Dielectric responses of spin-density wave in La1.67Sr0.33NiO4 single crystal

Abstract

The dynamics of spin and charge-ordered phases in La1.67Sr0.33NiO4 single crystal have been investigated using high-frequency dielectric spectroscopy. The measurements were carried out in frequencies between 0.156 and 316 MHz and temperatures from 50 to 320 K. The intrinsic part of the response by excluding the Maxwell–Wagner relaxation region is obtained below TSDW ∼ 120 K. The intrinsic frequency-dependent real dielectric constant ɛ′ and conductivity σ′ can be well described in terms of the constant phase element revealing a complex charge-hopping process. Our results are in agreement with the spin-density-wave puddles’ picture observed by the scanning micro-x-ray diffraction technique. These demonstrate that high-frequency dielectric spectroscopy can be utilized for investigating the various order phases in other transition metal oxides by considering their intrinsic responses.