Distinct magnetic spectra in the hidden order and antiferromagnetic phases in URu2-xFexSi2

TL;DR

This study compares magnetic excitations in the hidden order and antiferromagnetic phases of URu2-xFexSi2 using neutron scattering, revealing significant spectral changes and the role of electron hybridization.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the magnetic excitation spectra and electron hybridization differences between the HO and AFM phases in URu2-xFexSi2.

Findings

Magnetic spectra change notably with Fe concentration.

HO phase features lattice-commensurate low-energy excitations that vanish in AFM phase.

Strong excitations along Brillouin zone edges highlight electron hybridization.

Abstract

We use neutron scattering to compare the magnetic excitations in the hidden order (HO) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) phases in URu2-xFexSi2 as a function of Fe concentration. The magnetic excitation spectra change significantly between x = 0.05 and x = 0.10, following the enhancement of the AFM ordered moment, in good analogy to the behavior of the parent compound under applied pressure. Prominent lattice-commensurate low-energy excitations characteristic of the HO phase vanish in the AFM phase. The magnetic scattering is dominated by strong excitations along the Brillouin zone edges, underscoring the important role of electron hybridization to both HO and AFM phases, and the similarity of the underlying electronic structure. The stability of the AFM phase is correlated with enhanced local-itinerant electron hybridization.