Spin–lattice and electron–phonon coupling in 3d/5d hybrid Sr3NiIrO6

Source Publication (e.g., journal title)

npj Quantum Materialsvolume

Authors

Kenneth R. O’Neal, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Arpita Paul, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Amal al-Wahish, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Kendall D. Hughey, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Avery L. Blockmon, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Xuan Luo, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea
Sang-Wook Cheong, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea
Vivien S. Zapf, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, MS E536, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA
Craig V. Topping, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, UK
John Singleton, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, MS E536, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, USA
Mykhalo Ozerov, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee
Turan Birol, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Janice L. Musfeldt, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41535-019-0184-x

Abstract

While 3d-containing materials display strong electron correlations, narrow band widths, and robust magnetism, 5d systems are recognized for strong spin–orbit coupling, increased hybridization, and more diffuse orbitals. Combining these properties leads to novel behavior. Sr3NiIrO6, for example, displays complex magnetism and ultra-high coercive fields—up to an incredible 55 T. Here, we combine infrared and optical spectroscopies with high-field magnetization and first-principles calculations to explore the fundamental excitations of the lattice and related coupling processes including spin–lattice and electron–phonon mechanisms. Magneto-infrared spectroscopy reveals spin–lattice coupling of three phonons that modulate the Ir environment to reduce the energy required to modify the spin arrangement. While these modes primarily affect exchange within the chains, analysis also uncovers important inter-chain motion. This provides a mechanism by which inter-chain interactions can occur in the developing model for ultra-high coercivity. At the same time, analysis of the on-site Ir4+ excitations reveals vibronic coupling and extremely large crystal field parameters that lead to a t2g-derived low-spin state for Ir. These findings highlight the spin–charge–lattice entanglement in Sr3NiIrO6 and suggest that similar interactions may take place in other 3d/5d hybrids.

Comments

This article was published openly thanks to the University of Tennessee Open Publishing Support Fund.

Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

Recommended Citation

O’Neal, Kenneth R., Arpita Paul, Amal al-Wahish, Kendall D. Hughey, Avery L. Blockmon, Xuan Luo, Sang-Wook Cheong et al. "Spin–lattice and electron–phonon coupling in 3 d/5 d hybrid Sr 3 NiIrO 6." npj Quantum Materials 4, no. 1 (2019): 1-6.

Submission Type

Publisher's Version