Spin orbital lattice entanglement in the ideal j= 12 compound K2IrCl6

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • P. Warzanowski - , University of Cologne (Author)
  • M. Magnaterra - , University of Cologne (Author)
  • Ch J. Sahle - , European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Author)
  • M. Moretti Sala - , Polytechnic University of Milan (Author)
  • P. Becker - , University of Cologne (Author)
  • L. Bohatý - , University of Cologne (Author)
  • I. Císařová - , Charles University Prague (Author)
  • G. Monaco - , University of Padua (Author)
  • T. Lorenz - , University of Cologne (Author)
  • P. H.M. Van Loosdrecht - , University of Cologne (Author)
  • J. Van Den Brink - , Clusters of Excellence ct.qmat: Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter, Chair of Solid State Theory, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • M. Grüninger - , University of Cologne (Author)

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

Original languageEnglish
Article number195120
JournalPhysical Review B
Volume110
Issue number19
Publication statusPublished - 15 Nov 2024
Peer-reviewedYes