Overlooked Materials Host Rich Physics of Strongly Correlated Electrons
© The Physical Society of Japan
This article is on
Spin-Orbit-Entangled Electronic Phases in 4d and 5d Transition-Metal Compounds
J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 90, 062001 (2021).
An international team of researchers reviews the research progress on strongly spin-orbit coupled systems, providing an overview of theoretically predicted electronic phases, candidate materials, and unusual experimental observations.
3d transition metal oxides (or oxides containing a transition metal ion with an unfilled 3d sub-shell) have been of much interest to condensed matter scientists, owing to the rich interplay between the spin and orbital motion of electrons in these materials. In contrast, 4d and 5d transition metal oxides have not been explored in detail until now, because of weak electron correlations, compared to 3d transition metal oxides.
However, with the discovery of effects of strong spin-orbit coupling (or SOC) in a 5d transition metal oxide, the tide turned for 4d and 5d transition metal compounds, which are now known to give rise to a rich variety of exotic spin-orbit entangled states depending on the d-orbital electron configuration, chemical bonds, and lattice geometry.
In a new study published in the Journal of the Physical Society of Japan, an international team of researchers took stock of the emerging 4d and 5d transition metal oxides, exploring the exotic phases induced by SOC in these materials and the possibility of their realization. On one hand, the researchers highlighted several novel phenomena expected to emerge from theoretical considerations but requires development of novel materials for their realization. On the other, they took note of several experimentally observed unusual behaviors that are lacking in realistic theories. Finally, they provided speculations about unknown exotic phases yet to be discovered.
The study shows that 4d and 5d transition metal compounds are a mine of novel quantum phases waiting to be discovered and explored, thus providing a fertile ground for future research in condensed matter physics.
Spin-Orbit-Entangled Electronic Phases in 4d and 5d Transition-Metal Compounds
J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 90, 062001 (2021).
Share this topic
Fields
Related Articles
-
Pressure-Tuned Classical–Quantum Crossover in Magnetic Field-Induced Quantum Phase Transitions of a Triangular-Lattice Antiferromagnet
Magnetic properties in condensed matter
Electron states in condensed matter
Cross-disciplinary physics and related areas of science and technology
2024-9-5
The correspondence principle states that as quantum numbers approach infinity, the nature of a system described by quantum mechanics should match that described by classical mechanics. Quantum phenomena, such as quantum superposition and quantum correlation, generally become unobservable when a system approaches this regime. Conversely, as quantum numbers decrease, classical descriptions give way to observable quantum effects. The external approach to classical–quantum crossover has attracted research interest. This study aims to demonstrate a method for achieving such control in materials.
-
Discovery of Light-Induced Mirror Symmetry Breaking
Dielectric, optical, and other properties in condensed matter
Electronic transport in condensed matter
2024-9-2
The authors discovered the light-induced mirror symmetry breaking, paving the way for controlling mirror symmetries via light and for realizing various phenomena utilizing the mirror symmetry breaking.
-
Discovery of Unconventional Pressure-Induced Superconductivity in CrAs
Superconductivity
Electronic transport in condensed matter
2024-8-13
A new study has discovered pressure-induced superconductivity in the helimagnet CrAs, originating in the vicinity of the helimagnetic ordering, representing the first example of superconductivity in Cr-based magnetic systems.
-
Unification of Spin Helicity in the Magnetic Skyrmion Lattice of EuNiGe3
Magnetic properties in condensed matter
2024-8-7
In the magnetic skyrmion lattice of non-centrosymmetric EuNiGe3, the original magnetic helicity, determined by the antisymmetric exchange interaction, is reversed, resulting in a unified helicity.
-
Antiferromagnetism Induces Dissipationless Transverse Conductivity
Electronic transport in condensed matter
Magnetic properties in condensed matter
Electronic structure and electrical properties of surfaces and nanostructures
2024-7-24
An investigation using high-quality NbMnP crystals demonstrates that the anomalous Hall conductivity arising from antiferromagnetism is dissipationless, as expected from the intrinsic mechanism.