Low energy, quasi-one-dimensional, spin dynamics in charge-ordered La(2-x)Sr(x)NiO(4)

TL;DR

This study investigates low energy spin excitations in La(2-x)Sr(x)NiO(4) with x=0.275 and 1/3, revealing quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnetic correlations along charge stripes through neutron scattering.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the inelastic diffuse scattering and spin dynamics associated with charge stripes in La(2-x)Sr(x)NiO(4).

Findings

Diffuse scattering is inelastic with a characteristic energy of ~1.4 meV.

No difference in diffuse scattering between x=0.275 and x=1/3.

Diffuse scattering is an intrinsic property of charge stripes.

Abstract

The low energy spin excitations of La(2-x)Sr(x)NiO(4), x = 0.275 and 1/3, have been investigated by unpolarized- and polarized-inelastic neutron scattering from single crystals. A pattern of magnetic diffuse scattering is observed in both compositions, and is consistent with quasi-one-dimensional AFM spin correlations along the charge stripes. Analysis of the energy lineshape for x = 1/3 indicates that the diffuse scattering is inelastic with a characteristic energy of 1.40 +/- 0.07 meV. There is no discernible difference between the diffuse scattering from x = 0.275 and x = 1/3, suggesting that it is an intrinsic property of the charge stripes.