Showing 1–50 of 146 results for author: Tian, W

Twist-angle evolution from valley-polarized fractional topological phases to valley-degenerate superconductivity in twisted bilayer MoTe2

Authors: Zheng Sun, Fan Xu, Jiayi Li, Yifan Jiang, Jingjing Gao, Cheng Xu, Tongtong Jia, Kehao Cheng, Jinyang Zhang, Wanghao Tian, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Jinfeng Jia, Shengwei Jiang, Yang Zhang, Yuanbo Zhang, Shiming Lei, Xiaoxue Liu, Tingxin Li

Abstract: Moiré superlattices formed by semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provide a highly tunable platform for investigating strongly correlated and topological quantum phases. As a prototypical example, twisted bilayer MoTe2 (tMoTe2) has been shown to host fractional topological phases, such as zero-field fractional Chern insulators (FCIs) exhibiting fractional quantum anomalous Hall… ▽ More Moiré superlattices formed by semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provide a highly tunable platform for investigating strongly correlated and topological quantum phases. As a prototypical example, twisted bilayer MoTe2 (tMoTe2) has been shown to host fractional topological phases, such as zero-field fractional Chern insulators (FCIs) exhibiting fractional quantum anomalous Hall (FQAH) effects. However, how these correlated topological phases evolve with twist angle and compete with other quantum phases in tMoTe2 remains largely unexplored. Here we report a systematic transport study of twist-angle-dependent phase diagrams in tMoTe2 across a range of 3.8°-5.78°, revealing an evolution from fractionalized states of matter with spontaneous valley polarization to valley-degenerate superconductivity. At relatively small twist angles, partially-filled Chern bands of tMoTe2 host FQAH states following the Jain sequence, together with signatures of an anomalous composite Fermi liquid at moiré hole filling factor νh = 1/2. Increasing twist angle progressively suppresses fractional topological phases and reconstructs the half-filled Chern band into symmetry-breaking integer Chern insulating states. At νh = 1, we observe a transition from robust integer quantum anomalous Hall (IQAH) insulators at small angles to displacement-field-tuned, topologically trivial correlated insulators at larger angles. Remarkably, at a twist angle of 5.78°, superconductivity emerges adjacent to the correlated insulating phase, with a phase diagram closely resembling that recently reported in twisted bilayer WSe2 (tWSe2). Our results uncover a unified twist-angle-driven phase evolution linking fractional topology, symmetry breaking, magnetic order, and superconductivity, providing new insight into the emergent quantum phenomena in moiré systems. △ Less

Submitted 17 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Coexisting Paramagnetic Spins and Long-Range Magnetic Order in Ba$_4$(Ru$_{0.92}$Ir$_{0.08}$)$_3$O$_{10}$

Authors: Farhan Islam, Jiasen Guo, Wei Tian, Bing Li, Xudong Huai, Thao T. Tran, Gang Cao, Zachary Morgan, Feng Ye

Abstract: We investigate the effect of dilute Ir substitution on the magnetism of the trimer-based ruthenate Ba$_4$Ru$_3$O$_{10}$ using neutron diffraction, magnetic susceptibility measurements, atomistic simulations, and first-principles calculations. Neutron diffraction shows that Ir doping preserves the zigzag antiferromagnetic structure and the ordered-moment magnitude of the parent compound, in which t… ▽ More We investigate the effect of dilute Ir substitution on the magnetism of the trimer-based ruthenate Ba$_4$Ru$_3$O$_{10}$ using neutron diffraction, magnetic susceptibility measurements, atomistic simulations, and first-principles calculations. Neutron diffraction shows that Ir doping preserves the zigzag antiferromagnetic structure and the ordered-moment magnitude of the parent compound, in which the moments reside exclusively on the two outer Ru(2) sites of each $\rm Ru_3O_{12}$ trimer, while the central Ru(1) site remains nonmagnetic. The Néel temperature is reduced from $\approx\!105$ K to 84.0(1) K upon 8% Ir substitution, while magnetic susceptibility reveals a pronounced low-temperature Curie-like upturn, indicating the coexistence of paramagnetic spins with long-range antiferromagnetic order. Density-functional calculations shows that Ir preferentially occupies the central Ru(1) site, where its extended $5d$ orbitals disrupt the Ru-Ru molecular-orbital network and intra/inter-trimer exchange pathways. Atomistic simulations incorporating this paramagnetic dilution reproduce the suppressed ordering temperature and the coexistence of ordered and paramagnetic components. △ Less

Submitted 5 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Magnetic order and excitations in Ce$_3$TiBi$_5$ and Ce$_3$ZrBi$_5$

Authors: Pyeongjae Park, Qianli Ma, Wei Tian, Stuart Calder, Matthias Frontzek, G. Sala, D. Mandrus, Shirin Mozaffari, Andrew D. Christianson, Matthew B. Stone

Abstract: The R3MBi5 rare-earth intermetallics (R = rare earth, M = Ti, Zr, Sc) provide a versatile platform to explore how Kondo hybridization, RKKY exchange, magnetic frustration, and broken inversion symmetry may cooperate to generate unusual magnetic behavior. We present a comprehensive neutron scattering investigation of the magnetic structure, crystal electric field (CEF), and low-energy excitations i… ▽ More The R3MBi5 rare-earth intermetallics (R = rare earth, M = Ti, Zr, Sc) provide a versatile platform to explore how Kondo hybridization, RKKY exchange, magnetic frustration, and broken inversion symmetry may cooperate to generate unusual magnetic behavior. We present a comprehensive neutron scattering investigation of the magnetic structure, crystal electric field (CEF), and low-energy excitations in the locally noncentrosymmetric Kondo-lattice compounds Ce3TiBi5 and Ce3ZrBi5. Powder and single-crystal neutron diffraction reveals incommensurate cycloidal antiferromagnetic order in Ce3TiBi5 with propagation vector k = (0, 0, 0.388) and a reduced ordered moment of m = 0.53(3)$μ_{B}$. Ce3ZrBi5 exhibits a qualitatively similar magnetic diffraction profile, with k $\simeq$ (0, 0, 0.37). Inelastic neutron scattering measurements resolve two clear, well-separated CEF excitations in both compounds with nearly the same profile, confirming a well-isolated Kramers doublet ground state. At low energies, a broad, quasi-elastic magnetic response is observed at T $\simeq$ TN, whose momentum-dependence is inconsistent with that expected from conventional collective excitations of localized moments. This discrepancy, along with a Kondo temperature estimate TK ~ 3--5 K -- comparable to TN -- indicates sizable Kondo hybridization, which accounts for the moment reduction and the spiral magnetic order that appears to involve the magnetic hard direction. Our results place these compounds in a regime where local inversion symmetry breaking, anisotropic CEF effects, and competing Kondo and RKKY interactions collectively give rise to unconventional magnetic order. △ Less

Submitted 26 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 15 pages, 15 figures

Controlled symmetry breaking of the Fermi surface in ultracold polar molecules

Authors: Shrestha Biswas, Sebastian Eppelt, Weikun Tian, Wei Zhang, Fulin Deng, Christine Frank, Tao Shi, Immanuel Bloch, Xin-Yu Luo

Abstract: Long-range anisotropic dipole-dipole interactions between ultracold polar molecules are predicted to drive exotic quantum phases, yet direct many-body signatures of these interactions in degenerate Fermi gases have remained elusive. Here, we report the observation of an interaction-induced controlled deformation of the Fermi surface, providing a clear many-body signature in a deeply degenerate Fer… ▽ More Long-range anisotropic dipole-dipole interactions between ultracold polar molecules are predicted to drive exotic quantum phases, yet direct many-body signatures of these interactions in degenerate Fermi gases have remained elusive. Here, we report the observation of an interaction-induced controlled deformation of the Fermi surface, providing a clear many-body signature in a deeply degenerate Fermi gas of $^{23}\text{Na}^{40}\text{K}$ molecules. Using double microwave (MW) shielding, we prepare $8 \times 10^3$ molecules at $0.23(1)$ times the Fermi temperature, achieving a three-fold suppression of inelastic losses compared to single MW shielding while preserving strong elastic dipolar scattering. We observe Fermi surface deformations of up to $7\,\%$, more than two times larger than those observed in magnetic atoms, despite operating at two orders of magnitude lower densities. Crucially, we demonstrate continuous tuning of the interaction potential from axial U(1) to biaxial C$_{2}$ symmetry, directly imprinting this geometry onto the Fermi surface. We find excellent agreement between our experimental results and parameter-free Hartree-Fock theory. These results establish MW-shielded polar molecules as a highly tunable platform for exploring strongly correlated dipolar Fermi matter and offer a promising path towards topological superfluidity. △ Less

Submitted 25 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 15 pages, 10 figures

Emergence of a symmetry-broken Chern insulator near a moiré Kondo breakdown

Authors: Wanghao Tian, Bowen Shen, Lizhong Li, Mingjie Zhang, Feng Liu, Chushan Li, Yaotian Liu, Fan Xu, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Peiling Li, Li Lu, Yang Xu, Shengwei Jiang, Tingxin Li, Jie Shan, Kin Fai Mak

