Distinguishing dipolar and octupolar quantum spin ices using contrasting magnetostriction signatures

Abstract

In this work, the authors propose a scheme to elucidate dipolar and octupolar quantum spin ices in the pyrochlore compounds, Ce${}_{2}$(Sn,Zr)${}_{2}$O${}_{7}$ and Nd${}_{2}$Zr${}_{2}$O${}_{7}$. Using diagonalization techniques, they theoretically show contrasting magnetostriction signatures, such as length change as a function of magnetic field, for the two spin ices.