Incommensurate Structural Correlations in the Disordered Spin-Dimer State Induced by X-Ray and Electron Irradiation in ${\mathrm{CuIr}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{4}$

Incommensurate Structural Correlations in the Disordered Spin-Dimer State Induced by X-Ray and Electron Irradiation in ${CuIr}_{2} S_{4}$

V. Kiryukhin, Y. Horibe, Y. S. Hor, H. J. Noh, S-W. Cheong, and C. H. Chen

Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 225503 – Published 28 November 2006

Abstract

Irradiation with $\sim 10 keV$ x rays or medium-energy electrons destroys long-range order of Ir spin dimers in ${CuIr}_{2} S_{4}$ while preserving the dimers locally. We find that as the order is destroyed, a new type of incommensurate structural correlations appears. This represents an intriguing example of order from disorder phenomenon, in which a previously unknown incommensurate order appears in the radiation-induced disordered state. These results suggest that two competing instabilities, one of which can be suppressed by radiation, are present in the system. Otherwise unrealized structural or electronic states can, therefore, be revealed in correlated systems by x-ray or electron irradiation.