Kavli Affiliate: David Hsieh| Summary:Two-dimensional Mott insulators host antiferromagnetic (AFM) correlations that are predicted to enhance the attractive interaction between empty (holons) and doubly occupied (doublons) sites, creating a novel pathway for exciton formation. However, experimental confirmation of this spin-mediated binding mechanism remains elusive. Leveraging the distinct magnetic critical properties of the Mott antiferromagnets Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ and Sr$_3$Ir$_2$O$_7$, we show using time-resolved THz spectroscopy that excitons only exist at temperatures below where short-range AFM correlation develops. The excitons remain stable up to photodoping densities approaching the predicted excitonic Mott insulator-to-metal transition, revealing a unique robustness against screening. Our results establish the viability of spin-bound excitons and introduce opportunities for excitonic control through magnetic degrees of freedom.| Search Query:arXiv Query: search_query=au:”Hsieh David”&id_list=&start=0&max_results=10Read More