Momentum and polarization dependence of single-magnon spectral weight for Cu L-3-edge resonant inelastic x-ray scattering from layered cuprates

Recently it was predicted theoretically and confirmed experimentally that in cuprates single-magnon dispersions can be mapped out with resonant inelastic x-ray scattering RIXS at the copper L3 edge. To further establish RIXS as a viable technique we investigate the momentum and incident photon polarization dependence of the single-magnon spectral weight in a variety of layered undoped antiferromagnetic compounds. The agreement of experimental and theoretical results bolsters the assignment of RIXS spectral features to single magnons. This detailed analysis allows to disentangle single-magnon scattering from other spectral contributions. Moreover, it is a necessary premise for future research aimed at investigating processes that modulate spectral weights beyond the predictions of linear spin-wave theory.