Oxide electronics

Abstract:

We have investigated the spin fluctuations in the langasite compound Ba3NbFe3Si2O14 in both the ordered state and as a function of temperature. The low temperature magnetic structure is defined by a spiral phase characterized by magnetic Bragg peaks at q=(0,0,tau ~ 1/7) onset at TN=27 K as previously reported by Marty et al. The nature of the fluctuations and temperature dependence of the order parameter is consistent with a classical second order phase transition for a two dimensional triangular antiferromagnet. We will show that the physical properties and energy scales including the ordering wavevector, Curie-Weiss temperature, and the spin-waves can be explained through the use of only symmetric exchange constants without the need for the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. This is accomplished through a set of ``helical" exchange pathways along the c direction imposed by the chiral crystal structure and naturally explains the magnetic diffuse scattering which displays a strong vector chirality up to high temperatures well above the ordering temperature. This illustrates a strong coupling between magnetic and crystalline chirality in this compound.

Abstract:

We show that resonant scattering signals at the Bragg forbidden positions in YVO3 originate from the anisotropic nature of the atomic scattering factor. The E1-E1 scattering from the electric-quadrupole moment is explained entirely through the crystal structure and does not require sensitivity to 3d orbital order. Simulations of the resonance using the FDMNES code suggest that the Jahn-Teller distortion provides an insignificant contribution to the intensity of the forbidden reflection. Thus we show that resonant x-ray diffraction at the vanadium K -edge in YVO3 is largely insensitive, even indirectly, to 3d orbital order through Jahn-Teller distortions. © 2010 The American Physical Society.

Abstract:

Resonant X-ray scattering measurements have been performed at the (011) Bragg forbidden reflection of YVO3 at the vanadium K-edge. Data were taken above and below the orbital, magnetic and structural transition occurring at 77 K. Energy spectra calculated by the FDMNES code are shown to be in excellent agreement with our experimental data, conclusively showing the signal to originate from anisotropic tensor of susceptibility scattering; ie. solely due to distortions of the lattice and hence the crystal field. We thus resolve the ambiguous origin of the resonant energy spectra in the literature. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Abstract:

Controlling orbital occupancy is a fundamental prerequisite for orbitronics. It has been shown in the orthorhombic bilayer manganite Pr(Sr 0.1Ca0.9)2Mn2O7 that the direction of orbital order stripes can be influenced by controlling temperature or through inducing strain in the material. In this paper we have used resonant soft x-ray diffraction at the Mn L-edge to confirm the rotation of the orbital direction TOO2 and furthermore prove that there is no change in the occupied orbital type, however the orbital rotation causes a switch from 3x 2-r2 to 3y2-r2 on a single site. We find that unlike the tetragonal bilayer manganites, where an onset of A-type AFM quenches the orbital order, no such effect is found on the orbital order below TN. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Abstract:

The first-order structural phase transition at TS ∼240 K in the extended kagome antiferromagnet TmBaCo4O7 has been studied by neutron powder diffraction. In order to comprehend the microscopic origin of the transition, a detailed symmetry analysis is performed, based on crystallographic parameters obtained by Rietveld analysis of the neutron data. The results are consistent with the P31c→Pna 21 symmetry lowering and support a displacive nature of the phase transition. The complex tilting pattern of CoO4 tetrahedra in both triangular and kagome sublattices is described based on symmetry-adapted pseudovector distortion modes of the parent P 63mc hexagonal structure. Our analysis reveals that the unusual topology of the crystal structure does not allow CoO4 tetrahedra to rotate as rigid units, resulting in their inevitable distortions, whatever the combination of rotational modes considered. A possible analogy between polyhedral distortions and spin frustration in this system is discussed. © 2009 The American Physical Society.