Spin-dependent electron-phonon interaction in SmFeAsO by low-temperature Raman spectroscopy

The interplay between spin dynamics and lattice vibration has been suggested as an important part of the puzzle of high-temperature superconductivity. Here, we report the strong interaction between spin fluctuation and phonon in SmFeAsO, a parent compound of the iron arsenide family of superconductors, revealed by low-temperature Raman spectroscopy. Anomalous zone-boundary-phonon Raman scattering from spin superstructure was observed at temperatures below the antiferromagnetic ordering point, which offers compelling evidence on spin-dependent electron-phonon coupling in pnictides.