Polarization dependent photoemission as a probe of the magnetic ground state in the layered ferromagnet VI3

TL;DR

This study uses polarization-dependent photoemission spectroscopy to investigate the magnetic ground state of the layered ferromagnet VI3, revealing the role of spin-orbit coupling and electronic correlations in its electronic structure.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the electronic and magnetic properties of VI3, highlighting the significance of spin-orbit coupling in its ground state, which was not previously understood.

Findings

Spin-orbit coupling influences the electronic properties of VI3.

The ground state involves a half-filled e'_+- doublet.

A gap opening is induced by spin-orbit coupling and electronic correlations.

Abstract

Layered ferromagnets are thrilling materials from both a fundamental and technological point of view. VI3 is an interesting example, with a complex magnetism that differentiates it from the first reported Cr based layered ferromagnets. Here, we show in an indirect way through Angle Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy (ARPES) experiments, the importance of spin-orbit coupling setting the electronic properties of this material. Our light polarized photoemission measurements point to a ground state with a half-filled e'_+- doublet, where a gap opening is triggered by spin-orbit coupling enhanced by electronic correlations.