Absence of conventional spin-glass transition in the Ising dipolar system LiHo(x)Y(1-x)F(4)

Abstract

The magnetic properties of single crystals of LiHo(x)Y(1-x)F(4) with x = 16.5% and x = 4.5% were recorded down to 35 mK using a micro-SQUID magnetometer. While this system is considered as the archetypal quantum spin glass, the detailed analysis of our magnetization data indicates the absence of a phase transition, not only in a transverse applied magnetic field, but also without field. A zero-Kelvin phase transition is also unlikely, as the magnetization seems to follow a noncritical exponential dependence on the temperature. Our analysis thus unmasks the true, short-ranged nature of the magnetic properties of the LiHo(x)Y(1-x)F(4) system, validating recent theoretical investigations suggesting the lack of phase transition in this system.