Abstract: Moiré semiconductors built on angle-aligned transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) heterobilayers provide a physical realization of the Kondo lattice model, in which one TMD layer is prepared in a Mott insulating state supporting a lattice of local magnetic moments and the other layer in a metallic state supporting itinerant carriers. The artificial Kondo lattice enables the exploration of exotic s… ▽ More Moiré semiconductors built on angle-aligned transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) heterobilayers provide a physical realization of the Kondo lattice model, in which one TMD layer is prepared in a Mott insulating state supporting a lattice of local magnetic moments and the other layer in a metallic state supporting itinerant carriers. The artificial Kondo lattice enables the exploration of exotic states of matter near a continuously tunable Kondo breakdown. Here we report the emergence of a symmetry-broken Chern insulator at a moiré hole filling factor 4/3 in angle-aligned MoTe2/WSe2 moiré bilayers, which realize a chiral Kondo lattice. The symmetry-broken Chern insulator, which exhibits integer quantized Hall conductance at a fractional moiré filling, breaks the translational symmetry of the lattice spontaneously; it also appears only near a magnetic field-induced Kondo breakdown in the mixed-valence regime of the material. We further demonstrate that the magnetic field required to induce the Kondo breakdown and to stabilize the symmetry-broken Chern insulator is twist angle dependent. The results present new opportunities for exploring the subtle interplay between topology and Kondo interactions in moiré semiconductors. △ Less

Submitted 19 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Electric-field-tuned consecutive topological phase transitions between distinct correlated insulators in moire MoTe2/WSe2 heterobilayer

Authors: Xumin Chang, Zui Tao, Bowen Shen, Wanghao Tian, Jenny Hu, Kateryna Pistunova, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Tony F. Heinz, Tingxin Li, Kin Fai Mak, Jie Shan, Shengwei Jiang

Abstract: Consecutive topological phase transitions (TPTs) between strongly correlated electronic phases that differ simultaneously in symmetry breaking and topological order are of fundamental interest in condensed matter physics, yet are rarely realized experimentally. We report two consecutive electric-field-driven TPTs at half filling (nu = 1) in angle-aligned MoTe2/WSe2 moire heterobilayers. With incre… ▽ More Consecutive topological phase transitions (TPTs) between strongly correlated electronic phases that differ simultaneously in symmetry breaking and topological order are of fundamental interest in condensed matter physics, yet are rarely realized experimentally. We report two consecutive electric-field-driven TPTs at half filling (nu = 1) in angle-aligned MoTe2/WSe2 moire heterobilayers. With increasing out-of-plane displacement field, a geometrically frustrated Mott insulator evolves into a ferromagnetic quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) Mott insulator, i.e., a spin-polarized topological Mott insulator without an observable charge-gap closure, and subsequently into an antiferromagnetic, valley-coherent Mott insulator (VC-AFM) accompanied by a continuous charge-gap collapse and the emergence of a critical metallic state. Layer-resolved magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), magneto-transport, and compressibility measurements jointly determine the phase diagram. The high-field evolution of the antiferromagnetic state reveals a metamagnetic-like transition at a critical field B*, above which a Chern insulating transport response reappears. Our results establish the MoTe2/WSe2 moire platform as a tunable realization of an extended Kane-Mele-Hubbard model hosting sequential correlation-topology-intertwined transitions. △ Less

Submitted 17 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Competing magnetic phases in Cr$_{3+δ}$Te$_4$ are spatially segregated

Authors: Vivek Bhartiya, Anirban Goswami, Nicholas Ng, Wei Tian, Matthew G. Tucker, Niraj Aryal, Lijun Wu, Weiguo Yin, Yimei Zhu, Milinda Abeykoon, Emmanuel Yakubu, Samaresh Guchhait, J. M. Tranquada

Abstract: Cr$_{1+x}$Te$_2$ is a self-intercalated vdW system that is of current interest for its room-temperature FM phases and tunable topological properties. Early NPD measurements on the monoclinic phase Cr$_3$Te$_4$ ($x=0.5$) presented evidence for competing FM and AFM phases. Here we apply neutron diffraction to a single crystal of Cr$_{3+δ}$Te$_4$ with $δ=-0.10$ and discover that it consists of two di… ▽ More Cr$_{1+x}$Te$_2$ is a self-intercalated vdW system that is of current interest for its room-temperature FM phases and tunable topological properties. Early NPD measurements on the monoclinic phase Cr$_3$Te$_4$ ($x=0.5$) presented evidence for competing FM and AFM phases. Here we apply neutron diffraction to a single crystal of Cr$_{3+δ}$Te$_4$ with $δ=-0.10$ and discover that it consists of two distinct monoclinic phases, one with FM order below $T_{\rm C} \approx 321$ K and another that develops AFM order below $T_{\rm N} \approx 86$ K. In contrast, we find that a crystal with $δ=-0.26$ exhibits only FM order. The single-crystal analysis is complemented by results obtained with NPD, XPD, and TEM measurements on the $δ=-0.10$ composition. From observations of spontaneous magnetostriction of opposite sign at $T_{\rm C}$ and $T_{\rm N}$, along with the TEM evidence for both monoclinic phases in a single thin ($\approx$ 100 nm) grain, we conclude that the two phases must have a fine-grained ($\lesssim$ 100 nm) intergrowth character, as might occur from high-temperature spinodal decomposition during the growth process. Calculations of the relaxed lattice structures for the FM and AFM phases with DFT provide a rationalization of the observed spontaneous magnetostrictions. Correlations between the magnitude and orientation of the magnetic moments with lattice parameter variation demonstrate that the magnetic orders are sensitive to strain, thus explaining why magnetic ordering temperatures and anisotropies can be different between bulk and thin-film samples, when the latter are subject to epitaxial strain. Our results point to the need to investigate the supposed coexistence FM and AFM phases reported elsewhere in the Cr$_{1+x}$Te$_2$ system, such as in the Cr$_5$Te$_8$ phase ($x=0.25$). △ Less

Submitted 5 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 15 pages, 16 figures

Strain-tunable anomalous Hall effect in hexagonal MnTe

Authors: Zhaoyu Liu, Sijie Xu, Jonathan M. DeStefano, Elliott Rosenberg, Tingjun Zhang, Jinyulin Li, Matthew B. Stone, Feng Ye, Wei Tian, Sarah Edwards, Rong Cong, Siyu Pan, Ching-Wu Chu, Liangzi Deng, Emilia Morosan, Rafael M. Fernandes, Jiun-Haw Chu, Pengcheng Dai

Abstract: The ability to control and manipulate time-reversal ($T$) symmetry-breaking phases with near-zero net magnetization is a sought-after goal in spintronic devices. The recently discovered hexagonal altermagnet manganese telluride ($α$-MnTe) is a prime example. It has a compensated altermagnetic ground state where the magnetic moments are aligned in each layer and stacked antiparallel along the $c$ a… ▽ More The ability to control and manipulate time-reversal ($T$) symmetry-breaking phases with near-zero net magnetization is a sought-after goal in spintronic devices. The recently discovered hexagonal altermagnet manganese telluride ($α$-MnTe) is a prime example. It has a compensated altermagnetic ground state where the magnetic moments are aligned in each layer and stacked antiparallel along the $c$ axis, yet it exhibits a spontaneous anomalous Hall effect (AHE) that breaks the $T$-symmetry with a vanishingly small $c$-axis ferromagnetic (FM) moment. However, the presence of three 120$^\circ$ separated in-plane magnetic domains presents a challenge in understanding the origin of the AHE and the effective control of the altermagnetic state. Here we use neutron scattering to show that symmetry breaking anisotropic strain, induced by compressive uniaxial pressure along the nearest-neighbor (NN) Mn-Mn bond directions, detwins $α$-MnTe into a single in-plane magnetic domain. This control over in-plane domains allows us to unambiguously establish that the in-plane moments are aligned along the NNN Mn-Mn bond direction, irrespective of the applied strain directions. Mounting the sample on a piezoelectric strain cell along both NN and NNN directions can drive the sample into a single-domain state that significantly sharpens the AHE hysteresis loop and extends the AHE to lower temperatures. Furthermore, tuning the uniaxial strain reverses the sign of the AHE near room temperature. Remarkably, this is achieved without altering the altermagnetic phase-transition temperature or substantially changing the small $c$-axis FM moment. Combined with our phenomenological model, we argue that these effects result from the modification of the electronic Berry curvature by a combination of both spin-orbit coupling and strain. (See the full abstract in the PDF.) △ Less

Submitted 4 March, 2026; v1 submitted 23 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 26 pages, 19 figures, Added strain-direction-dependent neutron-scattering and transport data, and corrected a strain-axis definition for the neutron diffraction experiment

Competing Pair Density Wave and Uniform $d$-wave Superconductivity in Phase Separated 214 Cuprates at the 1/8 Anomaly

Authors: Qiang Chen, Angela Moskal, Yiheng Wang, B. D. E. McNiven, A. A. Aczel, Wei Tian, B. D. Gaulin

Abstract: Compelling evidence exists for electronic phase separation in cuprate high-$T_c$ superconductors, emerging near 1/8 hole doping. At these dopings and low temperatures, intertwined charge and spin stripes coexist with more uniformly doped regions in the two-dimensional (2$D$) copper-oxide planes. Each region is capable of developing superconducting pairing, either as a pair density wave (PDW) withi… ▽ More Compelling evidence exists for electronic phase separation in cuprate high-$T_c$ superconductors, emerging near 1/8 hole doping. At these dopings and low temperatures, intertwined charge and spin stripes coexist with more uniformly doped regions in the two-dimensional (2$D$) copper-oxide planes. Each region is capable of developing superconducting pairing, either as a pair density wave (PDW) within the stripes or as a uniform $d$-wave condensate ($d$-SC) in the more homogeneous regions. Using neutron scattering on single crystals of La$_{1.875-y}$Nd$_{y}$Sr$_{0.125}$CuO$_4$, we demonstrate that the onset temperatures for spin stripe order ($T_N$) and superconductivity ($T_c$) merge as the average ordered moment vanishes in LSCO ($y = 0$), whereas Nd doping stabilizes static stripe order and suppresses $T_c$. Because the spin stripes possess the same in-plane periodicity (8$a$) as the PDW and establish the framework in which the PDW resides, the stabilization of spin stripe order enhances PDW correlations. Thus, the competition between $d$-wave pairing in the uniform regions and PDW pairing in the stripe-ordered regions can be controlled by the Nd concentration in La$_{1.875-y}$Nd$_{y}$Sr$_{0.125}$CuO$_4$, allowing the superconducting $T_c$ to vary by nearly an order of magnitude at a fixed 1/8 hole doping. △ Less

