Like-spin domains (LSDs) in spin-crossover solids?

摘要

The occurrence of like-spin domains (LSD) in spin transition solids has been speculated so far. It was consistent with the first-order character of the thermal spin transition, and inferred from split X-rays diffraction lines [1] on powder samples. Recent studies using single crystals [2] confirmed the co-existence of low-spin (LS) and high-spin (HS) lines during the thermal transition. Remarkably, there has not been so far any successful experiment of LSD imaging. A unique micro-Raman study [3] concluded that the size of LSDs, if any, should be sub-micronic.