La-doping effect on spin–orbit coupled Sr2IrO4 probed by x-ray absorption spectroscopy

Abstract

Sr2IrO4 was predicted to be an unconventional superconductor upon carrier doping since it highly resembles the high-temperature cuprates. Here, to understand carrier doping effect on spin–orbit coupled Mott insulator Sr2IrO4, the electronic structure and local structure distortion for Sr2 − xLaxIrO4 system have been investigated by x-ray absorption spectroscopy. By comparing the intensity of white-line features at the Ir L2,3 absorption edges, we observe remarkably large branching ratios in La-doped compounds, greater than that of the parent material Sr2IrO4, suggesting a strong spin-orbit interaction for Sr2IrO4-based system. Moreover, extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectra demonstrate more regular IrO6 octahedra, i.e. the weakened crystal electric field versus La-doping. By theoretical calculations, the synergistic effect of regular IrO6 octahedra and electron doping is established, which accounts for the transition from a Mott insulator to a conductive state in Sr2 − xLaxIrO4-based system.