Spin fluctuations with two-dimensional XY behavior in a frustrated S=12 square-lattice ferromagnet

Abstract

The spin dynamics of the layered square-lattice vanadate Pb2VO(PO4)2 is investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) at various magnetic fields and at temperatures above magnetic ordering. The linewidth divergence towards low temperatures seems to agree with isotropic Heisenberg-type spin exchange suggesting that the spin relaxation in this quasi-two-dimensional compound is governed by low-dimensional quantum fluctuations. However, a weak easy-plane anisotropy of the g factor points to the presence of a planar XY type of exchange. Indeed, we found that the linewidth divergence is described best by XY-like spin fluctuations which requires a single parameter only. Therefore, ESR-probed spin dynamics could establish Pb2VO(PO4)2 as the first frustrated square-lattice system with XY-inherent spin topological fluctuations.