Nonclassicality of spin structures in condensed matter: An analysis of Sr14Cu24O41

When two quantum systems are coupled via a mediator, their dynamics has traces of nonclassical properties of the mediator. We show how this observation can be effectively utilized to study the quantum nature of materials without well-established structure. A concrete example considered is Sr14Cu24O41. Measurements of low-temperature magnetic and thermal properties of this compound were explained with long-range coupling of unpaired spins through dimerized spin chains. We first show that the required coupling is not provided by the spin chain alone and give alternative compact two-dimensional spin arrangements compatible with the experimental results. Then we argue that any mediator between the unpaired spins must share with them quantum correlations in the form of quantum discord and, in many cases, quantum entanglement. In conclusion, present data witness quantum mediators between unpaired spins in Sr14Cu24O41.