Spectroscopic signature of trimer Mott insulator and charge disproportionation in BaIrO₃

We have measured the reflectivity spectra of the barium iridate $9R$ BaIrO$_3$, the crystal structure of which consists of characteristic Ir$_3$O$_{12}$ trimers. In the high-temperature phase above the transition temperature $T_c\simeq180$ K, we find that the optical conductivity involves two temperature-dependent optical transitions with an ill-defined Drude response. These features are reminiscent of the optical spectra in the organic dimer Mott insulators, implying a possible emergence of an unusual electronic state named trimer Mott insulator in BaIrO$_3$, where the carrier is localized on the trimer owing to the strong Coulomb repulsion. Along with a pronounced splitting of the phonon peak observed below $T_c$, which is a hallmark of charge disproportionation, we discuss a possible phase transition from the trimer Mott insulator to a charge-ordered insulating phase in BaIrO$_3$.