Magnetic excitations and phase separation in the underdoped La2-xSrxCuO4 superconductor measured by resonant inelastic X-Ray scattering

Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review

Contributors

  • L. Braicovich - , Polytechnic University of Milan (Author)
  • J. Van Den Brink - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, Leiden University, Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • V. Bisogni - , European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Author)
  • M. Moretti Sala - , Polytechnic University of Milan (Author)
  • L. J.P. Ament - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, Leiden University (Author)
  • N. B. Brookes - , European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Author)
  • G. M. De Luca - , Universita' di Napoli Federico II (Author)
  • M. Salluzzo - , Universita' di Napoli Federico II (Author)
  • T. Schmitt - , Paul Scherrer Institute (Author)
  • V. N. Strocov - , Paul Scherrer Institute (Author)
  • G. Ghiringhelli - , Polytechnic University of Milan (Author)

Abstract

We probe the collective magnetic modes of La2CuO4 and underdoped La2-xSrxCuO4 (LSCO) by momentum resolved resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) at the Cu L3 edge. For the undoped antiferromagnetic sample, we show that the single magnon dispersion measured with RIXS coincides with the one determined by inelastic neutron scattering, thus demonstrating that x rays are an alternative to neutrons in this field. In the spin dynamics of LSCO, we find a branch dispersing up to ∼400meV coexisting with one at lower energy. The high-energy branch has never been seen before. It indicates that underdoped LSCO is in a dynamic inhomogeneous spin state.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number077002
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume104
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - 19 Feb 2010
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas