paper

Spin-orbit density wave: A new phase of matter applicable to the hidden order state of URu2Si2

arXiv:1406.5271 · doi:10.1080/14786435.2014.916425

Abstract

We provide a brief review and detailed analysis of the spin-orbit density wave (SODW), proposed as a possible explanation to the `hidden order' phase of URu2Si2. Due to the interplay between inter-orbital Coulomb interaction and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in this compound, the SODW is shown to arise from Fermi surface nesting instability between two spin-orbit split bands. An effective low-energy Hamiltonian including single-particle SOC and two-particle SODW is derived, while numerical results are calculated by using density-functional theory (DFT) based band structure input. Computed gapped quasiparticle spectrum, entropy loss and spin-excitation spectrum are in detailed agreement with experiments. Interestingly, despite the fact that SODW governs dynamical spin-excitations, the static magnetic moment is calculated to be zero, owing to the time-reversal invariance imposed by SOC. As a consequence, SODW can be destroyed by finite magnetic field even at zero temperature. Our estimation of the location of the quantum critical point is close to the experimental value of Bc ~ 35 T. Finally, we extend the idea of SODW to other SOC systems including iridium oxides (iridates) and two-dimensional electronic systems such as BiAg2 surface and LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface. We show hints of quasiparticle gapping, reduction of preexisting magnetic moment, large magneto-resistance etc. in these systems which can be explained consistently within the SODW theory.

Mini review published on the Special issue on 'Hidden order in URu2Si2' in Philosophical Magazine. (v2): Minor typos corrected

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