Identifying f-electron symmetries of UTe2 with O-edge resonant inelastic X-ray scattering

Abstract

The recent discovery of spin-triplet superconductivity emerging from a non-magnetic parent state in UTe${}_2$ has stimulated great interest in the underlying mechanism of Cooper pairing. Experimental characterization of short-range electronic and magnetic correlations is vital to understanding these phenomena. Here we use resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and atomic multiplet-based modeling to shed light on the active debate between 5$f^2$6$d^1$-based models with singlet crystal field states versus 5$f^3$-based models that predict atomic Kramers doublets and much greater 5$f$ itinerancy. The XAS and RIXS data are found to agree strongly with predictions for an 5$f^2$6$d^1$-like valence electron configuration with weak intra-dimer magnetic correlations, and provide new context for interpreting recent investigations of the electronic structure and superconducting pairing mechanism.

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Cited by in corpus (7)

• A review of UTe${}_2$ at high magnetic fields
• Singlet magnetism in intermetallic UGa${}_2$ unveiled by inelastic x-ray scattering
• Structure of the normal state and origin of Schottky anomaly in the correlated heavy fermion superconductor UTe2
• Quantifying the U $5f$ covalence and degree of localization in U intermetallics
• UTe${}_2$: a narrow band superconductor
• High-resolution valence band RIXS at the actinide M${}_{4,5}$-edges
• Slow magnetic quantum oscillations in the c-axis magnetoresistance of UTe${}_2$