Submitted 12 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

EuAuSb: An odd-parity helical variation on altermagnetism

Authors: J. Sears, Juntao Yao, Zhixiang Hu, Wei Tian, Niraj Aryal, Weiguo Yin, A. M. Tsvelik, I. A. Zaliznyak, Qiang Li, J. M. Tranquada

Abstract: EuAuSb is a triangular-lattice Dirac semimetal in which a topological Hall effect has been observed to develop in association with a magnetically-ordered phase. Our single-crystal neutron diffraction measurements have identified an incommensurate helical order in which individual ferromagnetic Eu$^{2+}$ layers rotate in-plane by $\sim$120$^{\circ}$ from one layer to the next. An in-plane magnetic… ▽ More EuAuSb is a triangular-lattice Dirac semimetal in which a topological Hall effect has been observed to develop in association with a magnetically-ordered phase. Our single-crystal neutron diffraction measurements have identified an incommensurate helical order in which individual ferromagnetic Eu$^{2+}$ layers rotate in-plane by $\sim$120$^{\circ}$ from one layer to the next. An in-plane magnetic field distorts the incommensurate order, eventually leading to a first order transition to a state that is approximately commensurate and that is continuously polarized as the bulk magnetization approaches saturation. From an analysis of the magnetic diffraction intensities versus field, we find evidence for a dip in the ordered in-plane moment at the same field where the topological Hall effect is a maximum, and we propose that this is due to field-induced quantum spin fluctuations. Our electronic structure calculations yield exchange constants compatible with the helical order and show that the bands near the Fermi level lose their spin degeneracy via a mechanism similar to that in the collinear altermagnets. We find that, unlike the even symmetry seen in the altermagnets, the spin-splitting in EuAuSb has odd-wave symmetry similar to that recently found in a number of coplanar magnetic materials. △ Less

Submitted 8 September, 2025; v1 submitted 30 April, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: 10 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 112, 094455 (2025)

Dipolar and quadrupolar correlations in the $5d^2$ Re-based double perovskites Ba$_2$YReO$_6$ and Ba$_2$ScReO$_6$

Authors: Otkur Omar, Yang Zhang, Qiang Zhang, Wei Tian, Elbio Dagotto, Gang Chen, Taka-hisa Arima, Matthew B. Stone, Andrew D. Christianson, Daigorou Hirai, Shang Gao

Abstract: Double perovskites containing heavy transition metal ions are an important family of compounds for the study of the interplay between electron correlation and spin-orbit coupling. Here, by combining magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity, and neutron scattering measurements, we investigate the dipolar and quadrupolar correlations in two prototype rhenium-based double perovskite compounds, Ba$_2$YR… ▽ More Double perovskites containing heavy transition metal ions are an important family of compounds for the study of the interplay between electron correlation and spin-orbit coupling. Here, by combining magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity, and neutron scattering measurements, we investigate the dipolar and quadrupolar correlations in two prototype rhenium-based double perovskite compounds, Ba$_2$YReO$_6$ and Ba$_2$ScReO$_6$. A type-I dipolar antiferromagnetic ground state with a propagation vector $\mathbf{q} = (0, 0, 1)$ is observed in both compounds. At temperatures above the magnetic transitions, a quadrupolar ordered phase is identified. Weak spin excitations, which are gapped at low temperatures and softened in the correlated paramagnetic phase, are explained using a minimal model that considers both the dipolar and quadrupolar interactions. At larger wavevectors, we observe dominant phonon excitations that are well described by density functional calculations. △ Less

Submitted 17 August, 2025; v1 submitted 5 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: 13 pages, 10 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 112 (2025) 075103

Correlation between Complex Spin Textures and the Magnetocaloric and Hall Effects in Eu(Ga$_{1-x}$Al$_x$)$_4$ ($x$ = 0.9, 1)

Authors: Kelly J. Neubauer, Kevin Allen, Jaime M. Moya, Mason L. Klemm, Feng Ye, Zachary Morgan, Lisa DeBeer-Schmitt, Wei Tian, Emilia Morosan, Pengcheng Dai

Abstract: Determining the electronic phase diagram of a quantum material as a function of temperature (T) and applied magnetic field (H) forms the basis for understanding the microscopic origin of transport properties, such as the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) and topological Hall effect (THE). For many magnetic quantum materials, including EuAl$_4$, a THE arises from a topologically protected magnetic skyrmi… ▽ More Determining the electronic phase diagram of a quantum material as a function of temperature (T) and applied magnetic field (H) forms the basis for understanding the microscopic origin of transport properties, such as the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) and topological Hall effect (THE). For many magnetic quantum materials, including EuAl$_4$, a THE arises from a topologically protected magnetic skyrmion lattice with a non-zero scalar spin chirality. We identified a square skyrmion lattice (sSkL) peak in Eu(Ga$_{1-x}$Al$_x$)$_4$ ($x$ = 0.9) identical to the peak previously observed in EuAl$_4$ by performing neutron scattering measurements throughout the phase diagram. Comparing these neutron results with transport measurements, we found that in both compounds the maximal THE does not correspond to the sSkL area. Instead of the maximal THE, the maximal magnetocaloric effect (MCE) boundaries better identify the sSkL lattice phase observed by neutron scattering measurements. The maximal THE therefore arises from interactions of itinerant electrons with frustrated spin fluctuations in a topologically trivial magnetic state. △ Less

Submitted 9 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Spin density wave and van Hove singularity in the kagome metal CeTi3Bi4

Authors: Pyeongjae Park, Brenden R. Ortiz, Milo Sprague, Anup Pradhan Sakhya, Si Athena Chen, Matthias. D. Frontzek, Wei Tian, Romain Sibille, Daniel G. Mazzone, Chihiro Tabata, Koji Kaneko, Lisa M. DeBeer-Schmitt, Matthew B. Stone, David S. Parker, German D. Samolyuk, Hu Miao, Madhab Neupane, Andrew D. Christianson

Abstract: Kagome metals with van Hove singularities near the Fermi level can host intriguing quantum phenomena such as chiral loop currents, electronic nematicity, and unconventional superconductivity. However, to our best knowledge, unconventional magnetic states driven by van Hove singularities--like spin-density waves--have not been observed experimentally in kagome metals. Here, we report the magnetic a… ▽ More Kagome metals with van Hove singularities near the Fermi level can host intriguing quantum phenomena such as chiral loop currents, electronic nematicity, and unconventional superconductivity. However, to our best knowledge, unconventional magnetic states driven by van Hove singularities--like spin-density waves--have not been observed experimentally in kagome metals. Here, we report the magnetic and electronic structure of the layered kagome metal CeTi3Bi4, where Ti kagome electronic structure interacts with a magnetic sublattice of Ce3+ Jeff = 1/2 moments. Neutron diffraction reveals an incommensurate spin-density wave ground state of the Ce3+ moments, coexisting with commensurate antiferromagnetic order across most of the temperature-field phase diagram. The commensurate component is preferentially suppressed by thermal fluctuations and magnetic field, yielding a rich phase diagram involving an intermediate single-Q spin-density wave phase. First-principles calculations and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy identify van Hove singularities near the Fermi level, with the observed magnetic propagation vectors connecting their high density of states, strongly suggesting a van Hove singularity-assisted spin-density wave. These findings establish kagome metals LnTi3Bi4 as a model platform where the characteristic electronic structure of the kagome lattice plays a pivotal role in magnetic order. △ Less

Submitted 12 May, 2025; v1 submitted 13 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 21 pages, 4 figures, SI not included

Journal ref: Nature Communications 16, 4384 (2025)

Vacancy-induced suppression of CDW order and its impact on magnetic order in kagome antiferromagnet FeGe

Authors: Mason L. Klemm, Saif Siddique, Yuan-Chun Chang, Sijie Xu, Yaofeng Xie, Tanner Legvold, Mehrdad T. Kiani, Feng Ye, Huibo Cao, Yiqing Hao, Wei Tian, Hubertus Luetkens, Masaaki Matsuda, Douglas Natelson, Zurab Guguchia, Chien-Lung Huang, Ming Yi, Judy J. Cha, Pengcheng Dai

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) kagome lattice metals are interesting because they display flat electronic bands, Dirac points, Van Hove singularities, and can have interplay between charge density wave (CDW), magnetic order, and superconductivity. In kagome lattice antiferromagnet FeGe, a short-range CDW order was found deep within an antiferromagnetically ordered state, interacting with the magnetic order.… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) kagome lattice metals are interesting because they display flat electronic bands, Dirac points, Van Hove singularities, and can have interplay between charge density wave (CDW), magnetic order, and superconductivity. In kagome lattice antiferromagnet FeGe, a short-range CDW order was found deep within an antiferromagnetically ordered state, interacting with the magnetic order. Surprisingly, post-growth annealing of FeGe at 560$^{\circ}$C can suppress the CDW order while annealing at 320$^{\circ}$C induces a long-range CDW order, with the ability to cycle between the states repeatedly by annealing. Here we perform transport, neutron scattering, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and muon spin rotation ($μ$SR) experiments to unveil the microscopic mechanism of the annealing process and its impact on magneto-transport, CDW, and magnetic properties of FeGe. We find that 560$^{\circ}$C annealing creates germanium vacancies uniformly distributed throughout the FeGe kagome lattice, which prevent the formation of Ge-Ge dimers necessary for the CDW order. Upon annealing at 320$^{\circ}$C, the system segregates into stoichiometric FeGe regions with long-range CDW order and regions with stacking faults that act as nucleation sites for the CDW. The presence or absence of CDW order greatly affects the anomalous Hall effect, incommensurate magnetic order, and spin-lattice coupling in FeGe, thus placing FeGe as the only known kagome lattice material with a tunable CDW and magnetic order, potentially useful for sensing and information transmission. △ Less

