Dimensionality-driven spin-flop transition in quasi-one-dimensional PrBa2Cu4O8

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: Xu, Xiaofeng, Carrington, A, Coldea, A I, Enayati-Rad, A, Narduzzo, A, Horii, S, Hussey, N E
• Format: Paper Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 15.09.2010
• Subjects: Anisotropy; Antiferromagnetism; Conduction electrons; Crossovers; Electrons; Field strength; Magnetic fields; Magnetic measurement; Magnetic permeability; Phase diagrams; Physics - Strongly Correlated Electrons
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1009.2885

In the quasi-one-dimensional cuprate PrBa\(_2\)Cu\(_4\)O\(_8\), the Pr cations order antiferromagnetically at 17 K in zero field. Through a combination of magnetic susceptibility, torque magnetometry, specific heat and interchain transport measurements, the anisotropic temperature-magnetic field phase diagram associated with this ordering has been mapped out. A low-temperature spin-flop transition in the Pr sub-lattice is found to occur at the same magnetic field strength and orientation as a dimensional crossover in the ground state of the metallic CuO chains. This coincidence suggests that the spin reorientation is driven by a change in the anisotropic Rudermann-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction induced by a corresponding change in effective dimensionality of the conduction electrons.