Showing 1–50 of 54 results for author: Zhu, F

Electrical Modulation and Probing of Antiferromagnetism in Hybrid Multiferroic Heterostructures

Authors: Yuhan Liang, Huiping Han, Hetian Chen, Yujun Zhang, Yi Zhang, Chao Li, Shun Lan, Fangyuan Zhu, Ji Ma, Di Yi, Jing Ma, Liang Wu, Tianxiang Nan, Yuan-Hua Lin

Abstract: The unique features of ultrafast spin dynamics and the absence of macroscopic magnetization in antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials provide a distinct route towards high-speed magnetic storage devices with low energy consumption and high integration density. However, these advantages also introduce challenges in probing and controlling AFM order, thereby restricting their practical applications. In t… ▽ More The unique features of ultrafast spin dynamics and the absence of macroscopic magnetization in antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials provide a distinct route towards high-speed magnetic storage devices with low energy consumption and high integration density. However, these advantages also introduce challenges in probing and controlling AFM order, thereby restricting their practical applications. In this study, we demonstrate an all-electric control and probing of the AFM order in heavy metal (HM)/AFM insulator (AFMI) heterostructures on a ferroelectric substrate at room temperature (RT). The AFM order was detected by the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) and manipulated by the ferroelectric field effect as well as the piezoelectric effect in heterostructures of Pt/NiO/0.7Pb(Mg$_{1/3}$Nb$_{2/3}$)O$_{3}$--0.3PbTiO$_{3}$ (PMN--PT). The non-volatile control of AFM order gives rise to a 33\% modulation of AHE, which is further evidenced by synchrotron-based X-ray magnetic linear dichroism (XMLD). Combined with the $in$-$situ$ piezoelectric response of AHE, we demonstrate that ferroelectric polarization contributes mainly to the control of the AFM order. Our results are expected to have broader implications for efficient spintronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 19 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Journal ref: Appl. Phys. Rev. 12, 041410 (2025)

Exotic Surface Stripe Orders in Correlated Kagome Metal CsCr3Sb5

Authors: Yunxing Li, Peigen Li, Taimin Miao, Rui Xu, Yongqing Cai, Neng Cai, Bo Liang, Han Gao, Hanbo Xiao, Yongzhen Jiang, Jiefeng Cao, Fangyuan Zhu, Hongkun Wang, Jincheng Xie, Jingcheng Li, Zhongkai Liu, Chaoyu Chen, Yunwei Zhang, X. J. Zhou, Dingyong Zhong, Huichao Wang, Jianwei Huang, Donghui Guo

Abstract: The newly discovered kagome superconductor CsCr3Sb5 exhibits distinct features with flat bands and unique magnetism, providing a compelling platform for exploring novel quantum states of correlated electron systems. Emergent charge order in this material is a key for understanding unconventional superconductivity, but it remains unexplored at the atomic scale and the underlying physics is elusive.… ▽ More The newly discovered kagome superconductor CsCr3Sb5 exhibits distinct features with flat bands and unique magnetism, providing a compelling platform for exploring novel quantum states of correlated electron systems. Emergent charge order in this material is a key for understanding unconventional superconductivity, but it remains unexplored at the atomic scale and the underlying physics is elusive. Here, we identify and unreported stripe orders on the surface which are distinct from the bulk and investigate the underlying bulk electronic properties using a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Specifically, a mixture of 2a0 * a0 and 3a0 * a0 stripe order is found on Cs-terminated surface while 4a0 * root3a0 stripe order is found on the Sb-terminated surface. The electronic spectra exhibit strongly correlated features resembling that of high temperature superconductors, with kagome flat bands lying about 330 meV above EF, suggesting that the electron correlations arise from Coulomb interactions and Hund's coupling. Moreover, a distinct electron-boson coupling mode is observed at approximately 100 meV. These findings provide new insights into the interplay between surface and bulk charge orders in this strongly correlated kagome system. △ Less

Submitted 14 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 21 pages, 5 figures

Four-mode quantum sensing and Fisher information in a spin-orbit-coupled Bose gas

Authors: Fei Zhu, Zheng Tang, Liang Zeng, Shu Wang, Li Chen

Abstract: Multi-mode squeezing and entanglement are important resources in quantum metrology and sensing. For spin-1/2 Bose-Einstein condensates subject to spin-orbit coupling (SOC), previous studies on spin squeezing have been limited to two-mode systems. In this work, we demonstrate that such a system can naturally construct a four-mode model spanning an $\mathfrak{su}(4)$ algebra with six SU(2) subspaces… ▽ More Multi-mode squeezing and entanglement are important resources in quantum metrology and sensing. For spin-1/2 Bose-Einstein condensates subject to spin-orbit coupling (SOC), previous studies on spin squeezing have been limited to two-mode systems. In this work, we demonstrate that such a system can naturally construct a four-mode model spanning an $\mathfrak{su}(4)$ algebra with six SU(2) subspaces. Using spin squeezing parameters and quantum Fisher information matrices, we analyze the dynamical evolution of coherent spin states. The results show that, beyond two-mode models, the SOC-induced four-mode couplings give rise to richer entanglement-enhanced sensing approaching the Heisenberg limit across various SU(2) subspaces. Additionally, by tuning a single system parameter (the Raman Rabi frequency), one can selectively control the optimal measurement directions across different subspaces. △ Less

Submitted 6 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 9 pages, 5 figures

Dynamical generation of geometric squeezing in interacting Bose-Einstein condensates

Authors: Li Chen, Fei Zhu, Zheng Tang, Liang Zeng, Jae Joon Lee, Han Pu

Abstract: When the rotating frequency of a non-interacting Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) confined in a weak anisotropic harmonic potential is suddenly quenched to its trapping frequency, the condensate evolves from its ground state to a single-mode squeezed state with exponentially growing quantum fluctuation anisotropy. Such a squeezed state is called the geometrically squeezed state. However, for interac… ▽ More When the rotating frequency of a non-interacting Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) confined in a weak anisotropic harmonic potential is suddenly quenched to its trapping frequency, the condensate evolves from its ground state to a single-mode squeezed state with exponentially growing quantum fluctuation anisotropy. Such a squeezed state is called the geometrically squeezed state. However, for interacting BECs with two-body collisions, a similar quench only results in quantum fluctuations oscillating periodically without squeezing. In this work, we identify superfluid stability as the key factor behind this non-squeezing phenomenon, with the periodic oscillations arising from collective excitations of a stable collective excitation mode. By strategically breaking the stability criteria, we propose a dynamical approach for generating squeezing that can exponentially suppress quantum fluctuations in a relatively short time, surpassing the efficiency of existing experimental preparation schemes. △ Less

Submitted 6 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 9 pages, 7 figures

Wurtzite AlScN/AlN Superlattice Ferroelectrics Enable Endurance Beyond 1010 Cycles

Authors: Ruiqing Wang, Feng Zhu, Haoji Qian, Jiuren Zhou, Wenxin Sun, Siying Zheng, Jiajia Chen, Bochang Li, Yan Liu, Peng Zhou, Yue Hao, Genquan Han

Abstract: Wurtzite ferroelectrics are rapidly emerging as a promising material class for next-generation non-volatile memory technologies, owing to their large remanent polarization, intrinsically ordered three-dimensional crystal structure, and full compatibility with CMOS processes and back-end-of-line (BEOL) integration. However, their practical implementation remains critically constrained by a severe e… ▽ More Wurtzite ferroelectrics are rapidly emerging as a promising material class for next-generation non-volatile memory technologies, owing to their large remanent polarization, intrinsically ordered three-dimensional crystal structure, and full compatibility with CMOS processes and back-end-of-line (BEOL) integration. However, their practical implementation remains critically constrained by a severe endurance bottleneck: under conditions where the remanent polarization (2Pr) reaches or exceeds 200 uC/cm^2, devices typically undergo catastrophic failure before reaching 10^8 cycles. Here, we report a vacancy-confining superlattice strategy that addresses this limitation, achieving reliable ferroelectric switching beyond 10^10 cycles while preserving saturated polarization (2Pr >= 200 uC/cm^2). This is achieved by embedding periodic ultrathin AlN layers within AlScN films, forming wurtzite AlScN/AlN superlattices, in conjunction with a dynamic recovery protocol that actively stabilizes the defect landscape throughout repeated cycling. Atomic-resolution imaging and EELS spectrum imaging technique, supported by first-principles calculations, reveal a self-regulated defect topology in which nitrogen vacancies are spatially confined by heterostructure energy barriers and dynamically re-trapped into energetically favorable lattice sites. This dual spatial-energetic confinement mechanism effectively inhibits both long-range percolative migration and local defect clustering, enabling such an ultrahigh endurance exceeding 10^10 cycles and limiting polarization degradation to below 3% after 10^9 cycles. These findings establish nitrogen vacancy topology stabilization as a foundational design principle for reliable operation of wurtzite ferroelectrics, providing a scalable and CMOS-compatible platform for future high-endurance ferroelectric memory technologies. △ Less

Submitted 27 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: 30 pages 11 figures

Rapid passage to ordered states in Rydberg atom arrays

Authors: Liang Zeng, Fei Zhu, Li Chen, Heng Shen

Abstract: Given a finite lifetime, a ubiquitous challenge in quantum systems is how to prepare a target state in the shortest possible time. This issue is particularly relevant for Rydberg atom arrays in optical tweezers where the dephasing time is typically restricted to a few microseconds. In this work, we develop a rapid passage to ordered many-body states in a Rydberg atomic chain, which allows the tran… ▽ More Given a finite lifetime, a ubiquitous challenge in quantum systems is how to prepare a target state in the shortest possible time. This issue is particularly relevant for Rydberg atom arrays in optical tweezers where the dephasing time is typically restricted to a few microseconds. In this work, we develop a rapid passage to ordered many-body states in a Rydberg atomic chain, which allows the transition of the system to various ordered phases in the phase diagram, such as the Z$_2$-, Z$_3$-, and Z$_4$-ordered antiferromagnetic states. Our scheme ramps the parameter in a "non-adiabatic to quasi-adiabatic to non-adiabatic (NQN)" manner. The NQN configuration significantly reduces the time cost required for the state preparation using entirely adiabatic methods, and is generally appliable to sizable number of atoms. Moreover, we experimentally validate the NQN scheme on the neutral-atom quantum cloud computer Aquila. △ Less

Submitted 27 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 9 pages,5 figures

Cryogenic Ferroelectric Behavior of Wurtzite Ferroelectrics

Authors: Ruiqing Wang, Jiuren Zhou, Siying Zheng, Feng Zhu, Wenxin Sun, Haiwen Xu, Bochang Li, Yan Liu, Yue Hao, Genquan Han

