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Exchange-Striction Driven Ultrafast Nonthermal Lattice Dynamics in NiO
Y W Windsor1, D Zahn1, R Kamrla2
1Department of Physical Chemistry, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|April 23, 2021
Summary
We observed a nonthermal lattice state in nickel oxide (NiO) using femtosecond electron diffraction. This state shows preferential oxygen ion displacement, highlighting spin-lattice coupling for ultrafast spin order control.
Area of Science:
- Solid-state physics
- Materials science
- Ultrafast dynamics
Background:
- Nickel oxide (NiO) is a highly correlated antiferromagnetic (AFM) semiconductor.
- Understanding ultrafast lattice dynamics is crucial for materials science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ultrafast lattice dynamics in NiO using femtosecond electron diffraction.
- To characterize transient nonthermal lattice states and their origins.
Main Methods:
- Femtosecond electron diffraction (fs-ED).
- Analysis of scattering vector (Q) dependence of Bragg diffraction.
- Measurement of Q-resolved effective temperatures.
Main Results:
- Identification of a nonthermal lattice state with preferential oxygen ion displacement within 0.3 ps, persisting for 25 ps.
- Observation of transient changes in AFM exchange striction-induced lattice distortion.
- Detection of transient Q asymmetry in Friedel pairs.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a nonthermal lattice state in NiO driven by spin-lattice coupling.
- Preferential oxygen displacement is linked to transient lattice distortions.
- Findings suggest potential for ultrafast control of spin order in magnetic materials.
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