The origin of persistent spin dynamics and residual entropy in the stuffed spin ice Ho2.3Ti1.7O7−δ

The so-called 'spin ices' form when exchange interactions, crystal fields, and dipolar interactions are in a delicate balance. This gives rise to a ground state which has a considerable amount of residual spin entropy, much like the proton entropy in water ice through the freezing transition. Recently, 'stuffed' spin ices have provided a means to probe how delicate a balance is needed to stabilize the disordered ground state. Surprisingly, it …