Charge stripes seen with x-rays in La_(1.45)Nd_(0.4)Sr_(0.15)CuO_(4)

TL;DR

This study used high energy x-ray diffraction to observe charge stripe order in superconducting La_(1.45)Nd_(0.4)Sr_(0.15)CuO_4, revealing temperature-dependent stripe and magnetic signals that support charge-driven spin and hole ordering.

Contribution

First direct observation of charge stripe order in a superconducting sample using x-ray diffraction, confirming charge-driven stripe formation at this doping level.

Findings

Charge stripes observed below 62 K.

Magnetic stripe signals suppressed above 45 K.

Charge and spin orderings are linked and driven by charges.

Abstract

Superstructure reflections due to the ordering of holes into stripes in La_(1.45)Nd_(0.4)Sr_(0.15)CuO_4 have been studied with high energy x-ray diffraction. These reflections have been observed clearly for the first time in a sample which is superconducting at low temperatures (T_c = 10 K). The stripe peaks vanish above 62(5) K whereas the magnetic signal of the stripe ordering which has been seen with neutrons before is already suppressed at 45 K. Our results confirm that the ordering of spins and holes is driven by the charges as it is found in the case of La_(1.6-x)Nd_(0.4)Sr_(x)CuO_(4) at the doping level of x = 0.12.