Modern quantum magnetism by means of neutron scattering

We review a selection of recent applications of neutron scattering to the field of quantum magnetism. We focus on systems where, because of quantum fluctuations enhanced by frustration and low dimension, there is no long range magnetic order in the ground state. We select two examples that we treat in more depth to show how neutron studies, in conjunction with the results of other experimental techniques, can give new insights. The first is the case of the spin ladder NaV2O5, where the origin of the spin gap at low temperature is now understood in detail. Apparent contradictions between quantitative measures of the charge order from neutron inelastic scattering, resonant X-ray scattering and NMR have been resolved giving interesting insights into the correlations. The second case is that of spin dimer system Cs3Cr2 X 9 (X= Br, Cl), undergoing transitions to field induced transverse magnetic order. The Br compound is attractive as the critical fields are sufficiently low that a complete study, in different field directions, is possible. In addition, it is noteworthy in that the magnon that softens and condenses is incommensurable with the lattice. The common description in terms of Bose–Einstein condensation must be extended to include a continuous degeneracy and single ion anisotropy, and conclusions can be drawn by comparison with the Cl compound. To cite this article: B. Grenier, T. Ziman, C. R. Physique 8 (2007).