Monopole matter from magnetoelastic coupling in the Ising pyrochlore

Abstract

Pyrochlore oxide lattices are home to many geometrically frustrated magnetic systems, including the celebrated spin ice. The authors present an Ising magnetic model on this structure, with a magnetoelastic term coupling the spin lattice to the O−2 ions which mediate superexchange. This model explains the presence of exotic forms of order found in previous experiments, allows stabilisation of some long-sought phases, and signals lattice distortions as a new probe for the complex magnetism of these materials.