Journal Article

PUBDB-2026-02700

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Three-dimensional zigzag correlations in the van der Waals Kitaev magnet RuBr$_3$

Gretarsson, H. (Corresponding author)DESY* ; Iwazaki, R. ; Sato, F. ; Gotou, H. ; Francoual, S.DESY* ; Nasu, J. ; Imai, Y. ; Ohgushi, K. ; Chaloupka, J. ; Keimer, B.Extern* ; Suzuki, H. (Corresponding author)Extern*

2026
Inst. Woodbury, NY

This record in other databases:  

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1103/zwvv-5594  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2026-02700

Abstract: Ruthenium trihalides Ru⁢𝑋$_3$ (𝑋=Cl,Br,I) provide a tunable platform for Kitaev magnetism in two-dimensional van der Waals materials. Despite their similar crystal structures and zigzag antiferromagnetic order, RuBr$_3$ exhibits a higher Néel temperature (𝑇$_𝑁$) than RuCl$_3$, suggesting their distinct proximity to the Kitaev quantum spin-liquid phase. Using Ru 𝐿$_3$-edge resonant x-ray scattering, we show that, while the long-range zigzag order in RuBr$_3$ disappears at 𝑇$_𝑁$, the zigzag correlations that persist well above 𝑇𝑁 show a pronounced spectral weight redistribution along the interlayer direction. These results suggest that the enhanced interlayer magnetic interactions driven by the extended Br 4⁢𝑝 orbitals stabilize three-dimensional zigzag correlations in RuBr$_3$.

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. PETRA-S (FS-PETRA-S)
2. DOOR-User (DOOR ; HAS-User)

Research Program(s):

1. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)
2. 6G3 - PETRA III (DESY) (POF4-6G3) (POF4-6G3)

Experiment(s):

1. PETRA Beamline P01 (PETRA III)
2. PETRA Beamline P09 (PETRA III)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

---

Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Electronics and Telecommunications Collection ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

---