Electronic correlations and spin-charge-density stripes in double-layer
Phys. Rev. B 112, 245152 – Published 22 December, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/yxp9-233q
Abstract
Using ab initio band structure and dynamical mean-field theory methods we examine the effects of electron-electron interactions on the electronic structure, magnetic state, and structural phase stability of the recently discovered double-layer perovskite superconductor (LNO) under pressure. Our results show the emergence of a double spin-charge-density stripe state characterized by a wave vector arrangement (diagonal hole stripes oriented at to the Ni-O bond) of the nominally high-spin and low-spin (with a predominant configuration with a hole localized in the O band) ions which form zigzag ferromagnetic chains alternating in the plane. The phase transition is accompanied by cooperative breathing-mode distortions of the lattice structure and leads to a reconstruction of the low-energy electronic structure and magnetic properties of LNO. Our results indicate a strong orbital dependence of correlation effects in LNO. We obtain a narrow-gap correlated insulator with a band gap value of characterized by strong localization of the Ni states and significant spin-orbital polarizations of the charge deficient ions. We note the importance of double exchange to determine the magnetic properties of LNO, similarly to that in charge-ordered manganites and nickelates. We propose that spin and charge stripe fluctuations play an important role in tuning superconductivity in LNO under pressure.