Curie-like paramagnetism due to incomplete Zhang-Rice singlet formation in La2-xSrxCuO4

Abstract: In an effort to elucidate the origin of the Curie-like paramagnetism that is generic for heavily-overdoped cuprates, we have performed high transverse-field muon spin rotation (TF-muSR) measurements of La2-xSrxCuO4 single crystals over the Sr content range 0.145 < x < 0.33. We show that the x-dependence of the previously observed field-induced broadening of the internal magnetic field distribution above the superconducting transition temperature Tc reflects the presence of two distinct contributions. One of these becomes less pronounced with increasing x and is attributed to diminishing antiferromagnetic correlations. The other grows with increasing x, but decreases above x ~ 0.30, and is associated with the Curie-like term in the bulk magnetic susceptibility. In contrast to the Curie-like term, however, this second contribution to the TF-muSR line width extends back into the underdoped regime. Our findings imply a coexistence of antiferromagnetically correlated and paramagnetic moments, with the latter becoming dominant beyond x ~ 0.185. This suggests that the doped holes do not neutralize all Cu spins via the formation of Zhang-Rice singlets. Moreover, the paramagnetic component of the TF-muSR line width is explained by holes progressively entering the Cu 3d_{x^2-y^2} orbital with doping.