Experimental evidence for Zeeman spin-orbit coupling in layered antiferromagnetic conductors

Most of solid-state spin physics arising from spin-orbit coupling, from fundamental phenomena to industrial applications, relies on symmetry-protected degeneracies. So does the Zeeman spin-orbit coupling, expected to manifest itself in a wide range of antiferromagnetic conductors. Yet, experimental proof of this phenomenon has been lacking. Here we demonstrate that the Neel state of the layered organic superconductor kappa-(BETS)(2)FeBr4 shows no spin modulation of the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations, contrary to its paramagnetic state. This is unambiguous evidence for the spin degeneracy of Landau levels, a direct manifestation of the Zeeman spin-orbit coupling. Likewise, we show that spin modulation is absent in electron-doped Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4, which evidences the presence of Neel order in this cuprate superconductor even at optimal doping. Obtained on two very different materials, our results demonstrate the generic character of the Zeeman spin-orbit coupling.

Automated summary

This study provides experimental evidence for the spin degeneracy phenomenon in a layered organic superconductor and an electron-doped cuprate superconductor, confirming the generic character of the Zeeman spin-orbit coupling.