Spin-orbit coupling in iridium-based 5d compounds probed by x-ray absorption spectroscopy

J. P. Clancy, N. Chen, C. Y. Kim, W. F. Chen, K. W. Plumb, B. C. Jeon, T. W. Noh, and Young-June Kim
Phys. Rev. B 86, 195131 – Published 19 November 2012

Abstract

We have performed x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements on a series of Ir-based 5d transition metal compounds, including Ir, IrCl3, IrO2, Na2IrO3, Sr2IrO4, and Y2Ir2O7. By comparing the intensity of the “white-line” features observed at the Ir L2 and L3 absorption edges, it is possible to extract valuable information about the strength of the spin-orbit coupling in these systems. We observe remarkably large, nonstatistical branching ratios in all Ir compounds studied, with little or no dependence on chemical composition, crystal structure, or electronic state. This result confirms the presence of strong spin-orbit coupling effects in novel iridates such as Sr2IrO4, Na2IrO3, and Y2Ir2O7, and suggests that even simple Ir-based compounds such as IrO2 and IrCl3 may warrant further study. In contrast, XAS measurements on Re-based 5d compounds, such as Re, ReO2, ReO3, and Ba2FeReO6, reveal statistical branching ratios indicative of negligible spin-orbit coupling effects.

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  • Received 30 May 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.86.195131

©2012 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

J. P. Clancy1, N. Chen2, C. Y. Kim2, W. F. Chen2, K. W. Plumb1, B. C. Jeon3, T. W. Noh3, and Young-June Kim1

  • 1Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A7, Canada
  • 2Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 0X4, Canada
  • 3ReCFI, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-747, Korea

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Issue

Vol. 86, Iss. 19 — 15 November 2012

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