Abstract: This study presents the first experimental exploration into cryogenic ferroelectric behavior in wurtzite ferroelectrics. A breakdown field (EBD) to coercive field (EC) ratio of 1.8 is achieved even at 4 K, marking the lowest ferroelectric switching temperature reported for wurtzite ferroelectrics. Additionally, a significant evolution in fatigue behavior is captured, transitioning from hard breakd… ▽ More This study presents the first experimental exploration into cryogenic ferroelectric behavior in wurtzite ferroelectrics. A breakdown field (EBD) to coercive field (EC) ratio of 1.8 is achieved even at 4 K, marking the lowest ferroelectric switching temperature reported for wurtzite ferroelectrics. Additionally, a significant evolution in fatigue behavior is captured, transitioning from hard breakdown to ferroelectricity loss at cryogenic temperatures. These findings unlock the feasibility for wurtzite ferroelectrics to advance wide temperature non-volatile memory. △ Less

Submitted 14 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 4 pages,6 figures

Spontaneous rotational symmetry breaking induced by electronic instability in the normal state of La_{1-x} Sr_{x} NiO_{2}

Authors: Qiang Zhao, Rui Liu, Wen-Long Yang, Xue-Yan Wang, Jia-Kun Luo, Jing-Yuan Ma, Fang-Hui Zhu, Cheng-Xue Chen, Mei-Ling Yan, Rui-Fen Dou, Chang-Min Xiong, Chi Xu, Xing-Ye Lu, Hai-Wen Liu, Ji-Kun Chen, Zhi-Ping Yin, Jia-Cai Nie

Abstract: The spontaneous rotational symmetry breaking (RSB), a hallmark phenomenon in cuprate and iron-based high-temperature superconductors, is believed to intimately connected to superconductivity, both of which originate from interactions among different degrees of freedoms and competing quantum states. Understanding RSB is pivotal for unraveling the microscopic origin of unconventional superconductivi… ▽ More The spontaneous rotational symmetry breaking (RSB), a hallmark phenomenon in cuprate and iron-based high-temperature superconductors, is believed to intimately connected to superconductivity, both of which originate from interactions among different degrees of freedoms and competing quantum states. Understanding RSB is pivotal for unraveling the microscopic origin of unconventional superconductivity. Although infinite-layer nickelates (ILNs) share similar crystalline structure and the same nominal 3d-electron configurations with cuprates, they have significant differences in Fermi surface topology, electronic band characteristics, and charge order. These distinctions make ILNs an ideal platform for studying RSB in unconventional superconductors. Through angular-resolved resistivity measurements within a large temperature and doping range, we identify pronounced RSB signatures near doping concentrations x=0.05 and 0.25. Based on the strongly correlated electronic structures from combined density functional theory and dynamical mean field theory calculations, we find that the calculated electronic susceptibility has a peak structure at the corresponding doping concentration, indicating pronounced electronic instabilities which drive RSB. Detailed analysis of the electronic susceptibility demonstrates that the van Hove singularity at the Fermi level significantly contributes to the electronic instability at 0.05 Sr doping. Our findings reveal the important role of electronic correlation, Van Hove singularity, and Fermi surface nesting in the emergence of RSB. Our work not only deepens the understanding of electronic behavior in ILNs, but also provides new ideas and methods for exploring RSB in other unconventional superconductors. △ Less

Submitted 16 March, 2025; v1 submitted 5 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 17pages,7figures

ACM Class: J.2

Floquet geometric squeezing in fast-rotating condensates

Authors: Li Chen, Fei Zhu, Yunbo Zhang, Han Pu

Abstract: Constructing and manipulating quantum states in fast-rotating Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) has long stood as a significant challenge as the rotating speed approaching the critical velocity. Although the recent experiment [Science, 372, 1318 (2021)] has realized the geometrically squeezed state of the guiding-center mode, the remaining degree of freedom, the cyclotron mode, remains unsqueezed du… ▽ More Constructing and manipulating quantum states in fast-rotating Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) has long stood as a significant challenge as the rotating speed approaching the critical velocity. Although the recent experiment [Science, 372, 1318 (2021)] has realized the geometrically squeezed state of the guiding-center mode, the remaining degree of freedom, the cyclotron mode, remains unsqueezed due to the large energy gap of Landau levels. To overcome this limitation, in this paper, we propose a Floquet-based state-preparation protocol by periodically driving an anisotropic potential. This protocol not only facilitates the single cyclotron-mode squeezing, but also enables a two-mode squeezing. Such two-mode squeezing offers a richer set of dynamics compared to single-mode squeezing and can achieve wavepacket width well below the lowest Landau level limit. Our work provides a highly controllable knob for realizing diverse geometrically squeezed states in ultracold quantum gases within the quantum Hall regime. △ Less

Submitted 6 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: 6 + 6 pages, 4 figures, 7 animations. To appear as a Letter in PRA

Thickness-dependent Topological Phases and Flat Bands in Rhombohedral Multilayer Graphene

Authors: H. B. Xiao, C. Chen, X. Sui, S. H. Zhang, M. Z. Sun, H. Gao, Q. Jiang, Q. Li, L. X. Yang, M. Ye, F. Y. Zhu, M. X. Wang, J. P. Liu, Z. B. Zhang, Z. J. Wang, Y. L. Chen, K. H. Liu, Z. K. Liu

Abstract: Rhombohedral multilayer graphene has emerged as an extraordinary platform for investigating exotic quantum states, such as superconductivity and fractional quantum anomalous Hall effects, mainly due to the existence of topological surface flatbands. Despite extensive research efforts, a systematic spectroscopic investigation on the evolution of its electronic structure from thin layers to bulk rem… ▽ More Rhombohedral multilayer graphene has emerged as an extraordinary platform for investigating exotic quantum states, such as superconductivity and fractional quantum anomalous Hall effects, mainly due to the existence of topological surface flatbands. Despite extensive research efforts, a systematic spectroscopic investigation on the evolution of its electronic structure from thin layers to bulk remains elusive. Using state-of-the-art angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with submicron spatial resolution, we directly probe and trace the thickness evolution of the topological electronic structures of rhombohedral multilayer graphene. As the layer number increases, the gapped subbands transform into the 3D Dirac nodes that spirals in the momentum space; while the flatbands are constantly observed around Fermi level, and eventually evolve into the topological drumhead surface states. This unique thickness-dependent topological phase transition can be well captured by the 3D generalization of 1D Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chain in thin layers, to the topological Dirac nodal spiral semimetal in the bulk limit. Our findings establish a solid foundation for exploring the exotic quantum phases with nontrivial topology and correlation effects in rhombohedral multilayer graphene. △ Less

Submitted 25 November, 2024; v1 submitted 18 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 15 pages, 4 figures, under review. A note added

Journal ref: Science Bulletin (2025)

Status of Nano-ARPES endstation at BL07U of Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility

Authors: Han Gao, Hanbo Xiao, Feng Wang, Fangyuan Zhu, Meixiao Wang, Zhongkai Liu, Yulin Chen, Cheng Chen

Abstract: In this article, we introduce the current status of the new NanoARPES endstation at BL07U of Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF), which facilitates the study of the electronic band structure of material systems with limited geometrical sizes. In this article, we introduce the current status of the new NanoARPES endstation at BL07U of Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF), which facilitates the study of the electronic band structure of material systems with limited geometrical sizes. △ Less

Submitted 29 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 12 pages, 4 figures

Voltage-controlled non-axisymmetric vibrations of soft electro-active tubes with strain-stiffening effect

Authors: F. Zhu, B. Wu, M. Destrade, H. Wang, R. Bao, W. Chen

Abstract: Material properties of soft electro-active (SEA) structures are significantly sensitive to external electro-mechanical biasing fields (such as pre-stretch and electric stimuli), which generate remarkable knock-on effects on their dynamic characteristics. In this work, we analyze the electrostatically tunable non-axisymmetric vibrations of an incompressible SEA cylindrical tube under the combinatio… ▽ More Material properties of soft electro-active (SEA) structures are significantly sensitive to external electro-mechanical biasing fields (such as pre-stretch and electric stimuli), which generate remarkable knock-on effects on their dynamic characteristics. In this work, we analyze the electrostatically tunable non-axisymmetric vibrations of an incompressible SEA cylindrical tube under the combination of a radially applied electric voltage and an axial pre-stretch. Following the theory of nonlinear electro-elasticity and the associated linearized theory for superimposed perturbations, we derive the nonlinear static response of the SEA tube to the inhomogeneous biasing fields for the Gent ideal dielectric model. Using the State Space Method, we efficiently obtain the frequency equations for voltage-controlled small-amplitude three-dimensional non-axisymmetric vibrations, covering a wide range of behaviors, from the purely radial breathing mode to torsional modes, axisymmetric longitudinal modes, and prismatic diffuse modes. We also perform an exhaustive numerical analysis to validate the proposed approach compared with the conventional displacement method, as well as to elucidate the influences of the applied voltage, axial pre-stretch, and strain-stiffening effect on the nonlinear static response and vibration behaviors of the SEA tube. The present study clearly indicates that manipulating electro-mechanical biasing fields is a feasible way to tune the small-amplitude vibration characteristics of an SEA tube. The results should benefit experimental work on, and design of, voltage-controlled resonant devices made of SEA tubes. △ Less

Submitted 19 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Journal ref: International Journal of Solids and Structures 290 (2024) 112671

Dynamical topology of chiral and nonreciprocal state transfers in a non-Hermitian quantum system

Authors: Pengfei Lu, Yang Liu, Qifeng Lao, Teng Liu, Xinxin Rao, Ji Bian, Hao Wu, Feng Zhu, Le Luo

Abstract: The fundamental concept underlying topological phenomena posits the geometric phase associated with eigenstates. In contrast to this prevailing notion, theoretical studies on time-varying Hamiltonians allow for a new type of topological phenomenon, known as topological dynamics, where the evolution process allows a hidden topological invariant associated with continuous flows. To validate this con… ▽ More The fundamental concept underlying topological phenomena posits the geometric phase associated with eigenstates. In contrast to this prevailing notion, theoretical studies on time-varying Hamiltonians allow for a new type of topological phenomenon, known as topological dynamics, where the evolution process allows a hidden topological invariant associated with continuous flows. To validate this conjecture, we study topological chiral and nonreciprocal dynamics by encircling the exceptional points (EPs) of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians in a trapped ion system. These dynamics are topologically robust against external perturbations even in the presence dissipation-induced nonadiabatic processes. Our findings indicate that they are protected by dynamical vorticity -- an emerging topological invariant associated with the energy dispersion of non-Hermitian band structures in a parallel transported eigenbasis. The symmetry breaking and other key features of topological dynamics are directly observed through quantum state tomography. Our results mark a significant step towards exploring topological properties of open quantum systems. △ Less

Submitted 5 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Tunable moiré bandgap in hBN-aligned bilayer graphene device with in-situ electrostatic gating

