Stacking disorder in $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ via x-ray three-dimensional difference pair distribution function analysis

TL;DR

This study uses advanced x-ray techniques to analyze and model structural disorder in $ ext{α-RuCl}_3$, revealing rotational twinning and layer stacking intermixing that could influence its magnetic and electronic properties.

Contribution

The paper introduces a quantitative model of structural disorder in $ ext{α-RuCl}_3$ based on x-ray diffuse scattering and 3D-$ riangle$PDF analysis, highlighting disorder mechanisms.

Findings

Disorder in $ ext{α-RuCl}_3$ involves rotational twinning.

Intermixing of high and low-temperature layer stacking occurs.

Disorder impacts magnetic and electronic properties.

Abstract

The van der Waals layered magnet $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ offers tantalizing prospects for the realization of Majorana quasiparticles. Efforts to understand this are, however, hampered by inconsistent magnetic and thermal transport properties likely coming from the formation of structural disorder during crystal growth, postgrowth processing, or upon cooling through the first order structural transition. Here, we investigate structural disorder in $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ using x-ray diffuse scattering and three-dimensional difference pair distribution function (3D-$\Delta$PDF) analysis. We develop a quantitative model that describes disorder in $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ in terms of rotational twinning and intermixing of the high and low-temperature structural layer stacking. This disorder may be important to consider when investigating the detailed magnetic and electronic properties of this widely studied material.