Non-collinear spin structure of NdSb revealed by spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy

Rare-earth monopnictides are a family of materials simultaneously displaying complex magnetism, strong electronic correlation, and topological band structure. Emergent arc-like surface states driven by antiferromagnetic order have recently been discovered in these materials [1-2]. Their magnetic structure is still under debate and direct experimental observation has been elusive [3-6]. Here we report the observation of non-collinear antiferromagnetic order with multiple modulations using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy. Moreover, we discover a hidden spin-rotation transition of single-to-multiple modulations 2 K below the Neel temperature. The hidden transition coincides with the onset of the surface states splitting observed by our angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements.



References

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