ABSTRACT
The magnitude of the orbital magnetic moment and its role as a trigger of the Verwey transition in the prototypical Mott insulator, magnetite, remain contentious. Using 1s2p resonant inelastic x-ray scattering angle distribution (RIXS-AD), we prove the existence of noncollinear orbital magnetic ordering and infer the presence of dynamical distortion creating a polaronic precursor for the metal to insulator transition. These conclusions are based on a subtle angular shift of the RIXS-AD spectral intensity as a function of the magnetic field orientation. Theoretical simulations show that these results are only consistent with noncollinear magnetic orbital ordering. To further support these claims we perform Fe K-edge x-ray magnetic circular dichroism in order to quantify the Fe average orbital magnetic moment.
ABSTRACT
Following the controversy between two previous publications (Lorenzo et al 2008 Phys. Rev. Lett. 101 226401 and Garcia et al 2009 Phys. Rev. Lett. 102 176405), we report on the influence of mechanical polishing, and subsequent sample storage, on the electronic order at the Verwey transition of highly pure magnetite, Fe(3)O(4), by resonant x-ray scattering. Contrary to expectations, mechanically polishing the surface induces an inhomogeneous micron deep dead layer, probably of powdered Fe(3)O(4). In addition, we have found that polishing the sample immediately before the experiment influences and favors the appearance of long range order electronic correlations, whereas samples polished well in advance have their electronic order quenched. Conversely, lattice distortions associated with the Verwey transition appear less affected by the surface state. We conclude that mechanical polishing induces stresses at the surface that may propagate into the core of the single crystal sample. These strains relax with time, which affects the different order parameters, as measured by x-ray resonant diffraction.