Authors: Hanbo Xiao, Han Gao, Min Li, Fanqiang Chen, Qiao Li, Yiwei Li, Meixiao Wang, Fangyuan Zhu, Lexian Yang, Feng Miao, Yulin Chen, Cheng Chen, Bin Cheng, Jianpeng Liu, Zhongkai Liu

Abstract: Over the years, great efforts have been devoted in introducing a sizable and tunable band gap in graphene for its potential application in next-generation electronic devices. The primary challenge in modulating this gap has been the absence of a direct method for observing changes of the band gap in momentum space. In this study, we employ advanced spatial- and angle-resolved photoemission spectro… ▽ More Over the years, great efforts have been devoted in introducing a sizable and tunable band gap in graphene for its potential application in next-generation electronic devices. The primary challenge in modulating this gap has been the absence of a direct method for observing changes of the band gap in momentum space. In this study, we employ advanced spatial- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy technique to directly visualize the gap formation in bilayer graphene, modulated by both displacement fields and moiré potentials. The application of displacement field via in-situ electrostatic gating introduces a sizable and tunable electronic bandgap, proportional to the field strength up to 100 meV. Meanwhile, the moiré potential, induced by aligning the underlying hexagonal boron nitride substrate, extends the bandgap by ~ 20 meV. Theoretical calculations, effectively capture the experimental observations. Our investigation provides a quantitative understanding of how these two mechanisms collaboratively modulate the band gap in bilayer graphene, offering valuable guidance for the design of graphene-based electronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 24 May, 2024; v1 submitted 20 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 16 pages,4 figures

Partial confinement in a quantum-link simulator

Authors: Zheng Tang, Fei Zhu, Yi-Fan Luo, Wei Zheng, Li Chen

Abstract: Confinement/deconfinement, captivating attributes of high-energy elementary particles, have recently garnered wide attention in quantum simulations based on cold atoms. Yet, the partial confinement, an intermediate state between the confinement and deconfinement, remains underexplored. The partial confinement encapsulates the phenomenon that the confining behavior of charged particles is contingen… ▽ More Confinement/deconfinement, captivating attributes of high-energy elementary particles, have recently garnered wide attention in quantum simulations based on cold atoms. Yet, the partial confinement, an intermediate state between the confinement and deconfinement, remains underexplored. The partial confinement encapsulates the phenomenon that the confining behavior of charged particles is contingent upon their relative positions. In this paper, we demonstrate that the spin-1 quantum link model provides an excellent platform for exploring partial confinement. We conduct a comprehensive investigation of the physics emerging from partial confinement in both the context of equilibrium and non-equilibrium dynamics. Potential experimental setups using cold atoms are also discussed. Our work offers a simple and feasible routine for the study of confinement-related physics in the state-of-the-art artificial quantum systems subject to gauge symmetries. △ Less

Submitted 1 September, 2024; v1 submitted 28 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Optical manipulation of the topological phase in ZrTe5 revealed by time- and angle-resolved photoemission

Authors: Chaozhi Huang, Chengyang Xu, Fengfeng Zhu, Shaofeng Duan, Jianzhe Liu, Lingxiao Gu, Shichong Wang, Haoran Liu, Dong Qian, Weidong Luo, Wentao Zhang

Abstract: High-resolution time- and angle-resolved photoemission measurements were conducted on the topological insulator ZrTe5. With strong femtosecond photoexcitation, a possible ultrafast phase transition from a weak to a strong topological insulating phase was experimentally realized by recovering the energy gap inversion in a time scale that was shorter than 0.15 ps. This photoinduced transient strong… ▽ More High-resolution time- and angle-resolved photoemission measurements were conducted on the topological insulator ZrTe5. With strong femtosecond photoexcitation, a possible ultrafast phase transition from a weak to a strong topological insulating phase was experimentally realized by recovering the energy gap inversion in a time scale that was shorter than 0.15 ps. This photoinduced transient strong topological phase can last longer than 2 ps at the highest excitation fluence studied, and it cannot be attributed to the photoinduced heating of electrons or modification of the conduction band filling. Additionally, the measured unoccupied electronic states are consistent with the first-principles calculation based on experimental crystal lattice constants, which favor a strong topological insulating phase. These findings provide new insights into the longstanding controversy about the strong and weak topological properties in ZrTe5, and they suggest that many-body effects including electron-electron interactions must be taken into account to understand the equilibrium weak topological insulating phase in ZrTe5. △ Less

Submitted 18 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Journal ref: Chinese Physics B 33, 017901 (2024)

Observation of quantum oscillations near the Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit in CaAs3

Authors: Yuxiang Wang, Minhao Zhao, Jinglei Zhang, Wenbin Wu, Shichao Li, Yong Zhang, Wenxiang Jiang, Nesta Benno Joseph, Liangcai Xu, Yicheng Mou, Yunkun Yang, Pengliang Leng, Yong Zhang, Li Pi, Alexey Suslov, Mykhaylo Ozerov, Jan Wyzula, Milan Orlita, Fengfeng Zhu, Yi Zhang, Xufeng Kou, Zengwei Zhu, Awadhesh Narayan, Dong Qian, Jinsheng Wen , et al. (3 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit sets the lower bound of carrier mean free path for coherent quasiparticle transport. Metallicity beyond this limit is of great interest because it is often closely related to quantum criticality and unconventional superconductivity. Progress along this direction mainly focuses on the strange-metal behaviors originating from the evolution of quasiparticle scattering rate… ▽ More The Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit sets the lower bound of carrier mean free path for coherent quasiparticle transport. Metallicity beyond this limit is of great interest because it is often closely related to quantum criticality and unconventional superconductivity. Progress along this direction mainly focuses on the strange-metal behaviors originating from the evolution of quasiparticle scattering rate such as linear-in-temperature resistivity, while the quasiparticle coherence phenomena in this regime are much less explored due to the short mean free path at the diffusive bound. Here we report the observation of quantum oscillations from Landau quantization near the Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit in CaAs3. Despite the insulator-like temperature dependence of resistivity, CaAs3 presents giant magnetoresistance and prominent Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations from Fermi surfaces, indicating highly coherent band transport. In contrast, the quantum oscillation is absent in the magnetic torque. The quasiparticle effective mass increases systematically with magnetic fields, manifesting a much larger value than the expectation given by magneto-infrared spectroscopy. It suggests a strong many-body renormalization effect near Fermi surface. We find that these unconventional behaviors may be explained by the interplay between the mobility edge and the van Hove singularity, which results in the formation of coherent cyclotron orbits emerging at the diffusive bound. Our results call for further study on the electron correlation effect of the van Hove singularity. △ Less

Submitted 14 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 18 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: National Science Review, nwae127 (2024)

Towards full control of molecular exciton energy transfer via FRET in DNA origami assemblies

Authors: Aleksandra K. Adamczyk, Teun A. P. M. Huijben, Karol Kolataj, Fangjia Zhu, Rodolphe Marie, Fernando D. Stefani, Guillermo P. Acuna

Abstract: Controlling the flow of excitons between organic molecules holds immense promise for various applications, including energy conversion, spectroscopy, photocatalysis, sensing, and microscopy. DNA nanotechnology has shown promise in achieving this control by using synthetic DNA as a platform for positioning and, very recently, for also orienting organic dyes. In this study, the orientation of doubly… ▽ More Controlling the flow of excitons between organic molecules holds immense promise for various applications, including energy conversion, spectroscopy, photocatalysis, sensing, and microscopy. DNA nanotechnology has shown promise in achieving this control by using synthetic DNA as a platform for positioning and, very recently, for also orienting organic dyes. In this study, the orientation of doubly-linked dyes in DNA origami structures was manipulated to control energy transfer. By controlling independently the orientation of single donor and acceptor molecules, the average energy transfer efficiency was doubled. This work demonstrates the potential of DNA nanotechnology for precise control of the excitonic energy transfer with implications for artificial light-harvesting antennas. △ Less

Submitted 9 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 19 pages, 4 figures

Massive topological edge channels in three-dimensional topological materials induced by extreme surface anisotropy

Authors: Fengfeng Zhu, Chenqiang Hua, Xiao Wang, Lin Miao, Yixi Su, Makoto Hashimoto, Donghui Lu, Zhi-Xun Shen, Jin-Feng Jia, Yunhao Lu, Dandan Guan, Dong Qian

Abstract: A two-dimensional quantum spin Hall insulator exhibits one-dimensional gapless spin-filtered edge channels allowing for dissipationless transport of charge and spin. However, the sophisticated fabrication requirement of two-dimensional materials and the low capacity of one-dimensional channels hinder the broadening applications. We introduce a method to manipulate a three-dimensional topological m… ▽ More A two-dimensional quantum spin Hall insulator exhibits one-dimensional gapless spin-filtered edge channels allowing for dissipationless transport of charge and spin. However, the sophisticated fabrication requirement of two-dimensional materials and the low capacity of one-dimensional channels hinder the broadening applications. We introduce a method to manipulate a three-dimensional topological material to host a large number of one-dimensional topological edge channels utilizing surface anisotropy. Taking ZrTe5 as a model system, we realize a highly anisotropic surface due to the synergistic effect of the lattice geometry and Coulomb interaction, and achieve massive one-dimensional topological edge channels -- confirmed by electronic characterization using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, in combination with first-principles calculations. Our work provides a new avenue to engineer the topological properties of three-dimensional materials through nanoscale tunning of surface morphology and opens up a promising prospect for the development of low-power-consumption electronic nano devices based on one-dimensional topological edge channels. △ Less

Submitted 23 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Coexistence of near-EF flat band and van Hove singularity in a two-phase superconductor

Authors: Xuezhi Chen, Le Wang, Jun Ishizuka, Kosuke Nogaki, Yiwei Cheng, Fazhi Yang, Renjie Zhang, Zhenhua Chen, Fangyuan Zhu, Youichi Yanase, Baiqing Lv, Yaobo Huang

Abstract: In quantum many-body systems, particularly, the ones with large near-EF density states, like flat bands or van Hove singularity (VHS), electron correlations often give rise to rich phase diagrams with multiple coexisting/competing orders occurring at similar energy scales. The recently discovered locally noncentrosymmetric heavy fermion superconductor CeRh2As2 has stimulated extensive attention du… ▽ More In quantum many-body systems, particularly, the ones with large near-EF density states, like flat bands or van Hove singularity (VHS), electron correlations often give rise to rich phase diagrams with multiple coexisting/competing orders occurring at similar energy scales. The recently discovered locally noncentrosymmetric heavy fermion superconductor CeRh2As2 has stimulated extensive attention due to its unusual H-T phase diagram, consisting of two-phase superconductivity, antiferromagnetic order, and possible quadrupole-density wave orders. However, despite its great importance, the near-EF electronic structure remains experimentally elusive. Here, we provide this key information by combining soft X-ray and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements and atom-resolved DFT+U calculations. With bulk-sensitive soft X-rays, we reveal quasi-2D hole- and 3D electron- pockets with a pronounced nesting feature. Most importantly, we observe a symmetry-protected fourfold VHS coexisting with the Ce 4f flat bands near the EF, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported before. Such a rare coexistence is expected to lead to a large density of states at the zone edge, enhancement in electron correlations, and a large upper critical field of the odd-parity superconducting phase. Uniquely, it will also result in a new type of f-VHS hybridization that alters the order and fine electronic structure of the symmetry-protected VHS and flat bands. These peculiarities offer important dimensions for understanding the reported rich phase diagram and are discussed as an origin of superconductivity with two phases. Our findings not only provide key insights into the nature of multiple phases in CeRh$_2$As$_2$, but also open up new prospects for exploring the novelties of many-body systems with f-VHS hybridization. △ Less

