Experimental evidence for Zeeman spin–orbit coupling in layered antiferromagnetic conductors

Most of solid-state spin physics arising from spin–orbit coupling, from fundamental phenomena to industrial applications, relies on symmetry-protected degeneracies. So does the Zeeman spin–orbit coupling, expected to manifest itself in a wide range of antiferromagnetic conductors. Yet, experimental proof of this phenomenon has been lacking. Here we demonstrate that the Néel state of the layered organic superconductor κ-(BETS)₂FeBr₄ shows no spin modulation of the Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations, contrary to its paramagnetic state. This is unambiguous evidence for the spin degeneracy of Landau levels, a direct manifestation of the Zeeman spin–orbit coupling. Likewise, we show that spin modulation is absent in electron-doped Nd_1.85Ce_0.15CuO₄, which evidences the presence of Néel order in this cuprate superconductor even at optimal doping. Obtained on two very different materials, our results demonstrate the generic character of the Zeeman spin–orbit coupling.