Magnetic order and spin fluctuations in the spin liquid Tb$\_2$Sn$\_2$O$\_7$

Abstract

We have studied the spin liquid Tb$\_2$Sn$\_2$O$\_7$ by neutron diffraction and specific heat measurements. Below about 2 K, the magnetic correlations change from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic. Magnetic order settles in two steps, with a smeared transition at 1.3(1) K then an abrupt transition at 0.87(2) K. A new magnetic structure is observed, not predicted by current models, with both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic character. It suggests that the spin liquid degeneracy is lifted by dipolar interactions combined with a finite anisotropy along $<111>$ axes. In the ground state, the Tb$^{3+}$ ordered moment is reduced with respect to the free ion moment (9 $\mu\_{\rm B}$). The moment value of 3.3(3) $\mu\_{\rm B}$ deduced from the specific heat is much smaller than derived from neutron diffraction of 5.9(1) $\mu\_{\rm B}$. This difference is interpreted by the persistence of slow collective magnetic fluctuations down to the lowest temperatures.