Interference of a first-order transition with the formation of a spin-Peierls state in alpha'-NaV2O5?

We present results of high-resolution thermal-expansion and specific-heat measurements on single crystalline alpha'-NaV2O5. We find clear evidence for two almost degenerate phase transitions associated with the formation of the dimerized state around 33K: A sharp first-order transition at T1=(33+-0.1)K slightly below the onset of a second-order transition at T2onset around (34+-0.1)K. The latter is accompanied by pronounced spontaneous strains. Our results are consistent with a structural transformation at T1 induced by the incipient spin-Peierls (SP) order parameter above T2=TSP.Comment: 5 pages, 7 figure

Magnetic bound states in the quarter-filled ladder system α′−NaV2O5\alpha'-NaV_{2}O_{5}}

Raman scattering in the quarter-filled spin ladder system alpha'-NaV_2O_5 shows in the dimerized singlet ground state ($T \leq T_{SP}=35K$) an unexpected sequence of three magnetic bound states. Our results suggest that the recently proposed mapping onto an effective spin chain for $T > T_{SP}$ has to be given up in favor of the full topology and exchange paths of a ladder in the dimerized phase for $T < T_{SP}$. As the new ground state we propose a dynamic superposition of energetically nearly degenerate dimer configurations on the ladder.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, to be published in PRB, brief reports, Dec. 199

Magnetic Resonance in the Spin-Peierls compound α′−NaV2O5\alpha'-NaV_2O_5

We present results from magnetic resonance measurements for 75-350 GHz in $\alpha$'-NaV$_{2}$O$_{5}$. The temperature dependence of the integrated intensity indicates that we observe transitions in the excited state. A quantitative description gives resonances in the triplet state at high symmetry points of the excitation spectrum of this Spin-Peierls compound. This energy has the same temperature dependence as the Spin-Peierls gap. Similarities and differences with the other inorganic compound CuGeO$_{3}$ are discussed.Comment: 2 pages, REVTEX, 3 figures. to be published in Phys.Rev.

NaV_2O_5 as a quarter-filled ladder compound

A new X-ray diffraction study of the one-dimensional spin-Peierls compound \alpha-NaV_2O_5 reveals a centrosymmetric (Pmmn) crystal structure with one type of V site, contrary to the previously postulated non-centrosymmetric P2_1mn structure with two types of V sites (V^{+4} and V^{+5}). Density functional calculations indicate that NaV_2O_5 is a quarter-filled ladder compound with the spins carried by V-O-V molecular orbitals on the rungs of the ladder. Estimates of the charge-transfer gap and the exchange coupling agree well with experiment and explain the insulating behavior of NaV_2O_5 and its magnetic properties.Comment: Final version for PRL, value of U correcte

Charge Order Driven spin-Peierls Transition in NaV2O5

We conclude from 23Na and 51V NMR measurements in NaxV2O5(x=0.996) a charge ordering transition starting at T=37 K and preceding the lattice distortion and the formation of a spin gap Delta=106 K at Tc=34.7 K. Above Tc, only a single Na site is observed in agreement with the Pmmn space group of this first 1/4-filled ladder system. Below Tc=34.7 K, this line evolves into eight distinct 23Na quadrupolar split lines, which evidences a lattice distortion with, at least, a doubling of the unit cell in the (a,b) plane. A model for this unique transition implying both charge density wave and spin-Peierls order is discussed.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev. Let

Quantum Spin Systems: From Spin Gaps to Pseudo Gaps

Many low dimensional spin systems with a dimerized or ladder-like antiferromagnetic exchange coupling have a gapped excitation spectrum with magnetic bound states within the spin gap. For spin ladders with an even number of legs the existence of spin gaps and within the t-J model a tendency toward superconductivity with d-wave symmetry is predicted. In the following we will characterize the spin excitation spectra of different low dimensional spin systems taking into account strong spin phonon interaction ($\rm CuGeO_3$), charge ordering ($\rm NaV_2O_5$) and doping on chains and ladders (\ladder). The spectroscopic characterization of the model systems mentioned above has been performed using magnetic inelastic light scattering originating from a spin conserving exchange scattering mechanism. This is also bound to yield more insight into the interrelation between these spin gap excitations and the origin of the pseudo gap in high temperature superconductors.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figure

