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Direct evidence of a zigzag spin-chain structure in the honeycomb lattice: A neutron and x-ray diffraction investigation of single-crystal Na2IrO3

Feng Ye, Songxue Chi, Huibo Cao, Bryan C. Chakoumakos, Jaime A. Fernandez-Baca, Radu Custelcean, T. F. Qi, O. B. Korneta, and G. Cao
Phys. Rev. B 85, 180403(R) – Published 8 May 2012

Abstract

We have combined single-crystal neutron and x-ray diffractions to investigate the magnetic and crystal structures of the honeycomb lattice Na2IrO3. The system orders magnetically below 18.1(2) K with Ir4+ ions forming zigzag spin chains within the layered honeycomb network with an ordered moment of 0.22(1)μB/Ir site. Such a configuration sharply contrasts with the Néel or stripe states proposed in the Kitaev-Heisenberg model. The structure refinement reveals that the Ir atoms form a nearly ideal two-dimensional honeycomb lattice while the IrO6 octahedra experience a trigonal distortion that is critical to the ground state. The results of this study provide much needed experimental insights into the magnetic and crystal structure that are crucial to the understanding of the exotic magnetic order and possible topological characteristics in the 5d-electron-based honeycomb lattice.

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  • Received 17 February 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.85.180403

©2012 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Feng Ye1, Songxue Chi1, Huibo Cao1, Bryan C. Chakoumakos1, Jaime A. Fernandez-Baca1,2, Radu Custelcean3, T. F. Qi4, O. B. Korneta4, and G. Cao4

  • 1Quantum Condensed Matter Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA
  • 2Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
  • 3Chemical Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA
  • 4Center for Advanced Materials, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, USA

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Issue

Vol. 85, Iss. 18 — 1 May 2012

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