Valence electrons’ role in magnetism of molecular crystals explored

Molecular crystals with conductivity and magnetism, due to their low impurity concentrations, provide valuable insights into valence electrons. They have helped link charge ordering to superconductivity and to explore quantum spin liquids, where electron spins remain disordered even at extremely low temperatures.

Valence electrons with quantum properties are also expected to exhibit emergent phenomena, making these crystals essential for studying novel material functionalities.

However, the extent to which valence electrons in molecular crystals contribute to magnetism remains unclear, leaving their quantum properties insufficiently explored. To address this, a research team used light to analyze valence electron arrangements, building on studies of superconductors and quantum spin liquids. The findings are published in Physical Review B.

The molecular crystal (C₂H₅)(CH₃)₃As[Pd(C₃S₅)₂]₂ contains [Pd(C₃S₅)₂]₂ molecules at the vertices of a triangular lattice, with one valence electron “formally” assigned to each vertex. The actual distribution of these electrons was experimentally determined. Synchrotron infrared light, along with near-infrared and visible laser light, was used to irradiate the crystal, inducing molecular vibrations.

Analyzing the vibrational frequencies revealed details about valence electron locations, mobility ranges, and whether inter-molecular distances were constant or variable. This enabled the study of valence electron arrangements within the crystal.

Initially believed to be magnetic, the material was discovered to have about half of its valence electrons not contributing to magnetism, instead forming pairs. These pairs exhibited properties reminiscent of a superconducting state driven by charge fluctuations.

As the temperature decreased, the number of pairs increased and eventually saturated, while the remaining electrons formed an antiferromagnetic arrangement. At extremely low temperatures, electrons contributing to magnetism coexisted with non-magnetic electrons, forming a fixed arrangement on the triangular lattice. This mixed state closely resembles a frozen configuration of dynamic valence electrons observed in spin-liquid candidate materials.

This study reveals the hidden potential of valence electrons that do not contribute to magnetism in uncovering properties relevant to superconductivity, magnetic resistance, and spintronics. Furthermore, it bridges the gap between non-magnetic and magnetism-related superconductors, paving the way for future research into quantum material properties.