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Coupled dimerized alternating-bond quantum spin chains in Cu5SbO6

Editors' Suggestion | Physical Review Research 8, 013247 (2026)

Our group has recently published a detailed study on the distorted honeycomb-lattice magnet Cu5SbO6. Using inelastic neutron scattering and magnetization data, combined with quantum Monte Carlo simulations, we explored the complex magnetic interactions in this unique material.

Key Findings:

  • Alternating-Bond Chains: Unlike previous models, we found that Cu5SbO6 hosts interacting dimerized spin chains with alternating ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) couplings.
  • Unique Interlayer Coupling: The spin chains primarily couple through an AFM interaction between the honeycomb layers, rather than the expected interchain coupling within the layers.
  • Quantum criticality: This finding reveals a distinct magnetic coupling scheme, making Cu5SbO6 a rare example of a system hosting interacting FM-AFM quantum spin chains.
Crystal structure of Cu5SbO6

Figure: Crystal structure and magnetic coupling scheme of Cu5SbO6.

The study utilized high-resolution data from the AMATERAS (J-PARC) and BT-7 (NIST) spectrometers. By refining the crystal structure and considering stacking faults, we established that the J1-J2-J4 model provides the most accurate description of the material's magnetic excitations.

Full Publication:

C. Piyakulworawat et al., "Coupled dimerized alternating-bond quantum spin chains in the distorted honeycomb-lattice magnet Cu5SbO6", Physical Review Research 8, 013247 (2026).

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