Submitted 11 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: A version of the original submission (submitted in July)

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. X 14, 021048 (2024)

Flat band-engineered spin-density wave and the emergent multi-$k$ magnetic state in the topological kagome metal Mn$_{3}$Sn

Authors: Xiao Wang, Fengfeng Zhu, Xiuxian Yang, Martin Meven, Xinrun Mi, Changjiang Yi, Junda Song, Thomas Mueller, Wolfgang Schmidt, Karin Schmalzl, Eric Ressouche, Jianhui Xu, Mingquan He, Youguo Shi, Wanxiang Feng, Yuriy Mokrousov, Stefan Blügel, Georg Roth, Yixi Su

Abstract: Magnetic kagome metals, in which topologically non-trivial band structures and electronic correlation are intertwined, have recently emerged as an exciting platform to explore exotic correlated topological phases, that are usually not found in weakly interacting materials described within the semi-classical picture of electrons. Here, via a comprehensive single-crystal neutron diffraction and firs… ▽ More Magnetic kagome metals, in which topologically non-trivial band structures and electronic correlation are intertwined, have recently emerged as an exciting platform to explore exotic correlated topological phases, that are usually not found in weakly interacting materials described within the semi-classical picture of electrons. Here, via a comprehensive single-crystal neutron diffraction and first-principles density functional theory study of the archetypical topological kagome metal Mn$_3$Sn, which is also a magnetic Weyl fermion material and a promising chiral magnet for antiferromagnetic spintronics, we report the realisation of an emergent spin-density wave (SDW) order, a hallmark correlated many-body phenomenon, that is engineered by the Fermi surface nesting of topological flat bands. We further reveal that the phase transition, from the well-known high-temperature coplanar and non-collinear k = 0 inverse triangular antiferromagnetic order to a double-$k$ non-coplanar modulated incommensurate magnetic structure below $T_1$ = 280 K, is primarily driven by the SDW instability. The double-$k$ nature of this complex low-temperature magnetic order, which can be regarded as an intriguing superposition of a longitudinal SDW with a modulation wavevector k$_L$ and a transverse incommensurate helical magnetic order with a modulation wavevector k$_T$, is unambiguously confirmed by our observation of the inter-modulation high-order harmonics of the type of 2k$_L$+k$_T$. This discovery not only solves a long-standing puzzle concerning the nature of the phase transition at $T_1$, but also provides an extraordinary example on the intrinsic engineering of correlated many-body phenomena in topological matter. The identified multi-$k$ magnetic state can be further exploited for the engineering of the new modes of magnetization and chirality switching in antiferromagnetic spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 7 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Three-dimensional atomic positions and local chemical order of medium- and high-entropy alloys

Authors: Saman Moniri, Yao Yang, Yakun Yuan, Jihan Zhou, Long Yang, Fan Zhu, Yuxuan Liao, Yonggang Yao, Liangbing Hu, Peter Ercius, Jun Ding, Jianwei Miao

Abstract: Medium- and high-entropy alloys (M/HEAs) mix multiple principal elements with near-equiatomic composition and represent a paradigm-shift strategy for designing new materials for metallurgy, catalysis, and other fields. One of the core hypotheses of M/HEAs is lattice distortion. However, experimentally determining the 3D local lattice distortion in M/HEAs remains a challenge. Additionally, the pres… ▽ More Medium- and high-entropy alloys (M/HEAs) mix multiple principal elements with near-equiatomic composition and represent a paradigm-shift strategy for designing new materials for metallurgy, catalysis, and other fields. One of the core hypotheses of M/HEAs is lattice distortion. However, experimentally determining the 3D local lattice distortion in M/HEAs remains a challenge. Additionally, the presumed random elemental mixing in M/HEAs has been questioned by atomistic simulations, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electron diffraction, which suggest the existence of local chemical order in M/HEAs. However, the 3D local chemical order has eluded direct experimental observation since the EDS elemental maps integrate the composition of atomic columns along the zone axes, and the diffuse reflections/streaks in electron diffraction of M/HEAs may originate from planar defects. Here, we determine the 3D atomic positions of M/HEA nanocrystals using atomic electron tomography, and quantitatively characterize the local lattice distortion, strain tensor, twin boundaries, dislocation cores, and chemical short-range order (CSRO) with unprecedented 3D detail. We find that the local lattice distortion and strain tensor in the HEAs are larger and more heterogeneous than in the MEAs. We observe CSRO-mediated twinning in the MEAs. that is, twinning occurs in energetically unfavoured CSRO regions but not in energetically favoured CSRO ones. This observation confirms the atomistic simulation results of the bulk CrCoNi MEA and represents the first experimental evidence of correlating local chemical order with structural defects in any material system. We expect that this work will not only expand our fundamental understanding of this important class of materials, but also could provide the foundation for tailoring M/HEA properties through lattice distortion and local chemical order. △ Less

Submitted 23 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Comments: 35 pages, 13 figures

Spin-phonon scattering-induced low thermal conductivity in a van der Waals layered ferromagnet Cr$_2$Si$_2$Te$_6$

Authors: Kunya Yang, Hong Wu, Zefang Li, Chen Ran, Xiao Wang, Fengfeng Zhu, Xiangnan Gong, Yan Liu, Guiwen Wang, Long Zhang, Xinrun Mi, Aifeng Wang, Yisheng Chai, Yixi Su, Wenhong Wang, Mingquan He, Xiaolong Yang, Xiaoyuan Zhou

Abstract: Layered van der Waals (vdW) magnets are prominent playgrounds for developing magnetoelectric, magneto-optic and spintronic devices. In spintronics, particularly in spincaloritronic applications, low thermal conductivity ($κ$) is highly desired. Here, by combining thermal transport measurements with density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate low $κ$ down to 1 W m$^{-1}$ K$^{-1}$ in a ty… ▽ More Layered van der Waals (vdW) magnets are prominent playgrounds for developing magnetoelectric, magneto-optic and spintronic devices. In spintronics, particularly in spincaloritronic applications, low thermal conductivity ($κ$) is highly desired. Here, by combining thermal transport measurements with density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate low $κ$ down to 1 W m$^{-1}$ K$^{-1}$ in a typical vdW ferromagnet Cr$_2$Si$_2$Te$_6$. In the paramagnetic state, development of magnetic fluctuations way above $T_\mathrm{c}=$ 33 K strongly reduces $κ$ via spin-phonon scattering, leading to low $κ\sim$ 1 W m$^{-1}$ K$^{-1}$ over a wide temperature range, in comparable to that of amorphous silica. In the magnetically ordered state, emergence of resonant magnon-phonon scattering limits $κ$ below $\sim$ 2 W m$^{-1}$ K$^{-1}$, which would be three times larger if magnetic scatterings were absent. Application of magnetic fields strongly suppresses the spin-phonon scattering, giving rise to large enhancements of $κ$. Our calculations well capture these complex behaviours of $κ$ by taking the temperature- and magnetic-field-dependent spin-phonon scattering into account. Realization of low $κ$ which is easily tunable by magnetic fields in Cr$_2$Si$_2$Te$_6$, may further promote spincaloritronic applications of vdW magnets. Our theoretical approach may also provide a generic understanding of spin-phonon scattering, which appears to play important roles in various systems. △ Less

Submitted 5 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Comments: 14 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in Advanced Functional Materials

Journal ref: Adv. Funct. Mater. 2302191 (2023)

Hydrostatic pressure effects in the Kitaev quantum magnet $α$-RuCl$_3$: A single-crystal neutron diffraction study

Authors: Xiao Wang, Fengfeng Zhu, Navid Qureshi, Ketty Beauvois, Junda Song, Thomas Mueller, Thomas Brückel, Yixi Su

Abstract: We report a comprehensive single-crystal neutron diffraction investigation of the Kitaev quantum magnet $α$-RuCl$_{3}$ under hydrostatic pressure. Utilizing a He-gas pressure cell, we successfully applied an ideal hydrostatic pressure in situ at low temperatures, which allows to effectively eliminate any possible influences from the structural transition occurring between 200 K and 50 K under ambi… ▽ More We report a comprehensive single-crystal neutron diffraction investigation of the Kitaev quantum magnet $α$-RuCl$_{3}$ under hydrostatic pressure. Utilizing a He-gas pressure cell, we successfully applied an ideal hydrostatic pressure in situ at low temperatures, which allows to effectively eliminate any possible influences from the structural transition occurring between 200 K and 50 K under ambient conditions. Our experiments reveal a gradual suppression of the ziagzag antiferromagnetic order as hydrostatic pressure increases. Furthermore, a reversible pressure-induced structural transition occurs at a critical pressure of $P_d$ = 0.15 GPa at 30 K, as evidenced by the absence of magnetic order and non-uniform changes in lattice constants. The decrease in magnetic transition temperature is discussed in relation to a pressure-induced change in the trigonal distortion of the Ru-Cl octahedra in this compound. Our findings emphasize the significance of the trigonal distortion in Kitaev materials, and provide a new perspective on the role of hydrostatic pressures in the realization of the Kitaev quantum spin liquid state in $α$-RuCl$_{3}$. △ Less

Submitted 2 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

Comments: 7 pages with 4 figures

Non-thermal dynamics in a spin-1/2 lattice Schwinger model

Authors: Chunping Gao, Zheng Tang, Fei Zhu, Yunbo Zhang, Han Pu, Li Chen

Abstract: Local gauge symmetry is intriguing for the study of quantum thermalization breaking. For example, in the high-spin lattice Schwinger model (LSM), the local U(1) gauge symmetry underlies the disorder-free many-body localization (MBL) dynamics of matter fields. This mechanism, however, would not work in a spin-1/2 LSM due to the absence of electric energy in the Hamiltonian. In this paper, we show t… ▽ More Local gauge symmetry is intriguing for the study of quantum thermalization breaking. For example, in the high-spin lattice Schwinger model (LSM), the local U(1) gauge symmetry underlies the disorder-free many-body localization (MBL) dynamics of matter fields. This mechanism, however, would not work in a spin-1/2 LSM due to the absence of electric energy in the Hamiltonian. In this paper, we show that the spin-1/2 LSM can also exhibit disorder-free MBL dynamics, as well as entropy prethermalization, by introducing a four-fermion interaction into the system. The interplay between the fermion interaction and U(1) gauge symmetry endows the gauge fields with an effectively disordered potential which is responsible for the thermalization breaking. It induces anomalous (i.e., non-thermal) behaviors in the long-time evolution of such quantities as local observables, entanglement entropy, and correlation functions. Our work offers a new platform to explore emergent non-thermal dynamics in state-of-the-art quantum simulators with gauge symmetries. △ Less

Submitted 1 March, 2023; v1 submitted 8 January, 2023; originally announced January 2023.

