Metal Insulator Transition in vacant 3 d orbital Quantum Spin Liquid : Tb 2 Ti 2 O

Tb2Ti2O7: The cubic pyrochlore Quantum spin liquid reveals a sharp metal like to semiconductor transition (MIT) at 600 K, due to the empty 3d orbitals of Ti along with the interactions of O and Tb ions. Electric modulus plot, Nyquist plot and variations in relaxation time confirm the transition which is of second order. A broad change in magnetic moment, evident from the first-order derivative graph of M vs T without any magnetic phase transition is a behaviour typical in this family of compounds. Heat capacity measurements and their mechanism were discussed which supports MIT observed in Tb2Ti2O7, a phenomenon which is seldom observed in an empty d orbital pyrochlores. Metal Insulator Transition in vacant 3d orbital Quantum Spin Liquid: Tb2Ti2O7