Crystal Structure and Charge-Ordering in La_1.5Ca_0.5CoO₄ Studied by Neutron and Resonant X-ray Scattering

Abstract

Using neutron and resonant X-ray scattering, we studied crystal structure and charge-ordering pattern in La 1.5 Ca 0.5 CoO 4 . Taking A 2 m m with a – b type twin structure into account, Co 2+ /Co 3+ checkerboard charge ordering pattern was suggested in La 1.5 Ca 0.5 CoO 4 by neutron scattering structure analysis. In order to clarify the charge ordering pattern and the valences of the two Co sites, we performed a resonant X-ray scattering (RXS) measurement near the Co K -edge. We found a resonant signal at (3, 0, 0) reflection which corresponds to the charge ordering with a Co 2+ /Co 3+ checkerboard pattern, and the Co valences of charge ordering were fully charge disproportionated. From the X-ray fluorescence spectra, we found the pre-edge peak structures at E =7.710 and 7.713 keV, corresponding to 1 s → t 2 g and 1 s → e g transitions, respectively. The polarization dependence of the latter one suggests that the anisotropy e g orbital is realized in La 1.5 Ca 0.5 CoO 4 .