Topological magnon insulators in two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnets CrSiTe$_3$ and CrGeTe$_3$: towards intrinsic gap-tunability

Authors: Fengfeng Zhu, Lichuan Zhang, Xiao Wang, Flaviano José dos Santos, Junda Song, Thomas Mueller, Karin Schmalzl, Wolfgang F. Schmidt, Alexandre Ivanov, Jitae T. Park, Jianhui Xu, Jie Ma, Samir Lounis, Stefan Blügel, Yuriy Mokrousov, Yixi Su, Thomas Brückel

Abstract: The bosonic analogues of topological insulators have been proposed in numerous theoretical works, but their experimental realization is still very rare, especially for spin systems. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb van der Waals (vdW) ferromagnets have emerged as a new platform for topological spin excitations. Here, via a comprehensive inelastic neutron scattering study and theoretical an… ▽ More The bosonic analogues of topological insulators have been proposed in numerous theoretical works, but their experimental realization is still very rare, especially for spin systems. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb van der Waals (vdW) ferromagnets have emerged as a new platform for topological spin excitations. Here, via a comprehensive inelastic neutron scattering study and theoretical analysis of the spin-wave excitations, we report the realization of topological magnon insulators in CrXTe$_3$ (X=Si, Ge) compounds. The nontrivial nature and intrinsic tunability of the gap opening at the magnon band-crossing Dirac points are confirmed, while the emergence of the corresponding in-gap topological edge states is demonstrated theoretically. The realization of topological magnon insulators with intrinsic gap-tunability in this class of remarkable 2D materials will undoubtedly lead to new and fascinating technological applications in the domain of magnonics and topological spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 8 July, 2021; originally announced July 2021.

Comments: 24 pages, 15 figures, accepted by Science Advances

The interplay of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya and Kitaev interactions for magnonic properties of Heisenberg-Kitaev honeycomb ferromagnets

Authors: Li-Chuan Zhang, Fengfeng Zhu, Dongwook Go, Fabian R. Lux, Flaviano José dos Santos, Samir Lounis, Yixi Su, Stefan Blügel, Yuriy Mokrousov

Abstract: The properties of Kitaev materials are attracting ever increasing attention owing to their exotic properties. In realistic two-dimensional materials, Kitaev interaction is often accompanied by the Dzyloshinskii-Moriya interaction, which poses a challenge of distinguishing their magnitude separately. In this work, we demonstrate that it can be done by accessing magnonic transport properties. By stu… ▽ More The properties of Kitaev materials are attracting ever increasing attention owing to their exotic properties. In realistic two-dimensional materials, Kitaev interaction is often accompanied by the Dzyloshinskii-Moriya interaction, which poses a challenge of distinguishing their magnitude separately. In this work, we demonstrate that it can be done by accessing magnonic transport properties. By studying honeycomb ferromagnets exhibiting Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya and Kitaev interactions simultaneously, we reveal non-trivial magnonic topological properties accompanied by intricate magnonic transport characteristics as given by thermal Hall and magnon Nernst effects. We also investigate the effect of a magnetic field, showing that it does not only break the symmetry of the system but also brings drastic modifications to magnonic topological transport properties, which serve as hallmarks of the relative strength of anisotropic exchange interactions. Based on our findings, we suggest strategies to estimate the importance of Kitaev interactions in real materials. △ Less

Submitted 29 December, 2020; v1 submitted 26 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 103, 134414 (2021)

Electrostatically tunable axisymmetric vibrations of soft electro-active tubes

Authors: Fangzhou Zhu, Bin Wu, Michel Destrade, Weiqiu Chen

Abstract: Due to their unique electromechanical coupling properties, soft electro-active (SEA) resonators are actively tunable, extremely suitable, and practically important for designing the next-generation acoustic and vibration treatment devices. In this paper, we investigate the electrostatically tunable axisymmetric vibrations of SEA tubes with different geometric sizes. We consider both axisymmetric t… ▽ More Due to their unique electromechanical coupling properties, soft electro-active (SEA) resonators are actively tunable, extremely suitable, and practically important for designing the next-generation acoustic and vibration treatment devices. In this paper, we investigate the electrostatically tunable axisymmetric vibrations of SEA tubes with different geometric sizes. We consider both axisymmetric torsional and longitudinal vibrations for an incompressible SEA cylindrical tube under inhomogeneous biasing fields induced by radial electric voltage and axial pre-stretch. We then employ the state-space method, which combines the state-space formalism in cylindrical coordinates with the approximate laminate technique, to derive the frequency equations for two separate classes of axisymmetric vibration of the tube subjected to appropriate boundary conditions. We perform numerical calculations to validate the convergence and accuracy of the state-space method and to illuminate that the axisymmetric vibration characteristics of SEA tubes may be tuned significantly by adjusting the electromechanical biasing fields as well as altering the tube geometry. The reported results provide a solid guidance for the proper design of tunable resonant devices composed of SEA tubes △ Less

Submitted 9 September, 2020; originally announced September 2020.

Journal ref: Journal of Sound and Vibration, 483 (2020) 115467

Universal Scaling Law of Glass Rheology

Authors: Shuangxi Song, Fan Zhu, Mingwei Chen

Abstract: The similarity in atomic structure between liquids and glasses has stimulated a long-standing hypothesis that the nature of glasses may be more fluid like, rather than an apparent solid. In principle, the nature of glasses can be characterized by measuring the dynamic response of rheology to shear strain rate in the glass state. However, limited by the brittleness of glasses and current experiment… ▽ More The similarity in atomic structure between liquids and glasses has stimulated a long-standing hypothesis that the nature of glasses may be more fluid like, rather than an apparent solid. In principle, the nature of glasses can be characterized by measuring the dynamic response of rheology to shear strain rate in the glass state. However, limited by the brittleness of glasses and current experimental techniques, the dynamic behaviors of glasses were mainly assessed in the supercooled liquid state or in the glass state within a narrow rate range. Therefore, the nature of glasses has not been well elucidated experimentally. Here we report the dynamic response of shear stress to shear strain rate of metallic glasses over nine orders of magnitude in time scale, equivalent to hundreds of years, by broadband stress relaxation experiments. The full spectrum dynamic response of metallic glasses, together with other glasses including silicate and polymer glasses, granular materials, soils, emulsifiers and even fire ant aggregations, follows a universal scaling law within the framework of fluid dynamics. Moreover, the universal scaling law provides comprehensive validation of the conjecture on the jamming phase diagram by which the dynamic behaviours of a wide variety of glass system can be unified under one rubric parameterized by thermodynamic variables of temperature, volume and stress in trajectory space. △ Less

Submitted 5 November, 2021; v1 submitted 25 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Superconductivity in twisted multilayer graphene: a smoking gun in recent condensed matter physics

Authors: Yonghuan Chu, Fangduo Zhu, Linzhi Wen, Wanying Chen, Qiaoni Chen, Tianxing Ma

Abstract: In this article, we review the recent discoveries of exotic phenomena in graphene, especially superconductivity. It has been theoretically suggested for more than one decade that superconductivity may emerge in doped graphene-based materials. For single-layer graphene, there are theoretical predictions that spin-singlet $d+id$ pairing superconductivity is present when the filling is around the Dir… ▽ More In this article, we review the recent discoveries of exotic phenomena in graphene, especially superconductivity. It has been theoretically suggested for more than one decade that superconductivity may emerge in doped graphene-based materials. For single-layer graphene, there are theoretical predictions that spin-singlet $d+id$ pairing superconductivity is present when the filling is around the Dirac point. If the Fermi level is doped to the Van Hove singularity where the density of states diverges, then unconventional superconductivity with other pairing symmetry would appear. However, the experimental perspective was a bit disappointing. Despite extensive experimental efforts, superconductivity was not found in monolayer graphene. Recently, unconventional superconductivity was found in "magic-angle" twisted bilayer graphene. Superconductivity was also found in ABC stacked trilayer graphene and other systems. In this article, we review the unique properties of superconducting states in graphene, experimentally controlling the superconductivity in twisted bilayer graphene, as well as a gate-tunable Mott insulator, and the superconductivity in trilayer graphene. These discoveries have attracted the attention of a large number of physicists. The study of the electronic correlated states in twisted multilayer graphene serves as a smoking gun in recent condensed matter physics. △ Less

Submitted 26 October, 2020; v1 submitted 30 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Comments: Published version in Chinese Physics B. Much more references are added

Journal ref: Chin. Phys. B Vol. 29, No. 11 (2020) 117401

Direct observation of 3D atomic packing in monatomic amorphous materials

Authors: Yakun Yuan, Dennis S. Kim, Jihan Zhou, Dillan J. Chang, Fan Zhu, Yasutaka Nagaoka, Yao Yang, Minh Pham, Stanley J. Osher, Ou Chen, Peter Ercius, Andreas K. Schmid, Jianwei Miao

Abstract: Liquids and solids are two fundamental states of matter. However, due to the lack of direct experimental determination, our understanding of the 3D atomic structure of liquids and amorphous solids remained speculative. Here we advance atomic electron tomography to determine for the first time the 3D atomic positions in monatomic amorphous materials, including a Ta thin film and two Pd nanoparticle… ▽ More Liquids and solids are two fundamental states of matter. However, due to the lack of direct experimental determination, our understanding of the 3D atomic structure of liquids and amorphous solids remained speculative. Here we advance atomic electron tomography to determine for the first time the 3D atomic positions in monatomic amorphous materials, including a Ta thin film and two Pd nanoparticles. We observe that pentagonal bipyramids are the most abundant atomic motifs in these amorphous materials. Instead of forming icosahedra, the majority of pentagonal bipyramids arrange into networks that extend to medium-range scale. Molecular dynamic simulations further reveal that pentagonal bipyramid networks are prevalent in monatomic amorphous liquids, which rapidly grow in size and form icosahedra during the quench from the liquid state to glass state. The experimental method and results are expected to advance the study of the amorphous-crystalline phase transition and glass transition at the single-atom level. △ Less

