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Abstract
We demonstrate that the interplay between soft electronic particle-hole fluctuations and magnetic anisotropies can drive ferromagnetic moments to point along a magnetic hard axis. As a proof of concept, we show this behavior explicitly for a generic two-band model with local Coulomb and Hund's interactions and a spin-orbit-induced easy plane anisotropy. The phase diagram is calculated within the fermionic quantum order-by-disorder approach, which is based on a self-consistent free-energy expansion around a magnetically ordered state with unspecified orientation. Quantum fluctuations render the transition of the easy-plane ferromagnet first order below a tricritical point. At even lower temperatures, directionally dependent transverse fluctuations dominate the magnetic anisotropy, and the moments flip to lie along the magnetic hard axis. We discuss our findings in the context of recent experiments that show this unusual ordering along the magnetic hard direction.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 147001 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 113 |
Issue number | 14 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Oct 2014 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Fluctuation-driven magnetic hard-axis ordering in metallic ferromagnets'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Topological Protection and NonEquilibriu: Topological Protection and NonEquilibrium States in Strongly Correlated Electron Systems
Wahl, P. (PI), Baumberger, F. (CoI), Davis, J. C. (CoI), Green, A. (CoI), Hooley, C. (CoI), Keeling, J. M. J. (CoI) & Mackenzie, A. (CoI)
1/09/11 → 31/08/17
Project: Standard