Directional selection of field-induced phases by weak anisotropy in triangular-lattice K$_2$Mn(SeO$_3$)$_2$

Abstract

Triangular-lattice systems host a variety of ground states, ranging from quantum spin liquids to magnetically ordered phases, the latter of which can exhibit a sequence of magnetic phase transitions under applied magnetic fields. Here, we report magnetic and thermodynamic measurements, combined with powder and single-crystal neutron diffraction, on a high-spin, nearly isotropic Mn$^{2+}$ triangular-lattice system K$_2$Mn(SeO$_3$)$_2$. The compound undergoes long-range magnetic ordering below $T_\mathrm{N} \sim 4$~K in zero field. Contrary to expectations for an ideal Heisenberg system, the compound adopts an up-down-zero (UD0) magnetic structure down to the lowest temperature (0.05 K), rather than the commonly expected Y-type structure. This UD0 state is, however, highly sensitive to external magnetic fields. For fields applied along the $c$ axis, it is readily destabilized and replaced by the Y-type structure, followed by an up-up-down (UUD) phase corresponding to the 1/3 magnetization plateau. In contrast, when the field is applied within the triangular plane, the system evolves into a canted Y state at a higher critical field. These results reveal that weak anisotropy, though small in magnitude, exerts a strongly orientation-dependent influence, playing a key role in selecting the field-induced phases in this frustrated magnet.