X-ray-Induced Disordering of the Dimerization Pattern and Apparent Low-Temperature Enhancement of Lattice Symmetry in Spinel CuIr₂S₄

Abstract

At low temperatures, spinel CuIr2S4 is a charge-ordered spin-dimerized insulator with triclinic lattice symmetry. We find that x rays induce a structural transition in which the local triclinic structure is preserved, but the average lattice symmetry becomes tetragonal. These structural changes are accompanied by a thousandfold reduction in the electrical resistivity. The transition is persistent, but the original state can be restored by thermal annealing. We argue that x-ray irradiation disorders the lattice dimerization pattern, producing a state in which the orientation of the dimers is preserved, but the translational long-range order is destroyed.

Department(s)

Physics

Keywords and Phrases

Copper Derivative; Iridium Complex; Sulfur Derivative; Conductance; Conductor; Dimerization; Electric Resistance; Low Temperature Procedures; Superconductor; Temperature Dependence; X Irradiation

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0163-1829

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Final Version

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2002 American Physical Society (APS), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Oct 2002

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