Effect of quenched disorder on the quantum spin liquid state of the triangular-lattice antiferromagnet 1 T − TaS 2

This paper reports the effect of randomness on a quantum spin liquid state of 1T-TaS${}_{2}$ with a two-dimensional perfect triangular lattice. Systematic measurements of heat capacity and thermal conductivity in pure, Se-substituted, and electron-irradiated crystals reveal the microscopic coexistence of localized orphan spins that form random valence bonds and itinerant spinons that appear to form a Fermi surface.