Spin-orbit-induced mixed-spin ground state in RNiO3 perovskites probed by x-ray absorption spectroscopy: Insight into the metal-to-insulator transition

C Piamonteze*, FMF de Groot, HCN Tolentino, AY Ramos, NE Massa, JA Alonso, MJ Martinez-Lope

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

We report on a Ni L-2,L-3 edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy study in RNiO3 perovskites. These compounds exhibit a metal-to-insulator (MI) transition as temperature decreases. The L-3 edge presents a clear splitting in the insulating state, associated to a less hybridized ground state. Using charge transfer multiplet calculations, we establish the importance of the crystal field and 3d spin-orbit coupling to create a mixed-spin ground state. We explain the MI transition in RNiO3 perovskites in terms of modifications in the Ni3+ crystal field splitting that induces a spin transition from an essentially low-spin to a mixed-spin state.

Original languageEnglish
Article number020406
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical review. B, Condensed matter and materials physics
Volume71
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2005

Keywords

  • NEUTRON-DIFFRACTION
  • CHARGE DISPROPORTIONATION
  • CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE
  • RARE-EARTH
  • PRNIO3
  • NDNIO3
  • GAP
  • ND

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