Electronic and magnetic nano phase separation in cobaltates La$_{2-x}$Sr$_{x}$CoO$_4$

TL;DR

This paper investigates the nano-scale electronic and magnetic phase separation in cobaltates, linking it to hour-glass magnetic spectra and highlighting differences from traditional phase separation.

Contribution

It provides new insights into nano phase separation phenomena and their connection to magnetic excitations in cobaltates, expanding understanding of complex correlated materials.

Findings

Nano phase separation is linked to hour-glass magnetic spectra.

Frustration plays a key role in magnetic and electronic correlations.

Distinct from conventional phase separation.

Abstract

The single-layer perovskite cobaltates have attracted enormous attention due to the recent observation of hour-glass shaped magnetic excitation spectra which resemble the ones of the famous high-temperature superconducting cuprates. Here, we present an overview of our most recent studies of the spin and charge correlations in floating-zone grown cobaltate single crystals. We find that frustration and a novel kind of electronic and magnetic nano phase separation are intimately connected to the appearance of the hour-glass shaped spin excitation spectra. We also point out the difference between nano phase separation and conventional phase separation.