Why are stripes in La$_{1.88}$Sr$_{0.12}$CuO$_4$ rotated by $3^\circ$?

TL;DR

This paper explains the rotation of stripes in La$_{1.88}$Sr$_{0.12}$CuO$_4$ as a result of the orthorhombic lattice structure and Coulomb interactions, linking stripe orientation to crystal symmetry.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical explanation for the stripe rotation based on lattice orthorhombicity and Coulomb repulsion, connecting structural and electronic properties.

Findings

Stripe rotation is due to orthorhombic lattice effects.

Stripe slant ratio depends on orthorhombicity as s = sqrt(o/2).

Doped-hole pairs become more equidistant with stripe slanting.

Abstract

The rotated stripes are a consequence of the orthorhombic crystal lattice and the isotropy of Coulomb repulsion between pairs of doped holes, residing at oxygen lattice sites. With stripe slanting, the doped-hole pairs come closer to equidistance than without. The slant ratio depends on the orthorhombicity $o$ as $s = \sqrt{o/2}$.