Electronic conductivity in 1D Co spin chain single crystal

We have measured the transport and magnetic properties of the model spin chain single crystal Ca₃Co₂O₆ in high pulsed fields. A crossover between 1D and 3D transport is observed, with the opening of a Coulomb gap below the order temperature of the individual chains. The samples show changes in the variable range hopping transport dimensionality and gap; the magnetic field suppresses the gap, inducing a significant reduction of the resistance, while dimensionality seems governed by temperature. At fields associated with the levels of magnetization of the frustrated triangular lattice formed by the Co lines, and below the critical magnetic temperature, a further increase of the conductivity is observed. This effect is associated with planar magnetic states perpendicular to the lines.