The role of orbital order in the stabilization of the (π,0) ordered magnetic state in a minimal two-band model for iron pnictides

Spin wave excitations and stability of the ($\pi,0$) ordered magnetic state are investigated in a minimal two-band itinerant-electron model for iron pnictides. Presence of hopping anisotropy generates a strong ferro-orbital order in the $d_{xz}$ and $d_{yz}$ Fe orbitals. The orbital order sign is as observed in experiments. The induced ferro-orbital order strongly enhances the spin wave energy scale and stabilizes the magnetic state by optimizing the strength of the emergent AF and F spin couplings through optimal band fillings in the two orbitals. The calculated spin-wave dispersion is in quantitative agreement with neutron scattering measurements. Finite inter-orbital Hund's coupling is shown to further enhance the spin wave energies state by coupling the two magnetic sub-systems. A more realistic two-band model with less hopping anisotropy is also considered which yields not only the circular hole pockets, also correct ferro-orbital order and emergent F spin coupling.