Topological spin texture in the pseudogap phase of a high-Tc superconductor

An outstanding challenge in condensed-matter-physics research over the past three decades has been to understand the pseudogap (PG) phenomenon of the high-transition-temperature (high-T-c) copper oxides. A variety of experiments have indicated a symmetry-broken state below the characteristic temperature T* (refs. (1-8)). Among them, although the optical study(5) indicated the mesoscopic domains to be small, all these experiments lack nanometre-scale spatial resolution, and the microscopic order parameter has so far remained elusive. Here we report, to our knowledge, the first direct observation of topological spin texture in an underdoped cuprate, YBa2Cu3O6.5, in the PG state, using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM). The spin texture features vortex-like magnetization density in the CuO2 sheets, with a relatively large length scale of about 100 nm. We identify the phase-diagram region in which the topological spin texture exists and demonstrate the ortho-II oxygen order and suitable sample thickness to be crucial for its observation by our technique. We also discuss an intriguing interplay observed among the topological spin texture, PG state, charge order and superconductivity.

Automated summary

An outstanding challenge in condensed matter physics research has been the understanding of the pseudogap (PG) phenomenon in high-temperature superconducting copper oxides. Previous experiments have shown a symmetry-broken state below the characteristic temperature T*, but lacked nanometer-scale spatial resolution. In this study, we directly observe the topological spin texture in an underdoped cuprate using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM), revealing vortex-like magnetization density on the scale of about 100 nm. We also discuss the interplay between the topological spin texture, PG state, charge order, and superconductivity.