Submitted 17 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Field-free superconducting diode effect and magnetochiral anisotropy in FeTe0.7Se0.3 junctions with the inherent asymmetric barrier

Authors: Shengyao Li, Ya Deng, Dianyi Hu, Chao Zhu, Zherui Yang, Wanghao Tian, Xueyan Wang, Ming Yue, Qiong Wu, Zheng Liu, Xiao Renshaw Wang

Abstract: Nonreciprocal electrical transport, characterized by an asymmetric relationship between current and voltage, plays a crucial role in modern electronic industries. Recent studies have extended this phenomenon to superconductors, introducing the concept of the superconducting diode effect (SDE). The SDE is characterized by unequal critical supercurrents along opposite directions. Due to the requirem… ▽ More Nonreciprocal electrical transport, characterized by an asymmetric relationship between current and voltage, plays a crucial role in modern electronic industries. Recent studies have extended this phenomenon to superconductors, introducing the concept of the superconducting diode effect (SDE). The SDE is characterized by unequal critical supercurrents along opposite directions. Due to the requirement on broken inversion symmetry, the SDE is commonly accompanied by electrical magnetochiral anisotropy (eMCA) in the resistive state. Achieving a magnetic field-free SDE with field tunability is pivotal for advancements in superconductor devices. Conventionally, the field-free SDE has been achieved in Josephson junctions by intentionally intercalating an asymmetric barrier layer. Alternatively, internal magnetism was employed. Both approaches pose challenges in the selection of superconductors and fabrication processes, thereby impeding the development of SDE. Here, we present a field-free SDE in FeTe0.7Se0.3 (FTS) junction with eMCA, a phenomenon absent in FTS single nanosheets. The field-free property is associated with the presence of a gradient oxide layer on the upper surface of each FTS nanosheet, while the eMCA is linked to spin-splitting arising from the absence of inversion symmetry. Both the SDE and eMCA respond to magnetic fields with distinct temperature dependencies. This work presents a versatile and straightforward strategy for advancing superconducting electronics. △ Less

Submitted 16 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Desorption of an active Brownian polymer from a homogeneous attractive surface

Authors: Guo-qiang Feng, Wen-de Tian

Abstract: The interfacial behavior of active Brownian polymer (ABPO) is studied by Langevin dynamics simulations. On the dependence of adsorption strength and activity characterized by Peclet number (Pe), the polymer displays two typical states on the surface: adsorption and desorption states. We find the diffusion behavior of ABPO parallel to the surface yields the "active Rouse model" and activity causes… ▽ More The interfacial behavior of active Brownian polymer (ABPO) is studied by Langevin dynamics simulations. On the dependence of adsorption strength and activity characterized by Peclet number (Pe), the polymer displays two typical states on the surface: adsorption and desorption states. We find the diffusion behavior of ABPO parallel to the surface yields the "active Rouse model" and activity causes the adsorption-desorption transition at a certain adsorption strength. Particular attention is paid to how the desorption time changes with the activity. At intermediate activity, desorption time displays an exponential decay with the inverse of effective temperature. Further, we observed a non-monotonic dependence of desorption time on the rotation diffusion coefficient of the monomer and found it exists a scaling relation with chain length N. Our results highlight the activity can be used to regulate the polymer adsorption and desorption behavior. △ Less

Submitted 25 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

An active filament on a cylindrical surface: morphologies and dynamics

Authors: Chen Shen, Chao-ran Qin, Tian-liang Xu, Kang Chen, Wen-de Tian

Abstract: Structure and dynamics of an active polymer on a smooth cylindrical surface are studied by Brownian dynamics simulations. The effect of active force on the polymer adsorption behavior and the combined effect of chain mobility, length N, rigidity \k{appa}, and cylinder radius, R, on phase diagrams are systemically investigated. We find that complete adsorption is replaced by irregular alternative a… ▽ More Structure and dynamics of an active polymer on a smooth cylindrical surface are studied by Brownian dynamics simulations. The effect of active force on the polymer adsorption behavior and the combined effect of chain mobility, length N, rigidity \k{appa}, and cylinder radius, R, on phase diagrams are systemically investigated. We find that complete adsorption is replaced by irregular alternative adsorption/desorption process at a large driving force. Three typical (spiral, helix-like, rod-like) conformations of the active polymer are observed, dependent on N, \k{appa}, and R. Dynamically, the polymer shows rotational motion in spiral state, snake-like motion in the intermediate state, and straight translational motion without turning back in the rod-like state. In the spiral state, we find that rotation velocity ω and chain length follows a power-law relation ω~N^(-0.42), consistent with the torque-balance theory of general Archimedean spirals. And the polymer shows super-diffusive behavior along the cylinder at long time in the helix-like and rod-like states. Our results highlight the mobility, rigidity, as well as curvature of surface can be used to regulate the polymer behavior. △ Less

Submitted 20 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Escape of an Active Ring from an Attractive Surface: Behaving Like a Self-Propelled Brownian Particle

Authors: Bin Tang, Jin-cheng Gao, Kang Chen, Tian Hui Zhang, Wen-de Tian

Abstract: Escape of active agents from metastable states is of great interest in statistical and biological physics. In this study, we investigate the escape of a flexible active ring, composed of active Brownian particles, from a flat attractive surface using Brownian dynamics simulations. To systematically explore the effects of activity, persistence time, and the shape of attractive potentials, we calcul… ▽ More Escape of active agents from metastable states is of great interest in statistical and biological physics. In this study, we investigate the escape of a flexible active ring, composed of active Brownian particles, from a flat attractive surface using Brownian dynamics simulations. To systematically explore the effects of activity, persistence time, and the shape of attractive potentials, we calculate escape time and effective temperature. We observe two distinct escape mechanisms: Kramers-like thermal activation at small persistence times and the maximal force problem at large persistence time, where escape time is determined by persistence time. The escape time explicitly depends on the shape of the potential barrier at high activity and large persistence time. Moreover, when the propulsion force is biased along the ring's contour, escape becomes more difficult and is primarily driven by thermal noise. Our findings highlight that, despite its intricate configuration, the active ring can be effectively modeled as a self-propelled Brownian particle when studying its escape from a smooth surface. △ Less

Submitted 20 August, 2024; v1 submitted 30 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Constrained motion of self-propelling eccentric disks linked by a spring

Authors: Tian-liang Xu, Chao-ran Qin, Bin Tang, Jin-cheng Gao, Jiankang Zhou, Kang Chen, Tian Hui Zhang, Wen-de Tian

Abstract: It has been supposed that the interplay of elasticity and activity plays a key role in triggering the non-equilibrium behaviors in biological systems. However, the experimental model system is missing to investigate the spatiotemporally dynamical phenomena. Here, a model system of an active chain, where active eccentric-disks are linked by a spring, is designed to study the interplay of activity,… ▽ More It has been supposed that the interplay of elasticity and activity plays a key role in triggering the non-equilibrium behaviors in biological systems. However, the experimental model system is missing to investigate the spatiotemporally dynamical phenomena. Here, a model system of an active chain, where active eccentric-disks are linked by a spring, is designed to study the interplay of activity, elasticity, and friction. Individual active chain exhibits longitudinal and transverse motion, however, it starts to self-rotate when pinning one end, and self-beats when clamping one end. Additionally, our eccentric-disk model can qualitatively reproduce such behaviors and explain the unusual self-rotation of the first disk around its geometric center. Further, the structure and dynamics of long chains were studied via simulations without steric interactions. It was found that hairpin conformation emerges in free motion, while in the constrained motions, the rotational and beating frequencies scale with the flexure number (the ratio of self-propelling force to bending rigidity), ~4/3. Scaling analysis suggests that it results from the balance between activity and energy dissipation. Our findings show that topological constraints play a vital role in non-equilibrium synergy behavior. △ Less

Submitted 30 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Pulling order back from the brink of disorder: Observation of a nodal line spin liquid and fluctuation stabilized order in K$_2$IrCl$_6$

Authors: Qiaochu Wang, Alberto de la Torre, Jose A. Rodriguez-Rivera, Andrey A. Podlesnyak, Wei Tian, Adam A. Aczel, Masaaki Matsuda, Philip J. Ryan, Jong-Woo Kim, Jeffrey G. Rau, Kemp W. Plumb

Abstract: Competing interactions in frustrated magnets can give rise to highly degenerate ground states from which correlated liquid-like states of matter often emerge. The scaling of this degeneracy influences the ultimate ground state, with extensive degeneracies potentially yielding quantum spin liquids, while sub-extensive or smaller degeneracies yield static orders. A longstanding problem is to underst… ▽ More Competing interactions in frustrated magnets can give rise to highly degenerate ground states from which correlated liquid-like states of matter often emerge. The scaling of this degeneracy influences the ultimate ground state, with extensive degeneracies potentially yielding quantum spin liquids, while sub-extensive or smaller degeneracies yield static orders. A longstanding problem is to understand how ordered states precipitate from this degenerate manifold and what echoes of the degeneracy survive ordering. Here, we use neutron scattering to experimentally demonstrate a new "nodal line" spin liquid, where spins collectively fluctuate within a sub-extensive manifold spanning one-dimensional lines in reciprocal space. Realized in the spin-orbit coupled, face-centered cubic iridate K$_2$IrCl$_6$, we show that the sub-extensive degeneracy is robust, but remains susceptible to fluctuations or longer range interactions which cooperate to select a magnetic order at low temperatures. Proximity to the nodal line spin liquid influences the ordered state, enhancing the effects of quantum fluctuations and stabilizing it through the opening of a large spin-wave gap. Our results demonstrate quantum fluctuations can act counter-intuitively in frustrated materials: instead of destabilizing ordering, at the brink of the nodal spin liquid they can act to stabilize it and dictate its low-energy physics. △ Less

