Long-range magnetic order in the ${\tilde S}=1/2$ triangular lattice antiferromagnet KCeS$_2$

Abstract

Recently, several putative quantum spin liquid (QSL) states were discovered in {\tilde S} = 1/2 S ̃ = 1 / 2 rare-earth based triangular-lattice antiferromagnets (TLAF) with the delafossite structure. In order to elucidate the conditions for a QSL to arise, we report here the discovery of a long-range magnetic order in the Ce-based TLAF KCeS _2 2 below T_{\mathrm N} = 0.38 T N = 0.38  K, despite the same delafossite structure. Finally, combining various experimental and computational methods, we characterize the crystal electric field scheme, the magnetic anisotropy and the magnetic ground state of KCeS _2 2 .