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Updated: May 18, 2026

An Externally-Heated Diamond Anvil Cell for Synthesis and Single-Crystal Elasticity Determination of Ice-VII at High Pressure-Temperature Conditions
Published on: June 18, 2020
Chemical pressure effects on pyrochlore spin ice.
H D Zhou1, J G Cheng, A M Hallas
1National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4005, USA.
Chemical pressure in pyrochlore spin ices like Ho2Sn2O7 and Dy2Sn2O7 shifts systems toward antiferromagnetism. Dy2Ge2O7 exhibits the smallest Jnn/Dnn ratio, aligning with theoretical predictions.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Magnetism
- Materials science
Background:
- Pyrochlore spin ices are geometrically frustrated magnetic materials.
- Ho3+ and Dy3+ based pyrochlores exhibit unique magnetic properties.
- The 'dipolar spin ice' model predicts phase transitions under pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of chemical pressure on Ho- and Dy-based pyrochlore spin ices.
- To investigate the proximity to the antiferromagnetic phase boundary.
- To validate the predictions of the 'dipolar spin ice' model.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of Ho2Sn2O7, Ho2Ti2O7, Ho2Ge2O7, Dy2Sn2O7, Dy2Ti2O7, and Dy2Ge2O7.
- Analysis of magnetic properties under varying chemical compositions.
- Comparison of experimental results with the 'dipolar spin ice' model predictions.
Main Results:
- Chemical pressure drives all studied pyrochlore spin ices towards the antiferromagnetic phase boundary.
- A clear trend is observed from the spin ice region to the antiferromagnetic region.
- Dy2Ge2O7 shows the most pronounced effect, with the smallest Jnn/Dnn ratio of -0.73.
Conclusions:
- The application of chemical pressure is an effective method to tune the magnetic properties of pyrochlore spin ices.
- Experimental findings support the predictions of the 'dipolar spin ice' model regarding phase transitions.
- Dy2Ge2O7 represents a key material for studying the transition from spin ice to antiferromagnetism.
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