Direct observation of magnon fractionalization in the quantum spin ladder

Phys Rev Lett. 2009 Mar 13;102(10):107204. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.107204. Epub 2009 Mar 13.

Abstract

We measure by inelastic neutron scattering the spin excitation spectra as a function of applied magnetic field in the quantum spin-ladder material (C5H12N)2CuBr4. Discrete magnon modes at low fields in the quantum disordered phase and at high fields in the saturated phase contrast sharply with a spinon continuum at intermediate fields characteristic of the Luttinger-liquid phase. By tuning the magnetic field, we drive the fractionalization of magnons into spinons and, in this deconfined regime, observe both commensurate and incommensurate continua.