Submitted 24 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: Main article: 9 pages, 3 figures. Supplemental material: 22 pages, 15 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. X 15, 021021 (2025)

Electrical Control Grain Dimensionality with Multilevel Magnetic Anisotropy

Authors: Shengyao Li, Sabpreet Bhatti, Siew Lang Teo, Ming Lin, Xinyue Pan, Zherui Yang, Peng Song, Wanghao Tian, Xinyu He, Jianwei Chai, Xian Jun Loh, Qiang Zhu, S. N. Piramanayagam, Xiao Renshaw Wang

Abstract: In alignment with the increasing demand for larger storage capacity and longer data retention, electrical control of magnetic anisotropy has been a research focus in the realm of spintronics. Typically, magnetic anisotropy is determined by grain dimensionality, which is set during the fabrication of magnetic thin films. Despite the intrinsic correlation between magnetic anisotropy and grain dimens… ▽ More In alignment with the increasing demand for larger storage capacity and longer data retention, electrical control of magnetic anisotropy has been a research focus in the realm of spintronics. Typically, magnetic anisotropy is determined by grain dimensionality, which is set during the fabrication of magnetic thin films. Despite the intrinsic correlation between magnetic anisotropy and grain dimensionality, there is a lack of experimental evidence for electrically controlling grain dimensionality, thereby impeding the efficiency of magnetic anisotropy modulation. Here, we demonstrate an electric field control of grain dimensionality and prove it as the active mechanism for tuning interfacial magnetism. The reduction in grain dimensionality is associated with a transition from ferromagnetic to superparamagnetic behavior. We achieve a non-volatile and reversible modulation of the coercivity in both the ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic regimes. Subsequent electrical and elemental analysis confirms the variation in grain dimensionality upon the application of gate voltages, revealing a transition from a multidomain to a single-domain state accompanied by a reduction in grain dimensionality. Furthermore, we exploit the influence of grain dimensionality on domain wall motion, extending its applicability to multilevel magnetic memory and synaptic devices. Our results provide a strategy for tuning interfacial magnetism through grain size engineering for advancements in high-performance spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 18 October, 2024; v1 submitted 28 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Observation of quantum thermalization restricted to Hilbert space fragments

Authors: Luheng Zhao, Prithvi Raj Datla, Weikun Tian, Mohammad Mujahid Aliyu, Huanqian Loh

Abstract: Quantum thermalization occurs in a broad class of systems from elementary particles to complex materials. Out-of-equilibrium quantum systems have long been understood to either thermalize or retain memory of their initial states, but not both. Here we achieve the first coexistence of thermalization and memory in a quantum system, where we use both Rydberg blockade and facilitation in an atom array… ▽ More Quantum thermalization occurs in a broad class of systems from elementary particles to complex materials. Out-of-equilibrium quantum systems have long been understood to either thermalize or retain memory of their initial states, but not both. Here we achieve the first coexistence of thermalization and memory in a quantum system, where we use both Rydberg blockade and facilitation in an atom array to engineer a fragmentation of the Hilbert space into exponentially many disjointed subspaces. We find that the kinetically constrained system yields quantum many-body scars arising from the $\mathbb{Z}_{2k}$ class of initial states, which generalizes beyond the $\mathbb{Z}_{2}$ scars previously reported in other quantum systems. When bringing multiple long-range interactions into resonance, we observe quantum thermalization restricted to Hilbert space fragments, where the thermalized system retains characteristics of the initial configuration. Intriguingly, states belonging to different subspaces do not thermalize with each other even when they have the same energy. Our work challenges established ideas of quantum thermalization while experimentally resolving the longstanding tension between thermalization and memory. These results may be applied to control entanglement dynamics in quantum processors and quantum sensors. △ Less

Submitted 25 October, 2024; v1 submitted 14 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 18 pages, 13 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. X 15, 011035 (2025)

Giant third-order nonlinear Hall effect in misfit layer compound (SnS)${1.17}$(NbS$_2$)$_3$

Authors: Shengyao Li, Xueyan Wang, Zherui Yang, Lijuan Zhang, Siew Lang Teo, Ming Lin, Ri He, Naizhou Wang, Peng Song, Wanghao Tian, Xian Jun Loh, Qiang Zhu, Bo Sun, X. Renshaw Wang

Abstract: Nonlinear Hall effect (NLHE) holds immense significance in recognizing the band geometry and its potential applications in current rectification. Recent discoveries have expanded the study from second-order to third-order nonlinear Hall effect (THE), which is governed by an intrinsic band geometric quantity called the Berry Connection Polarizability (BCP) tensor. Here we demonstrate a giant THE in… ▽ More Nonlinear Hall effect (NLHE) holds immense significance in recognizing the band geometry and its potential applications in current rectification. Recent discoveries have expanded the study from second-order to third-order nonlinear Hall effect (THE), which is governed by an intrinsic band geometric quantity called the Berry Connection Polarizability (BCP) tensor. Here we demonstrate a giant THE in a misfit layer compound, (SnS)${1.17}$(NbS$_2$)$_3$. While the THE is prohibited in individual NbS$_2$ and SnS due to the constraints imposed by the crystal symmetry and their band structures, a remarkable THE emerges when a superlattice is formed by introducing a monolayer of SnS. The angular-dependent THE and its scaling relationship indicate that the phenomenon could be correlated to the band geometry modulation, concurrently with the symmetry breaking. The resulting strength of THE is orders of magnitude higher compared to recent studies. Our work illuminates the modulation of structural and electronic geometries for novel quantum phenomena through interface engineering. △ Less

Submitted 31 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Random Fields from Quenched Disorder in an Archetype for Correlated Electrons: the Parallel Spin Stripe Phase of La$_{1.6-x}$Nd$_{0.4}$Sr$_x$CuO$_4$ at the 1/8 Anomaly

Authors: Q. Chen, S. H. -Y. Huang, Q. Ma, E. M. Smith, H. Sharron, A. A. Aczel, W. Tian, B. D. Gaulin

Abstract: The parallel stripe phase is remarkable both in its own right, and in relation to the other phases it co-exists with. Its inhomogeneous nature makes such states susceptible to random fields from quenched magnetic vacancies. We argue this is the case by introducing low concentrations of nonmagnetic Zn impurities (0-10%) into La$_{1.6-x}$Nd$_{0.4}$Sr$_x$CuO$_4$ (Nd-LSCO) with $x$ = 0.125 in single c… ▽ More The parallel stripe phase is remarkable both in its own right, and in relation to the other phases it co-exists with. Its inhomogeneous nature makes such states susceptible to random fields from quenched magnetic vacancies. We argue this is the case by introducing low concentrations of nonmagnetic Zn impurities (0-10%) into La$_{1.6-x}$Nd$_{0.4}$Sr$_x$CuO$_4$ (Nd-LSCO) with $x$ = 0.125 in single crystal form, well below the percolation threshold of $\sim$ 41% for two-dimensional (2D) square lattice. Elastic neutron scattering measurements on these crystals show clear magnetic quasi-Bragg peaks at all Zn dopings. While all the Zn-doped crystals display order parameters that merge into each other and the background at $\sim$ 68 K, the temperature dependence of the order parameter as a function of Zn concentration is drastically different. This result is consistent with meandering charge stripes within the parallel stripe phase, which are pinned in the presence of quenched magnetic vacancies. In turn it implies vacancies that preferentially occupy sites within the charge stripes, and hence that can be very effective at disrupting superconductivity in Nd-LSCO ($x$ = 0.125), and, by extension, in all systems exhibiting parallel stripes. △ Less

Submitted 27 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 109, 134411, 2024

New insight into tuning magnetic phases of $R$Mn$_6$Sn$_6$ kagome metals

Authors: Simon X. M. Riberolles, Tianxiong Han, Tyler J. Slade, J. M. Wilde, A. Sapkota, Wei Tian, Qiang Zhang, D. L. Abernathy, L. D. Sanjeewa, S. L. Bud'ko, P. C. Canfield, R. J. McQueeney, B. G. Ueland

Abstract: Predicting magnetic ordering in kagome compounds offers the possibility of harnessing topological or flat-band physical properties through tuning of the magnetism. Here, we examine the magnetic interactions and phases of ErMn$_6$Sn$_6$ which belongs to a family of $R$Mn$_6$Sn$_6$, $R=$ Sc, Y, Gd--Lu, compounds with magnetic kagome Mn layers, triangular $R$ layers, and signatures of topological pro… ▽ More Predicting magnetic ordering in kagome compounds offers the possibility of harnessing topological or flat-band physical properties through tuning of the magnetism. Here, we examine the magnetic interactions and phases of ErMn$_6$Sn$_6$ which belongs to a family of $R$Mn$_6$Sn$_6$, $R=$ Sc, Y, Gd--Lu, compounds with magnetic kagome Mn layers, triangular $R$ layers, and signatures of topological properties. Using results from single-crystal neutron diffraction and mean-field analysis, we find that ErMn$_6$Sn$_6$ sits close to the critical boundary separating the spiral-magnetic and ferrimagnetic ordered states typical for nonmagnetic versus magnetic $R$ layers, respectively. Finding interlayer magnetic interactions and easy-plane Mn magnetic anisotropy consistent with other members of the family, we predict the existence of a number of temperature and field dependent collinear, noncollinear, and noncoplanar magnetic phases. We show that thermal fluctuations of the Er magnetic moment, which act to weaken the Mn-Er interlayer magnetic interaction and quench the Er magnetic anisotropy, dictate magnetic phase stability. Our results provide a starting point and outline a multitude of possibilities for studying the behavior of Dirac fermions in $R$Mn$_6$Sn$_6$ compounds with control of the Mn spin orientation and real-space spin chirality. △ Less

