Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Writing and Low-Temperature Characterization of Oxide Nanostructures
Published on: July 18, 2014
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.
Abstract:
We use femtosecond electron diffraction to study ultrafast lattice dynamics in the highly correlated antiferromagnetic (AFM) semiconductor NiO. Using the scattering vector (Q) dependence of Bragg diffraction, we introduce Q-resolved effective temperatures describing the transient lattice. We identify a nonthermal lattice state with preferential displacement of O compared to Ni ions, which occurs within ∼0.3 ps and persists for 25 ps. We associate this with transient changes to the AFM exchange striction-induced lattice distortion, supported by the observation of a transient Q asymmetry of Friedel pairs. Our observation highlights the role of spin-lattice coupling in routes towards ultrafast control of spin order.
Related Concept Videos
Trends in Lattice Energy: Ion Size and Charge
Atomic Nuclei: Types of Nuclear Relaxation
In spin–lattice or longitudinal relaxation, the excited spins exchange energy with the surrounding lattice as they return to the lower energy level. Among several mechanisms that contribute to spin–lattice relaxation, magnetic dipolar interactions are significant. Here, the excited nucleus transfers...
Fermi Level Dynamics
Electron affinity in semiconductors refers to the energy gap between the minimum of its conduction band and the vacuum level and it is a critical parameter in determining how easily a semiconductor can accept additional electrons.
The work...
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes
Non-ohmic Devices
Consider a simple circuit consisting of a battery, a diode, and a resistor. A...
Non-equilibrium in the Cell

