Symmetry-breaking lattice distortion in Sr_3Ru_2O_7

Details Symmetry-breaking lattice distortion in Sr_3Ru_2O_7 Symmetry-breaking lattice distortion in Sr_3Ru_2O_7

2010-12-21

arxiv.org/abs/1012.4672v3

Phys. Rev. Lett. 107 (2011) 026404

Physics

Condensed Matter

Strongly Correlated Electrons

4 pages, 5 figures, PRL accepted

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.026404

The electronic nematic phase of Sr$_3$Ru$_2$O$_7$ is investigated by high-resolution in-plane thermal expansion measurements in magnetic fields close to 8 T applied at various angles $\Theta$ off the c-axis. At $\Theta<10^\circ$ we observe a very small ($10^{-7}$) lattice distortion which breaks the four-fold in-plane symmetry, resulting in nematic domains with interchanged $a$- and b-axis. At $\Theta \gtrsim 10^\circ$ the domains are almost fully aligned and thermal expansion indicates an area-preserving lattice distortion of order $2\times 10^{-6}$ which is likely related to orbital ordering. Since the system is located in the immediate vicinity to a metamagnetic quantum critical end point, the results represent the first observation of a structural relaxation driven by quantum criticality.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Symmetry-breaking lattice distortion in Sr_3Ru_2O_7 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Symmetry-breaking lattice distortion in Sr_3Ru_2O_7, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Symmetry-breaking lattice distortion in Sr_3Ru_2O_7 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-96160