Submitted 2 December, 2020; v1 submitted 7 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Determining the three-dimensional atomic structure of a metallic glass

Authors: Yao Yang, Jihan Zhou, Fan Zhu, Yakun Yuan, Dillan Chang, Dennis S. Kim, Minh Pham, Arjun Rana, Xuezeng Tian, Yonggang Yao, Stanley Osher, Andreas K. Schmid, Liangbing Hu, Peter Ercius, Jianwei Miao

Abstract: Amorphous solids such as glass are ubiquitous in our daily life and have found broad applications ranging from window glass and solar cells to telecommunications and transformer cores. However, due to the lack of long-range order, the three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure of amorphous solids have thus far defied any direct experimental determination without model fitting. Here, using a multi-com… ▽ More Amorphous solids such as glass are ubiquitous in our daily life and have found broad applications ranging from window glass and solar cells to telecommunications and transformer cores. However, due to the lack of long-range order, the three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure of amorphous solids have thus far defied any direct experimental determination without model fitting. Here, using a multi-component metallic glass as a proof-of-principle, we advance atomic electron tomography to determine the 3D atomic positions in an amorphous solid for the first time. We quantitatively characterize the short-range order (SRO) and medium-range order (MRO) of the 3D atomic arrangement. We find that although the 3D atomic packing of the SRO is geometrically disordered, some SRO connect with each other to form crystal-like networks and give rise to MRO. We identify four crystal-like MRO networks - face-centred cubic, hexagonal close-packed, body-centered cubic and simple cubic - coexisting in the sample, which show translational but no orientational order. These observations confirm that the 3D atomic structure in some parts of the sample is consistent with the efficient cluster packing model. Looking forward, we anticipate this experiment will open the door to determining the 3D atomic coordinates of various amorphous solids, whose impact on non-crystalline solids may be comparable to the first 3D crystal structure solved by x-ray crystallography over a century ago. △ Less

Submitted 17 October, 2020; v1 submitted 5 April, 2020; originally announced April 2020.

Journal ref: Nature 592, 60-64 (2021)

Magnetic structures, spin-flop transition and coupling of Eu and Mn magnetism in the Dirac semimetal EuMnBi$_2$

Authors: Fengfeng Zhu, Xiao Wang, Martin Meven, Junda Song, Thomas Mueller, Changjiang Yi, Wenhai Ji, Youguo Shi, Jie Ma, Karin Schmalzl, Wolfgang F. Schmidt, Yixi Su, Thomas Brückel

Abstract: We report here a comprehensive study of the AFM structures of the Eu and Mn magnetic sublattices as well as the interplay between Eu and Mn magnetism in this compound by using both polarized and non-polarized single-crystal neutron diffraction. Magnetic susceptibility, specific heat capacity measurements and the temperature dependence of magnetic diffractions suggest that the AFM ordering temperat… ▽ More We report here a comprehensive study of the AFM structures of the Eu and Mn magnetic sublattices as well as the interplay between Eu and Mn magnetism in this compound by using both polarized and non-polarized single-crystal neutron diffraction. Magnetic susceptibility, specific heat capacity measurements and the temperature dependence of magnetic diffractions suggest that the AFM ordering temperature of the Eu and Mn moments is at 22 and 337 K, respectively. The magnetic moments of both Eu and Mn ions are oriented along the crystallographic $c$ axis, and the respective magnetic propagation vector is $\textbf{k}_{Eu} = (0,0,1)$ and $\textbf{k}_{Mn}=(0,0,0)$. With proper neutron absorption correction, the ordered moments are refined at 3 K as 7.7(1) $μ_B$ and 4.1(1) $μ_B$ for the Eu and Mn ions, respectively. In addition, a spin-flop (SF) phase transition of the Eu moments in an applied magnetic field along the $c$ axis was confirmed to take place at a critical field of B$_c$ $\sim$ 5.3 T. The evolution of the Eu magnetic moment direction as a function of the applied magnetic field in the SF phase was also determined. Clear kinks in both field and temperature dependence of the magnetic reflections ($\pm1$, 0, 1) of Mn were observed at the onset of the SF phase transition and the AFM order of the Eu moments, respectively. This unambiguously indicates the existence of a strong coupling between Eu and Mn magnetism. The interplay between two magnetic sublattices could bring new possibilities to tune Dirac fermions via changing magnetic structures by applied fields in this class of magnetic topological semimetals. △ Less

Submitted 1 September, 2020; v1 submitted 18 March, 2020; originally announced March 2020.

Comments: 15 pages, 12 figures, accepted by Physical Review Research

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Research 2, 043100 (2020)

Magnetic field effects on the quantum spin liquid behaviors of NaYbS$_2$

Authors: Jiangtao Wu, Jianshu Li, Zheng Zhang, Changle Liu, YongHao Gao, Erxi Feng, Guochu Deng, Qingyong Ren, Zhe Wang, Rui Chen, Jan Embs, Fengfeng Zhu, Qing Huang, Ziji Xiang, Lu Chen, Yan Wu, E. S. Choi, Zhe Qu, Lu Li, Junfeng Wang, Haidong Zhou, Yixi Su, Xiaoqun Wang, Gang Chen, Qingming Zhang , et al. (1 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Spin-orbit coupling is an important ingredient to regulate the many-body physics, especially for many spin liquid candidate materials such as rare-earth magnets and Kitaev materials. The rare-earth chalcogenides NaYbCh$_2$ (Ch = O, S, Se) is a congenital frustrating system to exhibit the intrinsic landmark of spin liquid by eliminating both the site disorders between Na$^{+}$ and Yb$^{3+}$ ions wi… ▽ More Spin-orbit coupling is an important ingredient to regulate the many-body physics, especially for many spin liquid candidate materials such as rare-earth magnets and Kitaev materials. The rare-earth chalcogenides NaYbCh$_2$ (Ch = O, S, Se) is a congenital frustrating system to exhibit the intrinsic landmark of spin liquid by eliminating both the site disorders between Na$^{+}$ and Yb$^{3+}$ ions with the big ionic size difference and the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction with the perfect triangular lattice of the Yb$^{3+}$ ions. The temperature versus magnetic-field phase diagram is established by the magnetization, specific heat, and neutron-scattering measurements. Notably, the neutron diffraction spectra and the magnetization curve might provide microscopic evidence for a series of spin configuration for in-plane fields, which include the disordered spin liquid state, 120$^{o}$ antiferromagnet, and one-half magnetization state. Furthermore, the ground state is suggested to be a gapless spin liquid from inelastic neutron scattering, and the magnetic field adjusts the spin orbit coupling. Therefore, the strong spin-orbit coupling in the frustrated quantum magnet substantially enriches low-energy spin physics. This rare-earth family could offer a good platform for exploring the quantum spin liquid ground state and quantum magnetic transitions. △ Less

Submitted 30 January, 2023; v1 submitted 21 February, 2020; originally announced February 2020.

Journal ref: Quantum Front 1, 13 (2022)

Neutron scattering study of commensurate magnetic ordering in single crystal CeSb$_2$

Authors: B. Liu, L. Wang, I. Radelytskyi, Y. Zhang, M. Meven, H. Deng, F. Zhu, Y. Su, X. Zhu, S. Tan, A. Schneidewind

Abstract: Temperature and field-dependent magnetization $M(H,T)$ measurements and neutron scattering study of a single crystal CeSb$_2$ are presented. Several anomalies in the magnetization curves have been confirmed at low magnetic field, i.e., 15.6 K, 12 K, and 9.8 K. These three transitions are all metamagnetic transitions (MMT), which shift to lower temperatures as the magnetic field increases. The anom… ▽ More Temperature and field-dependent magnetization $M(H,T)$ measurements and neutron scattering study of a single crystal CeSb$_2$ are presented. Several anomalies in the magnetization curves have been confirmed at low magnetic field, i.e., 15.6 K, 12 K, and 9.8 K. These three transitions are all metamagnetic transitions (MMT), which shift to lower temperatures as the magnetic field increases. The anomaly at 15.6 K has been suggested as paramagnetic (PM) to ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition. The anomaly located at around 12 K is antiferromagnetic-like transition, and this turning point will clearly split into two when the magnetic field $H\geq0.2$ T. Neutron scattering study reveals that the low temperature ground state of CeSb$_2$ orders antiferromagnetically with commensurate propagation wave vectors $\textbf{k}=(-1,\pm1/6,0)$ and $\textbf{k}=(\pm1/6,-1,0)$, with Néel temperature $T_N\sim9.8$ K. This transition is of first-order, as shown in the hysteresis loop observed by the field cooled cooling (FCC) and field cooled warming (FCW) processes. △ Less

Submitted 21 February, 2019; originally announced February 2019.

Comments: 7 pages,9 figures

Triple condensate halo from water droplets impacting on cold surfaces

Authors: Yugang Zhao, Fangqi Zhu, Hui Zhang, Chun Yang, Tze How New, Liwen Jin

Abstract: Understanding the dynamics in the deposition of water droplets onto solid surfaces is of importance from both fundamental and practical viewpoints. While the deposition of a water droplet onto a heated surface is extensively studied, the characteristics of depositing a droplet onto a cold surface and the phenomena leading to such behavior remain elusive. Here we report the formation of a triple co… ▽ More Understanding the dynamics in the deposition of water droplets onto solid surfaces is of importance from both fundamental and practical viewpoints. While the deposition of a water droplet onto a heated surface is extensively studied, the characteristics of depositing a droplet onto a cold surface and the phenomena leading to such behavior remain elusive. Here we report the formation of a triple condensate halo observed during the deposition of a water droplet onto a cold surface, due to the interplay between droplet impact dynamics and vapor diffusion. Two subsequent condensation stages occur during the droplet spreading and cooling processes, engendering this unique condensate halo with three distinctive bands. We further proposed a scaling model to interpret the size of each band, and the model is validated by the experiments of droplets with different impact velocity and varying substrate temperature. Our experimental and theoretical investigation of the droplet impact dynamics and the associated condensation unravels the mass and heat transfer among droplet, vapor and substrate, offer a new sight for designing of heat exchange devices. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2018; originally announced June 2018.