Submitted 29 May, 2024; v1 submitted 22 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: Supplementary Information included

Journal ref: npj Quantum Mater. 9, 42 (2024)

Static and dynamical properties of the spin-5/2 nearly ideal triangular lattice antiferromagnet Ba3MnSb2O9

Authors: Mingfang Shu, Weicen Dong, Jinlong Jiao, Jiangtao Wu, Gaoting lin, Tao Hong, Huibo Cao, Masaaki Matsuda, Wei Tian, Songxue Chi, Georg Ehlers, Zhongwen Ouyang, Hongwei Chen, Youming Zou, Zhe Qu, Qing Huang, Haidong Zhou, Yoshitomo Kamiya, Jie Ma

Abstract: We study the ground state and spin excitations in Ba3MnSb2O9, an easy-plane S = 5/2 triangular lattice antiferromagnet. By combining single-crystal neutron scattering, electric spin resonance (ESR), and spin wave calculations, we determine the frustrated quasi-two-dimensional spin Hamiltonian parameters describing the material. While the material has a slight monoclinic structural distortion, whic… ▽ More We study the ground state and spin excitations in Ba3MnSb2O9, an easy-plane S = 5/2 triangular lattice antiferromagnet. By combining single-crystal neutron scattering, electric spin resonance (ESR), and spin wave calculations, we determine the frustrated quasi-two-dimensional spin Hamiltonian parameters describing the material. While the material has a slight monoclinic structural distortion, which could allow for isosceles-triangular exchanges and biaxial anisotropy by symmetry, we observe no deviation from the behavior expected for spin waves in the in-plane 120o state. Even the easy-plane anisotropy is so small that it can only be detected by ESR in our study. In conjunction with the quasi-two-dimensionality, our study establishes that Ba3MnSb2O9 is a nearly ideal triangular lattice antiferromagnet with the quasi-classical spin S = 5/2, which suggests that it has the potential for an experimental study of Z- or Z2-vortex excitations. △ Less

Submitted 7 September, 2023; v1 submitted 9 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

2D MXene Electrochemical Transistors

Authors: Jyoti Shakya, Min-A Kang, Jian Li, Armin VahidMohammadi, Weiqian Tian, Erica Zeglio, Mahiar Max Hamedi

Abstract: In the past two decades another transistor based on conducting polymers, called the organic electrochemical transistor (ECT) was shown and largely studied. The main difference between organic ECTs and FETs is the mode and extent of channel doping: while in FETs the channel only has surface doping through dipoles, the mixed ionic-electronic conductivity of the channel material in Organic ECTs enabl… ▽ More In the past two decades another transistor based on conducting polymers, called the organic electrochemical transistor (ECT) was shown and largely studied. The main difference between organic ECTs and FETs is the mode and extent of channel doping: while in FETs the channel only has surface doping through dipoles, the mixed ionic-electronic conductivity of the channel material in Organic ECTs enables bulk electrochemical doping. As a result, the organic ECT maximizes conductance modulation at the expense of speed. Until now ECTs have been based on conducting polymers, but here we show that MXenes, a class of 2D materials beyond graphene, have mixed ionic-electronic properties that enable the realization of electrochemical transistors (ECTs). We show that the formulas for organic ECTs can be applied to these 2D ECTs and used to extract parameters like mobility. These MXene ECTs have high transconductance values but low on-off ratios. We further show that conductance switching data measured using ECT, in combination with other in-situ ex-situ electrochemical measurements, is a powerful tool for correlating the change in conductance to that of redox state: to our knowledge, this is the first report of this important correlation for MXene films. Many future possibilities exist for MXenes ECTs, and we think other 2D materials with bandgaps can also form ECTs with single or heterostructured 2D materials. 2D ECTs can draw great inspiration and theoretical tools from the field of organic ECTs and have the potential to considerably extend the capabilities of transistors beyond that of conducting polymer ECTs, with added properties such as extreme heat resistance, tolerance for solvents, and higher conductivity for both electrons and ions than conducting polymers. △ Less

Submitted 10 January, 2024; v1 submitted 19 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Comments: 14 pages, 4 figures

MSC Class: 82D37

Capillary filling of polymer chains in nanopores

Authors: Jianwei Zhang, Jinyu Lei, Wenzhang Tian, Guangzhao Zhang, George Floudas, Jiajia Zhou

Abstract: We performed molecular dynamics simulations with a coarse-grained model to investigate the capillary filling dynamics of polymer chains in nanopores. Short chains fill slower than predicted by the Lucas-Washburn equation but long chains fill faster. The analysis shows that the combination of the confinement effect on the free energy of chains and the reduction of the effective radius due to the "d… ▽ More We performed molecular dynamics simulations with a coarse-grained model to investigate the capillary filling dynamics of polymer chains in nanopores. Short chains fill slower than predicted by the Lucas-Washburn equation but long chains fill faster. The analysis shows that the combination of the confinement effect on the free energy of chains and the reduction of the effective radius due to the "dead zone" slow down the imbibition. Reduction of the entanglements is the main factor behind the reversing dynamics because of the lower effective viscosity, which leads to a faster filling. This effect is enhanced in the smaller capillary and more profound for longer chains. The observed increase in the mean square radius of gyration during capillary filling provides a clear evidence of chain orientation, which leads to the decrease in the number of entanglements. For the scaling relation between the effective viscosity and the degree of polymerization, we find the exponent will increase in the larger nanopore. △ Less

Submitted 12 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Comments: 32 pages, 12 figures, SI included

Multi-k magnetic structure and large anomalous Hall effect in candidate magnetic Weyl semimetal NdAlGe

Authors: C. Dhital, R. L. Dally, R. Ruvalcaba, R. Gonzalez-Hernandez, J. Guerrero-Sanchez, H. B. Cao, Q. Zhang, W. Tian, Y. Wu, M. D. Frontzek, S. K. Karna, A. Meads, B. Wilson, R. Chapai, D. Graf, J. Bacsa, R. Jin, J. F. DiTusa

Abstract: The magnetic structure, magnetoresistance, and Hall effect of non-centrosymmetric magnetic semimetal NdAlGe are investigated revealing an unusual magnetic state and anomalous transport properties that are associated with the electronic structure of this non-centrosymmetric compound. The magnetization and magnetoresistance measurements are both highly anisotropic and indicate an Ising-like magnetic… ▽ More The magnetic structure, magnetoresistance, and Hall effect of non-centrosymmetric magnetic semimetal NdAlGe are investigated revealing an unusual magnetic state and anomalous transport properties that are associated with the electronic structure of this non-centrosymmetric compound. The magnetization and magnetoresistance measurements are both highly anisotropic and indicate an Ising-like magnetic system. The magnetic structure is complex in that it involves three magnetic ordering vectors including an incommensurate spin density wave and commensurate ferrimagnetic state in zero field. We have discovered a large anomalous Hall conductivity that reaches = 430 Ω-1cm-1 implying that it originates from an intrinsic Berry curvature effect stemming from Weyl nodes found in the electronic structure. These electronic structure calculations indicate the presence of nested Fermi surface pockets with nesting wave vectors similar to the measured magnetic ordering wavevector and the presence of Weyl nodes in proximity to the Fermi surface. We associate the incommensurate magnetic structure with the large anomalous Hall response to be the result of the combination of Fermi surface nesting and the Berry curvature associated with Weyl nodes. △ Less

Submitted 29 June, 2023; v1 submitted 10 February, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

Comments: 46 pages, 12 figures

Journal ref: PRB 2023

Antiferromagnetic order and its interplay with superconductivity in CaK(Fe$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$)$_4$As$_4$

Authors: J. M. Wilde, A. Sapkota, Q. -P. Ding, M. Xu, W. Tian, S. L. Bud'ko, Y. Furukawa, A. Kreyssig, P. C. Canfield

Abstract: The magnetic order for several compositions of CaK(Fe$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$)$_4$As$_4$ has been studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and neutron diffraction. Our observations for the Mn-doped 1144 compound are consistent with the hedgehog spin vortex crystal (hSVC) order which has previously been found for Ni-doped $\text{Ca}\text{K}\text{Fe}_4\text{As}_4$. The hSVC state i… ▽ More The magnetic order for several compositions of CaK(Fe$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$)$_4$As$_4$ has been studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and neutron diffraction. Our observations for the Mn-doped 1144 compound are consistent with the hedgehog spin vortex crystal (hSVC) order which has previously been found for Ni-doped $\text{Ca}\text{K}\text{Fe}_4\text{As}_4$. The hSVC state is characterized by the stripe-type propagation vectors $(π\,0)$ and $(0\,π)$ just as in the doped 122 compounds. The hSVC state preserves tetragonal symmetry at the Fe site, and only this SVC motif with simple AFM stacking along $\textbf{c}$ is consistent with all our observations using NMR, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and neutron diffraction. We find that the hSVC state in the Mn-doped 1144 compound coexists with superconductivity (SC), and by combining the neutron scattering and Mössbauer spectroscopy data we can infer a quantum phase transition, hidden under the superconducting dome, associated with the suppression of the AFM transition temperature ($T_\text{N}$) to zero for $x\approx0.01$. In addition, unlike several 122 compounds and Ni-doped 1144, the ordered magnetic moment is not observed to decrease at temperatures below the superconducting transition temperature ($T_\text{c}$). △ Less

Submitted 16 January, 2023; originally announced January 2023.

