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Jahn-Teller distortion driven magnetic polarons in magnetite

Author

Listed:
  • H. Y. Huang

    (National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center
    Program of Science and Technology of Synchrotron Light Source, National Tsing Hua University)

  • Z. Y. Chen

    (National Tsing Hua University)

  • R. -P. Wang

    (Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Utrecht University)

  • F. M. F. de Groot

    (Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Utrecht University)

  • W. B. Wu

    (National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center)

  • J. Okamoto

    (National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center)

  • A. Chainani

    (National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center)

  • A. Singh

    (National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center)

  • Z. -Y. Li

    (Texas Material Institute, University of Texas at Austin)

  • J. -S. Zhou

    (Texas Material Institute, University of Texas at Austin)

  • H. -T. Jeng

    (National Tsing Hua University)

  • G. Y. Guo

    (National Taiwan University
    National Center for Theoretical Sciences)

  • Je-Geun Park

    (Seoul National University
    Center for Correlated Electron Systems, Institute for Basic Science)

  • L. H. Tjeng

    (Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids)

  • C. T. Chen

    (National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center)

  • D. J. Huang

    (National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center
    National Tsing Hua University)

Abstract

The first known magnetic mineral, magnetite, has unusual properties, which have fascinated mankind for centuries; it undergoes the Verwey transition around 120 K with an abrupt change in structure and electrical conductivity. The mechanism of the Verwey transition, however, remains contentious. Here we use resonant inelastic X-ray scattering over a wide temperature range across the Verwey transition to identify and separate out the magnetic excitations derived from nominal Fe2+ and Fe3+ states. Comparison of the experimental results with crystal-field multiplet calculations shows that the spin–orbital dd excitons of the Fe2+ sites arise from a tetragonal Jahn-Teller active polaronic distortion of the Fe2+O6 octahedra. These low-energy excitations, which get weakened for temperatures above 350 K but persist at least up to 550 K, are distinct from optical excitations and are best explained as magnetic polarons.

Suggested Citation

  • H. Y. Huang & Z. Y. Chen & R. -P. Wang & F. M. F. de Groot & W. B. Wu & J. Okamoto & A. Chainani & A. Singh & Z. -Y. Li & J. -S. Zhou & H. -T. Jeng & G. Y. Guo & Je-Geun Park & L. H. Tjeng & C. T. Che, 2017. "Jahn-Teller distortion driven magnetic polarons in magnetite," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-6, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms15929
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15929
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