Phonon and electronic properties of semiconducting silicon nitride bilayers

Authors: Jiesen Li, Wanxing Lin, Junjun Shi, Feng Zhu, Haiwen Xie, Dao-Xin Yao

Abstract: The two-dimensional (2D) IV-V semiconductors have attracted much attention due to their fascinating electronic and optical properties. In this work, we predicted three phases of silicon nitrides, denoted $α$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$, $β$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$, and $γ$-Si$_{4}$N$_{4}$, respectively. Both $α$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$ and $β$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$ consist of two buckled SiN sheets, and $γ$-Si$_{4}$N$_{4}$ consist… ▽ More The two-dimensional (2D) IV-V semiconductors have attracted much attention due to their fascinating electronic and optical properties. In this work, we predicted three phases of silicon nitrides, denoted $α$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$, $β$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$, and $γ$-Si$_{4}$N$_{4}$, respectively. Both $α$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$ and $β$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$ consist of two buckled SiN sheets, and $γ$-Si$_{4}$N$_{4}$ consists of two puckered SiN sheets. It is challenging to transform between $α$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$ and $β$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$ because of the high energy barrier. The three dynamically stable bilayers are semiconductors with fundamental indirect band gaps from 0.25 eV to 2.92 eV. As expected, only the s and p orbitals contribute to the electronic states, and the pz orbitals dominate near the Fermi level. Furthermore, insulator-metal transitions occur in $α$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$ and $β$-Si$_{2}$N$_{2}$ under the biaxial strain of 16%. These materials perhaps have potential applications in microelectronics and spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 31 March, 2024; v1 submitted 10 July, 2017; originally announced July 2017.

Comments: 22 pages, 15 figures

Journal ref: Physics Letters A 505 (2024) 129457

Antiferromagnetic order in epitaxial FeSe films on SrTiO3

Authors: Y. Zhou, L. Miao, P. Wang, F. F. Zhu, W. X. Jiang, S. W. Jiang, Y. Zhang, H. F. Ding, H. Zheng, J. F. Jia, D. Qian, D. Wu

Abstract: Single monolayer FeSe film grown on Nb-doped SrTiO$_3$(001) substrate shows the highest superconducting transition temperature (T$_C$ $\sim$ 100 K) among the iron-based superconductors (iron-pnictide), while T$_C$ of bulk FeSe is only $\sim$ 8 K. Antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations were believed to be crucial in iron-pnictides, which has inspired several proposals to understand the FeSe/SrTiO$_3$… ▽ More Single monolayer FeSe film grown on Nb-doped SrTiO$_3$(001) substrate shows the highest superconducting transition temperature (T$_C$ $\sim$ 100 K) among the iron-based superconductors (iron-pnictide), while T$_C$ of bulk FeSe is only $\sim$ 8 K. Antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations were believed to be crucial in iron-pnictides, which has inspired several proposals to understand the FeSe/SrTiO$_3$ system. Although bulk FeSe does not show the antiferromagnetic order, calculations suggest that the parent FeSe/SrTiO$_3$ films are AFM. Experimentally, due to lacking of direct probe, the magnetic state of FeSe/SrTiO$_3$ films remains mysterious. Here, we report the direct evidences of the antiferromagnetic order in the parent FeSe/SrTiO$_3$ films by the magnetic exchange bias effect measurements. The phase transition temperature is $\geq$ 140 K for single monolayer film. The AFM order disappears after electron doping. △ Less

Submitted 9 November, 2017; v1 submitted 11 November, 2016; originally announced November 2016.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 097001 (2018)

Electronic structure of Ba(Zn0.875Mn0.125)2As2 studied by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

Authors: Fengfeng Zhu, W. X. Jiang, P. Li, Z. Q. Wang, H. Y. Man, Y. Y. Li, Canhua Liu, D. D. Guan, J. F. Jia, F. L. Ning, Weidong Luo, D. Qian

Abstract: Electronic structure of single crystalline Ba(Zn$_{0.875}$Mn$_{0.125}$)$_{2}$As$_{2}$, parent compound of the recently founded high-temperature ferromagnetic semiconductor, was studied by high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Through systematically photon energy and polarization dependent measurements, the energy bands along the out-of-plane and in-plane directions were experimentall… ▽ More Electronic structure of single crystalline Ba(Zn$_{0.875}$Mn$_{0.125}$)$_{2}$As$_{2}$, parent compound of the recently founded high-temperature ferromagnetic semiconductor, was studied by high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Through systematically photon energy and polarization dependent measurements, the energy bands along the out-of-plane and in-plane directions were experimentally determined. Except the localized states of Mn, the measured band dispersions agree very well with the first-principle calculations of undoped BaZn$_{2}$As$_{2}$. A new feature related to Mn 3d states was identified at the binding energies of about -1.6 eV besides the previously observed feature at about -3.3 eV. We suggest that the hybridization between Mn and As orbitals strongly enhanced the density of states around -1.6 eV. Although our resolution is much better compared with previous soft X-ray photoemission experiments, no clear hybridization gap between Mn 3d states and the valence bands proposed by previous model calculations was detected. △ Less

Submitted 11 November, 2016; originally announced November 2016.

Electronic structure of a superconducting topological insulator Sr-doped Bi2Se3

Authors: C. Q. Han, H. Li, W. J. Chen, Fengfeng Zhu, Meng-Yu Yao, Z. J. Li, M. Wang, Bo F. Gao, D. D. Guan, Canhua Liu, C. L. Gao, Dong Qian, Jin-Feng Jia

Abstract: Using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, the atomic and low energy electronic structure of the Sr-doped superconducting topological insulators (SrxBi2Se3) was studied. Scanning tunneling microscopy shows that most of the Sr atoms are not in the van der Waals gap. After Sr doping, the Fermi level was found to move further upward… ▽ More Using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, the atomic and low energy electronic structure of the Sr-doped superconducting topological insulators (SrxBi2Se3) was studied. Scanning tunneling microscopy shows that most of the Sr atoms are not in the van der Waals gap. After Sr doping, the Fermi level was found to move further upwards when compared with the parent compound Bi2Se3, which is consistent with the low carrier density in this system. The topological surface state was clearly observed, and the position of the Dirac point was determined in all doped samples. The surface state is well separated from the bulk conduction bands in the momentum space. The persistence of separated topological surface state combined with small Fermi energy makes this superconducting material a very promising candidate for the time reversal invariant topological superconductor △ Less

Submitted 27 October, 2015; originally announced October 2015.

Journal ref: App. Phys. Lett. 107, 171602 (2015)

Topologically Nontrivial Bismuth(111) Thin Films Grown on Bi2Te3

Authors: Meng-Yu Yao, Fengfeng Zhu, Lin Miao, C. Q. Han, Fang Yang, D. D. Guan, C. L. Gao, Canhua Liu, Dong Qian, Jin-feng Jia

Abstract: Using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, the electronic structure near the Fermi level and the topological property of the Bi(111) films grown on the Bi$_2$Te$_3$(111) substrate were studied. Very different from the bulk Bi, we found another surface band near the $\bar{M}$ point besides the two well-known surface bands on the Bi(111) surface. With this new surface band, the… ▽ More Using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, the electronic structure near the Fermi level and the topological property of the Bi(111) films grown on the Bi$_2$Te$_3$(111) substrate were studied. Very different from the bulk Bi, we found another surface band near the $\bar{M}$ point besides the two well-known surface bands on the Bi(111) surface. With this new surface band, the bulk valence band and the bulk conduction band of Bi can be connected by the surface states. Our band mapping revealed odd number of Fermi crossings of the surface bands, which provided a direct experimental signature that Bi(111) thin films of a certain thickness on the Bi$_2$Te$_3$(111) substrate can be topologically nontrivial in three dimension. △ Less

Submitted 14 June, 2015; originally announced June 2015.

Journal ref: Scientific Reports 6, 21326 (2016)

Epitaxial Growth of Two-Dimensional Stanene

Authors: Fengfeng Zhu, Wei-jiong Chen, Yong Xu, Chun-lei Gao, Dan-dan Guan, Canhua Liu, Dong Qian, Shou-Cheng Zhang, Jin-feng Jia

Abstract: Ultrathin semiconductors present various novel electronic properties. The first experimental realized two-dimensional (2D) material is graphene. Searching 2D materials with heavy elements bring the attention to Si, Ge and Sn. 2D buckled Si-based silicene was realized by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth1,2. Ge-based germanene was realized by mechanical exfoliation3. Sn-based stanene has its uniq… ▽ More Ultrathin semiconductors present various novel electronic properties. The first experimental realized two-dimensional (2D) material is graphene. Searching 2D materials with heavy elements bring the attention to Si, Ge and Sn. 2D buckled Si-based silicene was realized by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth1,2. Ge-based germanene was realized by mechanical exfoliation3. Sn-based stanene has its unique properties. Stanene and its derivatives can be 2D topological insulators (TI) with a very large band gap as proposed by first-principles calculations4, or can support enhanced thermoelectric performance5, topological superconductivity6 and the near-room-temperature quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect7. For the first time, in this work, we report a successful fabrication of 2D stanene by MBE. The atomic and electronic structures were determined by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) in combination with first-principles calculations. This work will stimulate the experimental study and exploring the future application of stanene. △ Less

Submitted 4 June, 2015; originally announced June 2015.

Comments: 20 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Nature Materials 14, 1020 (2015)

Efficiency Enhancement in Organic Solar Cells by Incorporating Silica-coated Gold Nanorods at the Buffer/Active interface

Authors: Haoyang Zhao, Fan Yang, Peiqian Tong, Yanxia Cui, Yuying Hao, Qinjun Sun, Fang Shi, Qiuqiang Zhan, Hua Wang, Furong Zhu

Abstract: The performance of organic solar cells (OSCs) can be greatly improved by incorporating silica-coated gold nanorods (Au@SiO2 NRs) at the interface between the hole transporting layer and the active layer due to the plasmonic effect. The silica shell impedes the aggregation effect of the Au NRs in ethanol solution as well as the server charge recombination on the surface of the Au NRs otherwise they… ▽ More The performance of organic solar cells (OSCs) can be greatly improved by incorporating silica-coated gold nanorods (Au@SiO2 NRs) at the interface between the hole transporting layer and the active layer due to the plasmonic effect. The silica shell impedes the aggregation effect of the Au NRs in ethanol solution as well as the server charge recombination on the surface of the Au NRs otherwise they would bring forward serious reduction in open circuit voltage when incorporating the Au NRs at the positions in contact with the active materials. As a result, while the high open circuit voltage being maintained, the optimized plasmonic OSCs possess an increased short circuit current, and correspondingly an elevated power conversion efficiency with the enhancement factor of ~11%. The origin of performance improvement in OSCs with the Au@SiO2 NRs was analyzed systematically using morphological, electrical, optical characterizations along with theoretical simulation. It is found that the broadband enhancement in absorption, which yields the broadband enhancement in exciton generation in the active layer, is the major factor contributing to the increase in the short circuit current density. Simulation results suggest that the excitation of the transverse and longitudinal surface plasmon resonances of individual NRs as well as their mutual coupling can generate strong electric field near the vicinity of the NRs, thereby an improved exciton generation profile in the active layer. The incorporation of Au@SiO2 NRs at the interface between the hole transporting layer and the active layer also improves hole extraction in the OSCs. △ Less

Submitted 30 April, 2015; originally announced April 2015.

