Momentum-dependent charge excitations of a two-leg ladder : Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering of (La, Sr,Ca)14Cu24O41

Momentum dependent charge excitations of a two-leg ladder are investigated by resonant inelastic x-ray scattering of (La,Sr,Ca)14Cu24O41. In contrast to the case of a square lattice, momentum dependence of the Mott gap excitation of the ladder exhibits little change upon hole-doping, indicating the formation of hole pairs. Theoretical calculation based on a Hubbard model qualitatively explains this feature. In addition, experimental data shows intraband excitation as continuum intensity below the Mott gap and it appears at all the momentum transfers simultaneously. The intensity of the intraband excitation is proportional to the hole concentration of the ladder, which is consistent with optical conductivity measurements.