Evolution of magnetic structure in the square lattice iridate Sr$_{2}$Ir$_{\mathrm{1-x}}$Rh$_{\mathrm{x}}$O$_{4}$

ORAL

Abstract

5$d$ based iridates have continuously provides a fertile playground for the studies of novel physics driven by spin-orbit interaction (SOI) that rigorously competes with other relevant energies, particularly the on-site Coulomb interaction U. Using single crystal neutron diffraction and polarized neutron scattering analysis, we have investigated the evolution of spin and crystal structures in the doped Sr$_{2}$Ir$_{\mathrm{1-x}}$Rh$_{\mathrm{x}}$O$_{4}$(0$\le $x$\le $0.20). The parent Sr$_{2}$IrO$_{\mathrm{4}}$ shows canted antiferromagnetic structure with spin lies in the basal plane. The spin orientation closely follows the rotation of the IrO$_{6}$ octahedra with total ordered moment of 0.21 $\mu_{\mathrm{B}}$/Ir. A small amount of Rh ions doped at the Ir sites drastically reduces the magnetic transition and modifies the spin configuration. The neutron scattering results provide experimental insights into the magnetic and crystal structure crucial to the understanding this prototype iridates.

Authors

  • Feng Ye

    Oak Ridge National Lab

  • Songxue Chi

    Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

  • Masaaki Matsuda

    Quantum Condensed Matter Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak RIdge Natl Lab, Oak Ridge National Lab

  • Xiaoping Wang

    Oak Ridge National Lab

  • Christina Hoffmann

    Oak Ridge National Lab

  • Bryan Chakoumakos

    Oak Ridge National Lab

  • Jaime Fernandez-Baca

    Oak Ridge National Lab

  • Tongfei Qi

    Center for Advanced Materials and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kentucky, University of Kentucky

  • Gang Cao

    Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0055, Center for Advanced Materials, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kentucky, University of Kentucky