Vanadium spinels (ZnV₂O₄, MgV₂O₄, and CdV₂O₄) exhibit a sequence of structural and magnetic phase transitions, reflecting the interplay of lattice, orbital, and spin degrees of freedom. We offer a theoretical model taking into account the relativistic spin-orbit interaction, collective Jahn-Teller effect, and spin frustration. Below the structural transition, vanadium ions exhibit ferro-orbital order and the magnet is best viewed as two sets of antiferromagnetic chains with a single-ion Ising anisotropy. Magnetic order, parametrized by two Ising variables, appears at a tetracritical point.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Oleg Tchernyshyov (2004) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: