Discovery of coexisting Dirac and triply degenerate magnons in a three-dimensional antiferromagnet

Song Bao, Jinghui Wang, Wei Wang, Zhengwei Cai, Shichao Li, Zhen Ma, Di Wang, Kejing Ran, Zhao-Yang Dong, D. L. Abernathy, Shun-Li Yu (), Xiangang Wan (), Jian-Xin Li () and Jinsheng Wen ()
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Song Bao: Nanjing University
Jinghui Wang: Nanjing University
Wei Wang: Nanjing University
Zhengwei Cai: Nanjing University
Shichao Li: Nanjing University
Zhen Ma: Nanjing University
Di Wang: Nanjing University
Kejing Ran: Nanjing University
Zhao-Yang Dong: Nanjing University
D. L. Abernathy: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Shun-Li Yu: Nanjing University
Xiangang Wan: Nanjing University
Jian-Xin Li: Nanjing University
Jinsheng Wen: Nanjing University

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Topological magnons are emergent quantum spin excitations featured by magnon bands crossing linearly at the points dubbed nodes, analogous to fermions in topological electronic systems. Experimental realisation of topological magnons in three dimensions has not been reported so far. Here, by measuring spin excitations (magnons) of a three-dimensional antiferromagnet Cu3TeO6 with inelastic neutron scattering, we provide direct spectroscopic evidence for the coexistence of symmetry-protected Dirac and triply degenerate nodes, the latter involving three-component magnons beyond the Dirac–Weyl framework. Our theoretical calculations show that the observed topological magnon band structure can be well described by the linear-spin-wave theory based on a Hamiltonian dominated by the nearest-neighbour exchange interaction J1. As such, we showcase Cu3TeO6 as an example system where Dirac and triply degenerate magnonic nodal excitations coexist, demonstrate an exotic topological state of matter, and provide a fresh ground to explore the topological properties in quantum materials.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05054-2

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