Coupling between spin and orbital degrees of freedom in KCuF3.
We present the results of resonant x-ray scattering experiments on KCuF3. Structurally forbidden reflections, corresponding to magnetic and 3d-orbital long-range order, have been observed. Integrated intensities have been measured as a function of incident energy, polarization, azimuthal angle, and temperature. The results give evidence for a strong coupling between orbital and spin degrees of freedom. The interplay between magnetic and orbital order parameters is revealed by the temperature dependence of the intensity of orbital Bragg peaks.
Paolasini
L
L
European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, B.P. 220, F-38043 Grenoble, France.
Caciuffo
R
R
Sollier
A
A
Ghigna
P
P
Altarelli
M
M