Phase Transition in IrTe$_2$ induced by spin-orbit coupling

TL;DR

This paper investigates how spin-orbit coupling influences phase transitions in IrTe$_2$, revealing orbital-specific effects and a van Hove singularity, which deepen understanding of its electronic ordering phenomena.

Contribution

The study introduces Rashba spin-orbit coupling into IrTe$_2$ using dynamical mean field theory, providing new insights into its electronic structure and phase transition mechanisms.

Findings

Orbital selective pseudogap at Fermi level

Te-p band exhibits van Hove singularity at Fermi level

No significant change in Ir-5d band results due to spin-orbit coupling

Abstract

IrTe$_2$ has been renewed as an interesting system showing competing phenomenon between a questionable density-wave transition near 270 K followed by superconductivity with doping of high atomic number materials. Higher atomic numbers of Te and Ir supports strong spin-orbital coupling in this system. Using dynamical mean field theory with LDA band structure I have introduced Rashba spin orbit coupling in this system to get the interpretation for anomalous resistivity and related transition in this system. While no considerable changes are observed in DMFT results of Ir-5d band other than orbital selective pseudogap pinned to Fermi level, Te-p band shows a van Hove singularity at the Fermi level except low temperature. Finally I discuss the implications of these results in theoretical understanding of ordering in IrTe$_2$.