Comments: 8 pages, 8 figures

Electronic Structures of Black Phosphorus Studied by Angle-resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy

Authors: C. Q. Han, M. Y. Yao, X. X. Bai, Lin Miao, Fengfeng Zhu, D. D. Guan, Shun Wang, C. L. Gao, Canhua Liu, Dong Qian, Y. Liu, Jin-feng Jia

Abstract: Electronic structures of single crystalline black phosphorus were studied by state-of-art angleresolved photoemission spectroscopy. Through high resolution photon energy dependence measurements, the band dispersions along out-of-plane and in-plane directions are experimentally determined. The electrons were found to be more localized in the ab-plane than that is predicted in calculations. Beside t… ▽ More Electronic structures of single crystalline black phosphorus were studied by state-of-art angleresolved photoemission spectroscopy. Through high resolution photon energy dependence measurements, the band dispersions along out-of-plane and in-plane directions are experimentally determined. The electrons were found to be more localized in the ab-plane than that is predicted in calculations. Beside the kz-dispersive bulk bands, resonant surface state is also observed in the momentum space. Our finds strongly suggest that more details need to be considered to fully understand the electronic properties of black phosphorus theoretically. △ Less

Submitted 28 May, 2014; originally announced May 2014.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 90, 085101 (2014)

Orbit- and Atom-Resolved Spin Textures of Intrinsic, Extrinsic and Hybridized Dirac Cone States

Authors: Lin Miao, Z. F. Wang, Meng-Yu Yao, Fengfeng Zhu, J. H. Dil, C. L. Gao, Canhua Liu, Feng Liu, Dong Qian, Jin-Feng Jia

Abstract: Combining first-principles calculations and spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements, we identify the helical spin textures for three different Dirac cone states in the interfaced systems of a 2D topological insulator (TI) of Bi(111) bilayer and a 3D TI Bi2Se3 or Bi2Te3. The spin texture is found to be the same for the intrinsic Dirac cone of Bi2Se3 or Bi2Te3 surface state,… ▽ More Combining first-principles calculations and spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements, we identify the helical spin textures for three different Dirac cone states in the interfaced systems of a 2D topological insulator (TI) of Bi(111) bilayer and a 3D TI Bi2Se3 or Bi2Te3. The spin texture is found to be the same for the intrinsic Dirac cone of Bi2Se3 or Bi2Te3 surface state, the extrinsic Dirac cone of Bi bilayer state induced by Rashba effect, and the hybridized Dirac cone between the former two states. Further orbit- and atom-resolved analysis shows that s and pz orbits have a clockwise (counterclockwise) spin rotation tangent to the iso-energy contour of upper (lower) Dirac cone, while px and py orbits have an additional radial spin component. The Dirac cone states may reside on different atomic layers, but have the same spin texture. Our results suggest that the unique spin texture of Dirac cone states is a signature property of spin-orbit coupling, independent of topology. △ Less

Submitted 24 April, 2014; originally announced April 2014.

Journal ref: Physical Review B 89, 155116 (2014)

Radical cation-induced exciton quenching and efficiency roll-off in blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes

Authors: Wenyu Ji, Furong Zhu

Abstract: This work reports our effort on understanding the efficiency roll-off in blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), based on a blue phosphorescence from bis(3,5-difluoro-2-(2-pyridyl)phenyl-(2-carboxypyridyl)- iridium (FIrpic) doped in 4,4-N,N-dicarbazole-biphenyl (CBP) host. The performance of a set of blue phosphorescent OLEDs with different FIrpic dopant concentrations was analy… ▽ More This work reports our effort on understanding the efficiency roll-off in blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), based on a blue phosphorescence from bis(3,5-difluoro-2-(2-pyridyl)phenyl-(2-carboxypyridyl)- iridium (FIrpic) doped in 4,4-N,N-dicarbazole-biphenyl (CBP) host. The performance of a set of blue phosphorescent OLEDs with different FIrpic dopant concentrations was analyzed. Phosphorescent OLEDs, having a 30 nm thick pure FIrpic emissive layer, with a high luminous efficiency of 7.76 cd/A at 100 mA/cm2 was obtained. Theoretical calculation, based on the density functional theory, reveals that the exciton self-quenching process is suppressed due to the strong Coulomb repulsion between FIrpic molecules. It is found that the efficiency roll-off in FIrpic-based OLEDs is closely related to the exciton quenching induced by the CBP+ radical cations that are present in the CBP host. △ Less

Submitted 23 October, 2014; v1 submitted 10 April, 2014; originally announced April 2014.

Comments: This paper has been withdrawn by the author due to a crucial data error

Fully Gapped s-wave-like Superconducting State and Electronic Structures in the Ir0.95Pd0.05Te2 Single Crystals with Strong Spin-orbital Coupling

Authors: D. J. Yu, F. Yang, Lin Miao, C. Q. Han, Meng-Yu Yao, Fengfeng Zhu, Y. R. Song, K. F. Zhang, J. F. Ge, X. Yao, Z. Q. Zou, Z. J. Li, B. Gao, D. D. Guan, Canhua Liu, C. L. Gao, Dong Qian, Jin-feng Jia

Abstract: Due to the large spin-orbital coupling in the layered 5d-transition metal chalcogenides compound, the occurrence of superconductivity in Ir2-xPdxTe2 offers a good chance to search for possible topological superconducting states in this system. We did comprehensive studies on the superconducting properties and electronic structures of single crystalline Ir0.95Pd0.05Te2 samples. The superconducting… ▽ More Due to the large spin-orbital coupling in the layered 5d-transition metal chalcogenides compound, the occurrence of superconductivity in Ir2-xPdxTe2 offers a good chance to search for possible topological superconducting states in this system. We did comprehensive studies on the superconducting properties and electronic structures of single crystalline Ir0.95Pd0.05Te2 samples. The superconducting gap size, critical fields and coherence length along different directions were experimentally determined. Macroscopic bulk measurements and microscopic low temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopy results suggest that Ir0.95Pd0.05Te2 possesses a BCS-like s-wave state. No sign of zero bias conductance peak were found in the vortex core at 0.4K. △ Less

Submitted 19 February, 2014; originally announced February 2014.

Journal ref: Physical Review B 89, 100501(R) (2014)

Ultrastrong and Ultrastable Metallic Glass

Authors: Daisman P. B. Aji, Akihiko Hirata, Fan Zhu, Liu Pan, K. Madhav Reddy, Shuangxi Song, Yanhui Liu, Takeshi Fujita, Shinji Kohara, Mingwei Chen

Abstract: The lack of thermal stability, originating from their metastable nature, has been one of the paramount obstacles that hinder the wide range of applications of metallic glasses. We report that the stability of a metallic glass can be dramatically improved by slow deposition at high temperatures. The glass transition and crystallization temperatures of the ultrastable metallic glass can be increased… ▽ More The lack of thermal stability, originating from their metastable nature, has been one of the paramount obstacles that hinder the wide range of applications of metallic glasses. We report that the stability of a metallic glass can be dramatically improved by slow deposition at high temperatures. The glass transition and crystallization temperatures of the ultrastable metallic glass can be increased by 51 K and 203 K, respectively, from its ordinary glass state. The ultrastable metallic glass also shows ultrahigh strength and hardness, over 30 % higher than its ordinary counterpart. Atomic structure characterization reveals that the exceptional properties of the ultrastable glass are associated with abundance of medium range order. The finding of the ultrastable metallic glass sheds light on atomic mechanisms of metallic glass formation and has important impact on the technological applications of metallic glasses. △ Less

Submitted 6 June, 2013; originally announced June 2013.

Quasiparticle Dynamics in Reshaped Helical Dirac Cone of Topological Insulators

Authors: Lin Miao, Z. F. Wang, Wenmei Ming, Meng-Yu Yao, Meixiao Wang, Fang Yang, Y. R. Song, Fengfeng Zhu, Alexei V. Fedorov, Z. Sun, C. L. Gao, Canhua Liu, Qi-Kun Xue, Chao-Xing Liu, Feng Liu, Dong Qian, Jin-Feng Jia

Abstract: Topological insulators (TIs) and graphene present two unique classes of materials which are characterized by spin polarized (helical) and non-polarized Dirac-cone band structures, respectively. The importance of many-body interactions that renormalize the linear bands near Dirac point in graphene has been well recognized and attracted much recent attention. However, renormalization of the helical… ▽ More Topological insulators (TIs) and graphene present two unique classes of materials which are characterized by spin polarized (helical) and non-polarized Dirac-cone band structures, respectively. The importance of many-body interactions that renormalize the linear bands near Dirac point in graphene has been well recognized and attracted much recent attention. However, renormalization of the helical Dirac point has not been observed in TIs. Here, we report the experimental observation of the renormalized quasi-particle spectrum with a skewed Dirac cone in a single Bi bilayer grown on Bi2Te3 substrate, from angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. First-principles band calculations indicate that the quasi-particle spectra are likely associated with the hybridization between the extrinsic substrate-induced Dirac states of Bi bilayer and the intrinsic surface Dirac states of Bi2Te3 film at close energy proximity. Without such hybridization, only single-particle Dirac spectra are observed in a single Bi bilayer grown on Bi2Se3, where the extrinsic Dirac states Bi bilayer and the intrinsic Dirac states of Bi2Se3 are well separated in energy. The possible origins of many-body interactions are discussed. Our findings provide a means to manipulate topological surface states. △ Less

Submitted 25 February, 2013; originally announced February 2013.

Journal ref: PNAS, 110, 2758 (2013)

Carrier density dependence of the magnetic properties in iron-doped Bi2Se3 topological insulator

Authors: H. Li, Y. R. Song, Meng-Yu Yao, Fengfeng Zhu, Canhua Liu, C. L. Gao, Jin-Feng Jia, Dong Qian, X. Yao, Y. J. Shi, D. Wu

Abstract: The electronic and magnetic properties of iron-doped topological insulator Bi1.84-xFe0.16CaxSe3 single crystals were studied. By co-doping Fe and Ca atoms, ferromagnetic bulk states with different carrier density (from n-type to p-type) were obtained. Effective magnetic moments for each Fe atom was estimated as small as about 0.07$μ$B. Magnetic and non-magnetic phases separation was observed in al… ▽ More The electronic and magnetic properties of iron-doped topological insulator Bi1.84-xFe0.16CaxSe3 single crystals were studied. By co-doping Fe and Ca atoms, ferromagnetic bulk states with different carrier density (from n-type to p-type) were obtained. Effective magnetic moments for each Fe atom was estimated as small as about 0.07$μ$B. Magnetic and non-magnetic phases separation was observed in all samples. Our results suggest that the bulk ferromagnetism in Fe-doped Bi2Se3 is not intrinsic and regardless of carrier density. △ Less

Submitted 2 February, 2013; originally announced February 2013.

Journal ref: J. Appl. Phys. 113, 043926 (2013)