Spin orbital lattice entanglement in the ideal j= 12 compound K2IrCl6
Publikation: Beitrag in Fachzeitschrift › Forschungsartikel › Beigetragen › Begutachtung
Beitragende
Abstract
Mott insulators with spin-orbit entangled j=1/2 moments host intriguing magnetic properties. The j=1/2 wave function requires cubic symmetry, while a noncubic crystal field mixes j=1/2 and 3/2 character. Spectroscopic studies of 5d5 iridates typically claim noncubic symmetry, e.g., based on a splitting of the excited j=3/2 quartet. A sizable splitting is particularly puzzling in antifluorite-type K2IrCl6, a frustrated fcc quantum magnet with global cubic symmetry. It raises the fundamental question about the stability of j=1/2 moments against magnetoelastic coupling. Combining resonant inelastic x-ray scattering with optical spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the multi-peak line shape in K2IrCl6 reflects a vibronic character of the j=3/2 states rather than a noncubic crystal field. The quasimolecular crystal structure with well separated IrCl6 octahedra explains the existence of well-defined sidebands that are usually smeared out in solids. Our results highlight the spin orbital lattice entangled character of cubic K2IrCl6 with ideal j=1/2 moments.
Details
Originalsprache | Englisch |
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Aufsatznummer | 195120 |
Fachzeitschrift | Physical Review B |
Jahrgang | 110 |
Ausgabenummer | 19 |
Publikationsstatus | Veröffentlicht - 15 Nov. 2024 |
Peer-Review-Status | Ja |