Comments: 10 pages and 10 figures

Journal ref: J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 35 395801 (2023)

Role of Magnetic Defects and Defect-engineering of Magnetic Topological Insulators

Authors: Farhan Islam, Yongbin Lee, Daniel M. Pajerowski, Wei Tian, Jiaqiang Yan, Liqin Ke, Robert J. McQueeney, David Vaknin

Abstract: Magnetic defects play an important, but poorly understood, role in magnetic topological insulators (TIs). For example, topological surface transport and bulk magnetic properties are controlled by magnetic defects in Bi$_2$Se$_3$-based dilute ferromagnetic (FM) TIs and MnBi$_2$Te$_4$ (MBT)-based antiferromagnetic (AFM) TIs. Despite its nascent ferromagnetism, our inelastic neutron scattering data s… ▽ More Magnetic defects play an important, but poorly understood, role in magnetic topological insulators (TIs). For example, topological surface transport and bulk magnetic properties are controlled by magnetic defects in Bi$_2$Se$_3$-based dilute ferromagnetic (FM) TIs and MnBi$_2$Te$_4$ (MBT)-based antiferromagnetic (AFM) TIs. Despite its nascent ferromagnetism, our inelastic neutron scattering data show that a fraction of the Mn defects in Sb$_2$Te$_3$ form strong AFM dimer singlets within a quintuple block. The AFM superexchange coupling occurs via Mn-Te-Mn linear bonds and is identical to the AFM coupling between antisite defects and the FM Mn layer in MBT, establishing common interactions in the two materials classes. We also find that the FM correlations in (Sb$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$)$_2$Te$_3$ are likely driven by magnetic defects in adjacent quintuple blocks across the van der Waals gap. In addition to providing answers to long-standing questions about the evolution of FM order in dilute TI, these results also show that the evolution of global magnetic order from AFM to FM in Sb-substituted MBT is controlled by defect engineering of the intrablock and interblock coupling. △ Less

Submitted 21 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Parallel assembly of arbitrary defect-free atom arrays with a multi-tweezer algorithm

Authors: Weikun Tian, Wen Jun Wee, An Qu, Billy Jun Ming Lim, Prithvi Raj Datla, Vanessa Pei Wen Koh, Huanqian Loh

Abstract: Defect-free atom arrays are an important precursor for quantum information processing and quantum simulation. Yet, large-scale defect-free atom arrays can be challenging to realize, due to the losses encountered when rearranging stochastically loaded atoms to achieve a desired target array. Here, we demonstrate a novel parallel rearrangement algorithm that uses multiple mobile tweezers to independ… ▽ More Defect-free atom arrays are an important precursor for quantum information processing and quantum simulation. Yet, large-scale defect-free atom arrays can be challenging to realize, due to the losses encountered when rearranging stochastically loaded atoms to achieve a desired target array. Here, we demonstrate a novel parallel rearrangement algorithm that uses multiple mobile tweezers to independently sort and compress atom arrays in a way that naturally avoids atom collisions. With a high degree of parallelism, our algorithm offers a reduced move complexity compared to both single-tweezer algorithms and existing multi-tweezer algorithms. We further determine the optimal degree of parallelism to be a balance between an algorithmic speedup and multi-tweezer inhomogeneity effects. The defect-free probability for a 225-atom array is demonstrated to be as high as 33(1)% in a room temperature setup after multiple cycles of rearrangement. The algorithm presented here can be implemented for any target array geometry with an underlying periodic structure. △ Less

Submitted 20 December, 2022; v1 submitted 16 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Applied 19, 034048 (2023)

Thermal cycling induced alteration of the stacking order and spin-flip in the room temperature van der Waals magnet Fe$_5$GeTe$_2$

Authors: Xiang Chen, Wei Tian, Yu He, Hongrui Zhang, Tyler L. Werner, Saul Lapidus, Jacob P. C. Ruff, Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Robert J. Birgeneau

Abstract: The magnetic properties of the quasi-two-dimensional van der Waals magnet Fe$_{5-δ}$GeTe$_2$ (F5GT), which has a high ferromagnetic ordering temperature $T_{\text{C}}$ $\sim$ 315 K, remains to be better understood. It has been demonstrated that the magnetization of F5GT is sensitive to both the Fe deficiency $δ$ and the thermal cycling history. Here, we investigate the structural and magnetic prop… ▽ More The magnetic properties of the quasi-two-dimensional van der Waals magnet Fe$_{5-δ}$GeTe$_2$ (F5GT), which has a high ferromagnetic ordering temperature $T_{\text{C}}$ $\sim$ 315 K, remains to be better understood. It has been demonstrated that the magnetization of F5GT is sensitive to both the Fe deficiency $δ$ and the thermal cycling history. Here, we investigate the structural and magnetic properties of F5GT with a minimal Fe deficiency ($|δ|$ $\le$ 0.1), utilizing combined x-ray and neutron scattering techniques. Our study reveals that the quenched F5GT single crystals experience an irreversible, first-order transition at $T_{\text{S}}$ $\sim$ 110 K upon first cooling, where the stacking order partly or entirely converts from ABC-stacking to AA-stacking order. Importantly, the magnetic properties, including the magnetic moment direction and the enhanced $T_{\text{C}}$ after the thermal cycling, are intimately related to the alteration of the stacking order. Our work highlights the significant influence of the lattice symmetry to the magnetism in F5GT. △ Less

Submitted 9 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 7 pages with 5 figures. Comments are welcome

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Mater. 7.044411 (2023)

Nanometric modulations of the magnetic structure of the element Nd

Authors: H. Suriya Arachchige, L. M. DeBeer-Schmitt, L. L. Kish, Binod K. Rai, A. F. May, D. S. Parker, G. Pokharel, Wei Tian, D. G. Mandrus, M. Bleuel, Z. Islam, G. Fabbris, H. X. Li, S. Gao, H. Miao, S. M. Thomas, P. F. S. Rosa, J. D. Thompson, Shi-Zeng Lin, A. D. Christianson

Abstract: The rare earth neodymium arguably exhibits the most complex magnetic ordering and series of magnetic phase transitions of the elements. Here we report the results of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field to study magnetic correlations on nanometer length scales in Nd. The SANS measurements reveal the presence of previously unrepo… ▽ More The rare earth neodymium arguably exhibits the most complex magnetic ordering and series of magnetic phase transitions of the elements. Here we report the results of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field to study magnetic correlations on nanometer length scales in Nd. The SANS measurements reveal the presence of previously unreported modulation vectors characterizing the ordered spin configuration which exhibit changes in magnitude and direction that are phase dependent. Between 5.9 and 7.6 K the additional modulation vector has a magnitude $Q$ =0.12 Å$^{-1}$ and is primarily due to order of the Nd layers which contain a center of inversion. In this region of the phase diagram, the SANS measurements also identify a phase boundary at $\approx$1 T. An important feature of these modulation vectors is that they indicate the presence of nanometer length scale spin textures which are likely stabilized by frustrated Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interactions rather than a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) exchange interaction. △ Less

Submitted 6 July, 2022; originally announced July 2022.

Comments: 16 pages, 15 figures

Pressure dependence of the magnetic ground state in CePtSi2

Authors: S. E. Dissanayake, F. Ye, W. Tian, M. Matsuda, H. Muto, S. Suzuki, T. Nakano, S. Watanabe, J. Gouchi, Y. Uwatoko

Abstract: CePtSi2 was reported to exhibit an antiferromagnetic order below T*=1.8 K at ambient pressure, a valence state change at ~1.2 GPa, and superconductivity in the range between 1.4 and 2.1 GPa with the maximum transition temperature of 0.14 K [T. Nakano et al., Phys. Rev. B 79, 172507 (2009)]. We have performed polycrystalline and single crystal neutron diffraction experiments to determine the magnet… ▽ More CePtSi2 was reported to exhibit an antiferromagnetic order below T*=1.8 K at ambient pressure, a valence state change at ~1.2 GPa, and superconductivity in the range between 1.4 and 2.1 GPa with the maximum transition temperature of 0.14 K [T. Nakano et al., Phys. Rev. B 79, 172507 (2009)]. We have performed polycrystalline and single crystal neutron diffraction experiments to determine the magnetic structure under ambient and high pressures. We found that incommensurate magnetic peaks with the magnetic propagation vector of (0.32, 0, 0.11) at ambient pressure below T_{SDW}~1.25 K. Those magnetic peaks which originate from a spin-density-wave order with the easy axis along the c axis and an averaged ordered moment of 0.45(5) mu_B, suggesting that there may be an intermediate phase between T* and T_{SDW}. Applying pressures, the magnetic propagation vector shows no change and the magnetic order disappears around 1.0 GPa, which is much lower than the critical pressure for the superconducting phase. The results suggest that other than magnetic fluctuations may play a primary role in the superconducting pairing mechanism. △ Less

Submitted 16 June, 2022; originally announced June 2022.

