The influence of the structural transition on magnetic fluctuations in NaFeAs

J Phys Condens Matter. 2016 Jul 13;28(27):27LT01. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/28/27/27LT01. Epub 2016 May 23.

Abstract

NaFeAs belongs to a class of Fe-based superconductors which have parent compounds that show separated structural and magnetic transitions. Effects of the structural transition on spin dynamics therefore can be investigated separately from the magnetic transition. A plateau in dynamic spin response is observed in a critical region around the structural transition temperature T S. It is interpreted as being due to the stiffening of spin fluctuations along the in-plane magnetic hard axis due to the d xz and d yz orbital ordering. The appearance of anisotropic spin dynamics in the critical region above the T S at T (*) offers a dynamic magnetic scattering mechanism for anisotropic electronic properties in the commonly referred 'nematic phase'.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't