Jahn-Teller versus quantum effects in the spin-orbital material LuVO 3

Abstract

We report on combined neutron and resonant x-ray scattering results, identifying the nature of the spin-orbital ground state and magnetic excitations in LuVO3 as driven by the orbital parameter. In particular, we distinguish between models based on orbital-Peierls dimerization, taken as a signature of quantum effects in orbitals, and Jahn-Teller distortions, in favor of the latter. In order to solve this long-standing puzzle, polarized neutron beams were employed as a prerequisite in order to solve details of the magnetic structure, which allowed quantitative intensity analysis of extended magnetic-excitation data sets. The results of this detailed study enabled us to draw definite conclusions about the classical versus quantum behavior of orbitals in this system and to discard the previous claims about quantum effects dominating the orbital physics of LuVO3 and similar systems. © 2015 American Physical Society