Events

Next Quantum Materials Seminar/LANEF:

JThursday, February 1st 2024 at 2:00 pm

Andrea Severing (University of Cologne)

“ Stabilizing the U 5f2 configuration in UTe2: Te2-chains and U-dimers “

To access this seminar:

Institut Néel CNRS, Building K, Room Rémy Lemaire  (K223)

Abstract: We investigate UTe₂ using high-resolution valence-band resonant inelastic x-ray scattering at the U M_4,5-edges and observe atomic-like low-energy excitations that support the correlated nature of this unconventional superconductor. These excitations originate from the U 5f² configuration, which is unexpected given the large charge donation from the Te2 associated with the short Te2-Te2 distances. By utilizing the photoionization cross-section dependence of the photoemission spectra in combination with band structure calculations, we infer that the stabilization of the U 5f² configuration is due to the U 6d bonding states in the U-dimers acting as a charge reservoir. Our results emphasize that the description of the physical properties should commence with a 5f² ansatz, including the 5p_y∥b of the Te2 and the bonding states of the 6d_3z2_−r2 orbitals.

The organizers:

Elsa Lhotel (elsa.lhotel@neel.cnrs.fr)
Florence Levy-Bertrand (florence.levy-bertrand@neel.cnrs.fr)