Orbitally driven spin-singlet dimerization in S=1 La4Ru2O10

Hua Wu, Z. Hu, T. Burnus, J. D. Denlinger, P. G. Khalifah, D. G. Mandrus, L. Y. Jang, H. H. Hsieh, A. Tanaka, K. S. Liang, J. W. Allen, R. J. Cava, D. I. Khomskii, L. H. Tjeng

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50 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using x-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Ru-L2,3 edge we reveal that the Ru4+ ions remain in the S=1 spin state across the rare 4d-orbital ordering transition and spin-gap formation. We find using local spin density approximation+Hubbard U band structure calculations that the crystal fields in the low-temperature phase are not strong enough to stabilize the S=0 state. Instead, we identify a distinct orbital ordering with a significant anisotropy of the antiferromagnetic exchange couplings. We conclude that La4Ru2O10 appears to be a novel material in which the orbital physics drives the formation of spin-singlet dimers in a quasi-two-dimensional S=1 system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number256402
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume96
Issue number25
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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