Raman scattering due to a one-magnon excitation process in ${\rm MnV_2O_4}$

Abstract

Unconventional peak structure in the Raman spectra due to magnon excitation at low temperature is observed in spinel magnet ${\rm MnV_2O_4}$, where a noncollinear spin state is realized by geometrical frustration. We propose a new mechanism to induce such a Raman scattering process due to a one-magnon excitation of the noncollinear spin state. Novel features of the scattering such as selection rules and peak position observed experimentally in ${\rm MnV_2O_4}$ can be explained quite naturally by considering the present one-magnon process. We also discuss that such one-magnon process may exist in various materials with noncollinear spin structures.

5 pages, 4 figures