Spin gaps in the ordered states of La$_2$LiXO$_6$ (X = Ru, Os) and their relation to distortion of the cubic double perovskite structure in 4$d^3$ and 5$d^3$ magnets

TL;DR

This study investigates spin gaps in La$_2$LiXO$_6$ (X=Ru, Os) double perovskites, revealing unexpected gaps linked to structural distortions and magnetic interactions, challenging prior assumptions about their electronic states.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed neutron scattering analysis of spin gaps in these 4$d^3$ and 5$d^3$ magnets and models the effects of structural distortion on magnetic excitations.

Findings

Spin gaps of ~1.8 meV in La$_2$LiRuO$_6$ and ~6 meV in La$_2$LiOsO$_6$.

Spin excitation bandwidths range from ~5.7 to 12 meV.

Structural distortions influence the spin gap formation and magnetic properties.

Abstract

Time-of-flight inelastic neutron scattering measurements have been carried out on polycrystalline samples of the 4$d^3$ and 5$d^3$ double pervoskite antiferromagnets La$_2$LiRuO$_6$ and La$_2$LiOsO$_6$. These reveal the development of an inelastic spin gap in La$_2$LiRuO$_6$ and La$_2$LiOsO$_6$ of $\sim$ 1.8(8) meV and 6(1) meV, below their respective ordering temperatures, $T_N$, $\sim$ 23.8 K and 30 K. The bandwidth of the spin excitations is shown to be $\sim$ 5.7(9) to 12(1) meV, respectively, at low temperatures. Spin gaps are surprising in such magnets as the t$_{2g}$ levels of Ru$^{5+}$ or Os$^{5+}$ are expected to be half-filled, resulting in an anticipated orbital singlet for both materials. We compare these results in monoclinic double perovskites La$_2$LiRuO$_6$ and La$_2$LiOsO$_6$ with those in cubic Ba$_2$YRuO$_6$ and Ba$_2$YOsO$_6$, as well as with those in the more strongly monoclinic La$_2$NaRuO$_6$, La$_2$NaOsO$_6$, and Sr$_2$ScOsO$_6$, and model the inelastic magnetic scattering with linear spin wave theory using minimal anisotropic exchange interactions. We discuss the possible role of the distortion of the face-centered cubic, double perovskite structure on the spin gap formation and geometric frustration in these materials, and show that $T_N$ scales with the top of the spin wave band in all members of these families that display long range order.