Abstract

The deconfined quantum critical point (DQCP) represents a paradigm shift in quantum matter studies, presenting a “beyond Landau” scenario for order–order transitions. Its experimental realization, however, has remained elusive. Using high-pressure 11B nuclear magnetic resonance measurements on the quantum magnet SrCu22(BO33)22, we here demonstrate a magnetic-field induced plaquette-singlet to antiferromagnetic transition above1.81.8GPa at a notably low temperature,Tc≃0.07Tc≃0.07K. First-order signatures of the transition weaken with increasing pressure, and we observe quantum critical scaling at the highest pressure,2.42.4GPa. Supported by model calculations, we suggest that these observations can be explained by a proximate DQCP inducing critical quantum fluctuations and emergent O(3) symmetry of the order parameters. Our findings offer a concrete experimental platform for the investigation of the DQCP.

Paper's Website Adress：https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adc9487