Quantum kagome antiferromagnet : ZnCu3(OH)6Cl 2

Abstract

Herbertsmithite, ZnCu3(OH)6Cl2, is the prototype candidate for a spin liquid behavior on a geometrically perfect kagome lattice. Its discovery and the absence of any evidence for spin-freezing down to the lowest probed temperature to-date enable one to explore the properties of kagome-related physics in an unprecedented temperature range. We review its properties and discuss some open issues. A tentative comparison to models is also performed. © 2011 Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.