Diagram (IMAGE)

Florida State University

Diagram

Caption

An illustration of the crystal structure of ruthenium trichloride showing the simple honeycomb lattice of ruthenium ions and chlorine ions. The twisted octahedra formed by chlorine around the electron spin of each ruthenium atom are mirror images of each other. This twist is key to the compound's unusual behavior, which is evidence that it may contain an example of a quantum spin liquid.

Credit

Courtesy of Arkady Shekhter/ National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Usage Restrictions

The image may only be used with appropriate caption or credit.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.