Incommensurate Spiral Spin Order in CaMn$_2$Bi$_2$ observed via High Pressure Neutron Diffraction

Abstract: High pressure neutron diffraction is employed to investigate the magnetic behavior of CaMn$_2$Bi$_2$ in extreme conditions. In contrast to antiferromagnetic ordering on Mn atoms reported at ambient pressure, our results reveal that at high pressure, incommensurate spiral spin order emerges due to the interplay between magnetism on the Mn atoms and strong spin-orbit coupling on the Bi atoms: sinusoidal spin order is observed at pressures as high as 7.4 GPa. Competing antiferromagnetic order is observed at different temperatures in the partially frustrated lattice. This research provides a unique toolbox for conducting experimental magnetic and spin dynamics studies on magnetic quantum materials via high pressure neutron diffraction.