Spin correlations in the parent phase of Li$_{1-x}$Fe$_x$ODFeSe

TL;DR

This study investigates spin correlations in the parent insulating phase of Li$_{1-x}$Fe$_x$ODFeSe using neutron scattering, revealing unique spin excitation patterns and their evolution with doping, which may inform understanding of high-temperature superconductivity.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed neutron scattering analysis of spin correlations in Li$_{1-x}$Fe$_x$ODFeSe, highlighting differences from superconducting phases and suggesting shared magnetic mechanisms with cuprates.

Findings

Reduced fluctuating magnetic moment compared to FeSe and pnictides.

Observation of a V-shaped spin wave-like dispersion.

Doping-induced shift of spin excitations from ($ extpi$, 0) to incommensurate positions.

Abstract

Elucidating spin correlations in the parent compounds of high-temperature superconductors is crucial for understanding superconductivity. We used neutron scattering to study spin correlations in Li$_{1-x}$Fe$_x$ODFeSe, an insulating material with reduced electron carriers compared to its superconducting counterpart ($T_c$ = 41 K), serving as the undoped parent compound. Our findings show a reduced total fluctuating moment in this insulator relative to FeSe and 122 iron pnictides, likely due to increased interlayer distances from intercalation, which enhance fluctuations and reduce the intensity of spin excitations. Moreover, we observed a V-shaped spin wave-like excitation dispersion, contrasting with the twisted hourglass pattern in the superconducting counterpart. Electron doping shifts spin excitation from ($\pi$, 0) point to an incommensurate position towards ($\pi$, $\pi$) direction below 65 meV. This transition from V-shaped to hourglass-like dispersion, akin to behaviors in hole-doped cuprates, suggests a potential shared mechanism in magnetism and superconductivity across these diverse systems.