Phonon and Magnetic Neutron Scattering at 41 meV in YBa2Cu3O7

Abstract
We report inelastic neutron scattering measurements at excitation energies ħω41 meV in YBa2Cu3 O7. We separate magnetic and phonon contributions to the scattering cross section by a detailed analysis of the momentum dependence of the scattered intensity. The previously reported broad peak around q=(π/a,π/a) in the normal state can be entirely accounted for by a phonon which primarily involves vibrations of the in-plane oxygen. Magnetic scattering centered around 41 meV and q=(π/a,π/a) appears in the superconducting state only. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.