In solids, magnetic frustration can lead to exotic states of matter. In this sense, $Ca_3Co_2O_6$ is a textbook case showing unprecendent magnetic state coexistence, dynamics and step like magnetization dependence on magnetic field. Our investigation by means of resonant X-ray diffraction [1-3], neutron diffraction [4-5] and NMR [6] has finally clarified both the magnetic ground state and the peculiar dynamical properties, allowing for a careful determination of the magnetic interaction at play. In particular, the previous scheme of a simple quasi 1D frustrated system has been proven insufficient to describe the complexity of this system and a much more complex picture of magnetic interaction has been proposed.
References:
[1] Phys. Rev. B 77 (2008 ) 140403R
[2] Phys. Rev. B 78 (2008) 100406R
[3] Phys. B 404 (2009) 3042
[4] Phys. Rev. Lett. 101 (2008) 097207
[5] Eur. Phys. Lett. 90 (2010) 67006
[6] Phys. Rev. B, accepted (DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.104408)
