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arXiv · 1101.4005

Optical non-reciprocity in magnetic structures related to high-Tc superconductors

J. Orenstein
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Abstract

Recent neutron scattering [1,2], and optical measurements [3,4] have detected evidence in underdoped cuprate superconductors for a phase transition near the pseudogap onset temperature T* to a time reversal-breaking state. The neutron scattering indicates antiferromagnetic ordering, while it is often assumed that optical polarization rotation requires at least a weak ferromagnetic component. In this note we identify several antiferromagnetic structures, compatible with neutron scattering data, that allow intrinsic polarization rotation through the magnetoelectic effect.

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J. Orenstein. 2011-01-20. Optical non-reciprocity in magnetic structures related to high-Tc superconductors. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.107.067002

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