynamical correlations in the spin-disordered ground state. All of these highlight the characteristics of spin entanglement in the QSL state.