Zero-point spin reduction in a two-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet Cu(HCOO)2 · 4H2O

The copper NMR in a two-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet Cu(HCOO)₂ ·4H₂O (T_N = 17 K) was observed using a standard spin- echo method at liquid He temperatures. The field-dependence of the ⁶³Cu NMR frequency was measured for H₀ (? 56 kOe) | b-axis. The result was interpreted by taking into account a zero-point spin reduction of about 35% in addition to the rotation of the antiferromagnetic spin axis. The amount of the observed spin reduction is in good agreement with the prediction of spin-wave theory.