CuSiO_3 : a quasi - one - dimensional S=1/2 antiferromagnetic chain system

CuSiO_3, isotypic to the spin - Peierls compound CuGeO_3, was discovered recently as a metastable decomposition product of the silicate mineral dioptase, Cu_6Si_6O_{18}\cdot6H_2O. We investigated the physical properties of CuSiO_3 using susceptibility, magnetization and specific heat measurements on powder samples. The magnetic susceptibility \chi(T) is reproduced very well above T = 8 K by theoretical calculations for an S=1/2 antiferromagnetic Heisenberg linear chain without frustration (\alpha = 0) and a nearest - neighbor exchange coupling constant of J/k_{B} = 21 K, much weaker than in CuGeO_3. Below 8 K the susceptibility exhibits a substantial drop. This feature is identified as a second - order phase transition at T_{0} = 7.9 K by specific heat measurements. The influence of magnetic fields on T_{0} is weak, and ac - magnetization measurements give strong evidence for a spin - flop - phase at \mu_0H_{SF} ~ 3 T. The origin of the magnetic phase transition at T_{0} = 7.9 K is discussed in the context of long - range antiferromagnetic order (AF) versus spin - Peierls(SP)order. Susceptibility and specific heat results support the AF ordered ground state. Additional temperature dependent ^{63,65}Cu nuclear quadrupole resonance experiments have been carried out to probe the Cu^{2+} electronic state and the spin dynamics in CuSiO_3

Reexamination of the microscopic couplings of the quasi one-dimensional antiferromagnet CuGeO_3

Experimental data for the magnetic susceptibility and magnetostriction of CuGeO_3 are analyzed within a one-dimensional antiferromagnetic model with nearest ({J_1}) and next-nearest neighbour interactions ({J_2}). We show that the ratio of the exchange constants in the antiferromagnetic chains of CuGeO_3 amounts to ${J_2}/{J_1}$ = 0.354(0.01), i.e. it is significantly larger than the critical value for the formation of a spontaneous gap in the magnetic excitation spectrum without lattice dimerization. The susceptibility data are reproduced by our numerical results over the temperature range from 20K to 950K to a high degree of accuracy for ${J_1} = 80.2 (3.0)$ and ${J_2} = 28.4 (1.8)$. The pressure dependence of the exchange constants is estimated from magnetostriction data. Furthermore, the specific heat data are checked on consistency against the calculated entropy of the above model.Comment: 9 pages, REVTEX, 5 figure

On the Incommensurate Phase of Pure and Doped Spin-Peierls System CuGeO_3

Phases and phase transitions in pure and doped spin-Peierls system CuGeO_3 are considered on the basis of a Landau-theory. In particular we discuss the critical behaviour, the soliton width and the low temperature specific heat of the incommensurate phase. We show, that dilution leads always to the destruction of long range order in this phase, which is replaced by an algebraic decay of correlations if the disorder is weak.Comment: 4 pages revtex, no figure

Lattice vibrations of alpha'-NaV_2O_5 in the low-temperature phase. Magnetic bound states?

We report high resolution polarized infrared studies of the quarter-filled spin ladder compound alpha'-NaV_2O_5 as a function of temperature (5K <= T <= 300K). Numerous new modes were detected below the temperature T_c=34K of the phase transition into a charge ordered nonmagnetic state accompanied by a lattice dimerization. We analyse the Brillouin zone (BZ) folding due to lattice dimerization at T_c and show that some peculiarities of the low-temperature vibrational spectrum come from quadruplets folded from the BZ point (1/2, 1/2, 1/4). We discuss an earlier interpretation of the 70, 107, and 133cm-1 modes as magnetic bound states and propose the alternative interpretation as folded phonon modes strongly interacting with charge and spin excitations.Comment: 15 pages, 13 Postscript figure