Possible gapless quantum spin liquid behavior in the triangular-lattice Ising antiferromagnet PrMgAl11O19

Quantum spin liquids (QSLs) represent a novel state where spins are highly entangled but do not order even at zero temperature due to strong quantum fluctuations. Such a state is mostly studied in Heisenberg models defined on geometrically frustrated lattices. Here, we turn to a new triangular-lattice antiferromagnet PrMgAl₁₁O₁₉, in which the interactions are believed to be of Ising type. Magnetic susceptibility measured with an external field along the c axis is two orders of magnitude larger than that with a field in the ab plane, displaying an ideal easy-axis behavior. Meanwhile, there is no magnetic phase transition or spin freezing observed down to 1. 8 K. Ultralow-temperature specific heat measured down to 50 mK does not capture any phase transition either, but a hump at 4. 5 K, below which the magnetic specific heat exhibits a quasiquadratic temperature dependence that is consistent with a Dirac QSL state. The inelastic neutron scattering technique is also employed to elucidate the nature of its ground state. In the magnetic excitation spectra, there is a gapless broad continuum at the base temperature 55 mK, in favor of the realization of a gapless QSL. Our results provide a scarce example for the QSL behaviors observed in an Ising-type magnet, which can serve as a promising platform for future research on QSL physics based on an Ising model.