Comments: 6 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Physical Review B 105, 245111 (2022)

Weak itinerant magnetic phases of La2Ni7

Authors: John M. Wilde, Aashish Sapkota, Wei Tian, Sergey L. Budko, Raquel A. Ribeiro, Andreas Kreyssig, Paul C. Canfield

Abstract: La2Ni7 is an intermetallic compound that is thought to have itinerant magnetism with a small moment ordering below 65 K. A recent study of single crystal samples by Ribeiro et. al. [Phys. Rev. B 105, 014412 (2022)] determined detailed anisotropic H-T phase diagrams and revealed three zero-field magnetic phase transitions at T1 ~ 61.0 K, T2 ~ 56.5K, and T3 ~ 42 K. In that study only the highest tem… ▽ More La2Ni7 is an intermetallic compound that is thought to have itinerant magnetism with a small moment ordering below 65 K. A recent study of single crystal samples by Ribeiro et. al. [Phys. Rev. B 105, 014412 (2022)] determined detailed anisotropic H-T phase diagrams and revealed three zero-field magnetic phase transitions at T1 ~ 61.0 K, T2 ~ 56.5K, and T3 ~ 42 K. In that study only the highest temperature phase is shown to have a clear ferromagnetic component. Here we present a single crystal neutron diffraction study determining the propagation vector and magnetic moment direction of the three magnetically ordered phases, two incommensurate and one commensurate, as a function of temperature. The higher temperature phases have similar, incommensurate propagation vectors, but with different ordered moment directions. At lower temperatures the magnetic order becomes commensurate with magnetic moments along the c direction as part of a first-order magnetic phase transition. We find that the low-temperature commensurate magnetic order is consistent with a proposal from earlier DFT calculations. △ Less

Submitted 21 July, 2022; v1 submitted 11 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: 7 pages, 7 figures Updated magnetic moment size based on data. Discussion is expanded to discuss origin of multiple phase transitions. Several other small changes/additions made throughout the text

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 106, 075118(2022)

Non-magnetic ion site disorder effects on the quantum magnetism of a spin-1/2 equilateral triangular lattice antiferromagnet

Authors: Q. Huang, R. Rawl, W. W. Xie, E. S. Chou, V. S. Zapf, X. X. Ding, C. Mauws, C. R. Wiebe, E. X. Feng, H. B. Cao, W. Tian, J. Ma, Y. Qiu, N. Butch, H. D. Zhou

Abstract: With the motivation to study how non-magnetic ion site disorder affects the quantum magnetism of Ba3CoSb2O9, a spin-1/2 equilateral triangular lattice antiferromagnet, we performed DC and AC susceptibility, specific heat, elastic and inelastic neutron scattering measurements on single crystalline samples of Ba2.87Sr0.13CoSb2O9 with Sr doping on non-magnetic Ba2+ ion sites. The results show that Ba… ▽ More With the motivation to study how non-magnetic ion site disorder affects the quantum magnetism of Ba3CoSb2O9, a spin-1/2 equilateral triangular lattice antiferromagnet, we performed DC and AC susceptibility, specific heat, elastic and inelastic neutron scattering measurements on single crystalline samples of Ba2.87Sr0.13CoSb2O9 with Sr doping on non-magnetic Ba2+ ion sites. The results show that Ba2.87Sr0.13CoSb2O9 exhibits (i) a two-step magnetic transition at 2.7 K and 3.3 K, respectively; (ii) a possible canted 120-degree spin structure at zero field with reduced ordered moment as 1.24μB/Co; (iii) a series of spin state transitions for both H // ab-plane and H // c-axis. For H // ab-plane, the magnetization plateau feature related to the up-up-down phase is significantly suppressed; (iv) an inelastic neutron scattering spectrum with only one gapped mode at zero field, which splits to one gapless and one gapped mode at 9 T. All these features are distinctly different from those observed for the parent compound Ba3CoSb2O9, which demonstrates that the non-magnetic ion site disorder (the Sr doping) plays a complex role on the magnetic properties beyond the conventionally expected randomization of the exchange interactions. We propose the additional effects including the enhancement of quantum spin fluctuations and introduction of a possible spatial anisotropy through the local structural distortions. △ Less

Submitted 19 August, 2021; originally announced August 2021.

Comments: 10 pages, 10 figures

Tilted stripes origin in ${\mathrm{La}}_{1.88}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{0.12}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ revealed by anisotropic next-nearest neighbor hopping

Authors: Wei He, Jiajia Wen, Hong-Chen Jiang, Guangyong Xu, Wei Tian, Takanori Taniguchi, Yoichi Ikeda, Masaki Fujita, Young S. Lee

Abstract: Spin- and charge- stripe order has been extensively studied in the superconducting cuprates, among which underdoped ${\mathrm{La}}_{2-x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ (LSCO) is an archetype with static spin stripes at low temperatures. An intriguing, but not completely understood, phenomenon in LSCO is that the stripes are tilted away from the high-symmetry Cu-Cu directions. Using high-resol… ▽ More Spin- and charge- stripe order has been extensively studied in the superconducting cuprates, among which underdoped ${\mathrm{La}}_{2-x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ (LSCO) is an archetype with static spin stripes at low temperatures. An intriguing, but not completely understood, phenomenon in LSCO is that the stripes are tilted away from the high-symmetry Cu-Cu directions. Using high-resolution neutron scattering on LSCO with $x=0.12$, we find two coexisting phases at low temperatures, one with static spin stripes and the other with fluctuating ones, both sharing the same tilt angle. Our numerical calculations using the doped Hubbard model elucidate the tilting's origin, attributing it to anisotropic next-nearest neighbor hopping $t^{\prime}$, consistent with the material's slight orthorhombicity. Our results underscore the model's success in describing specific details of the ground state of this real material and highlight the role of $t^\prime$ in the Hamiltonian, revealing the delicate interplay between stripes and superconductivity across theoretical and experimental contexts. △ Less

Submitted 25 November, 2024; v1 submitted 21 July, 2021; originally announced July 2021.

Comments: 13 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Communications Physics 7, 257 (2024)

Understanding Magnetic Phase Coexistence in Ru$_2$Mn$_{1-x}$Fe$_x$Sn Heusler Alloys: A Neutron Scattering, Thermodynamic, and Phenomenological Analysis

Authors: Eric McCalla, Emily E. Levin, Jason E. Douglas, John G. Barker, Matthias Frontzek, Wei Tian, Rafael M. Fernandes, Ram Seshadri, Chris Leighton

Abstract: The random substitutional solid solution between the antiferromagnetic (AFM) full-Heusler alloy Ru$_2$MnSn and the ferromagnetic (FM) full-Heusler alloy Ru$_2$FeSn provides a rare opportunity to study FM-AFM phase competition in a near-lattice-matched, cubic system, with full solubility. At intermediate $x$ in Ru$_2$Mn$_{1-x}$Fe$_x$Sn this system displays suppressed magnetic ordering temperatures,… ▽ More The random substitutional solid solution between the antiferromagnetic (AFM) full-Heusler alloy Ru$_2$MnSn and the ferromagnetic (FM) full-Heusler alloy Ru$_2$FeSn provides a rare opportunity to study FM-AFM phase competition in a near-lattice-matched, cubic system, with full solubility. At intermediate $x$ in Ru$_2$Mn$_{1-x}$Fe$_x$Sn this system displays suppressed magnetic ordering temperatures, spatially coexisting FM and AFM order, and strong coercivity enhancement, despite rigorous chemical homogeneity. Here, we construct the most detailed temperature- and $x$-dependent understanding of the magnetic phase competition and coexistence in this system to date, combining wide-temperature-range neutron diffraction and small-angle neutron scattering with magnetometry and specific heat measurements on thoroughly characterized polycrystals. A complete magnetic phase diagram is generated, showing FM-AFM coexistence between $x \approx 0.30$ and $x \approx 0.70$. Important new insight is gained from the extracted length scales for magnetic phase coexistence (25-100 nm), the relative magnetic volume fractions and ordering temperatures, in addition to remarkable $x$-dependent trends in magnetic and electronic contributions to specific heat. An unusual feature in the magnetic phase diagram (an intermediate FM phase) is also shown to arise from an extrinsic effect related to a minor Ru-rich secondary phase. The established magnetic phase diagram is then discussed with the aid of phenomenological modeling, clarifying the nature of the mesoscale phase coexistence with respect to the understanding of disordered Heisenberg models. △ Less

Submitted 13 May, 2021; originally announced May 2021.

Comments: 10 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Materials 5, 064417 (2021)

High-speed ionic synaptic memory based on two-dimensional titanium carbide MXene

Authors: Armantas Melianas, Min-A Kang, Armin VahidMohammadi, Weiqian Tian, Yury Gogotsi, Alberto Salleo, Mahiar Max Hamedi

Abstract: Synaptic devices with linear high-speed switching can accelerate learning in artificial neural networks (ANNs) embodied in hardware. Conventional resistive memories however suffer from high write noise and asymmetric conductance tuning, preventing parallel programming of ANN arrays as needed to surpass conventional computing efficiency. Electrochemical random-access memories (ECRAMs), where resist… ▽ More Synaptic devices with linear high-speed switching can accelerate learning in artificial neural networks (ANNs) embodied in hardware. Conventional resistive memories however suffer from high write noise and asymmetric conductance tuning, preventing parallel programming of ANN arrays as needed to surpass conventional computing efficiency. Electrochemical random-access memories (ECRAMs), where resistive switching occurs by ion insertion into a redox-active channel address these challenges due to their linear switching and low noise. ECRAMs using two-dimensional (2D) materials and metal oxides suffer from slow ion kinetics, whereas organic ECRAMs enable high-speed operation but face significant challenges towards on-chip integration due to poor temperature stability of polymers. Here, we demonstrate ECRAMs using 2D titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene that combines the high speed of organics and the integration compatibility of inorganic materials in a single high-performance device. Our ECRAMs combine the speed, linearity, write noise, switching energy and endurance metrics essential for parallel acceleration of ANNs, and importantly, they are stable after heat treatment needed for back-end-of-line integration with Si electronics. The high speed and performance of these ECRAMs introduces MXenes, a large family of 2D carbides and nitrides with more than 30 compositions synthesized to date, as very promising candidates for devices operating at the nexus of electrochemistry and electronics. △ Less

Submitted 23 April, 2021; v1 submitted 12 April, 2021; originally announced April 2021.

Comments: Fig. 4 now shows film stability up to 400C (replacing earlier 300C data). Section headings were also added to the main text

Canted antiferromagnetic order and spin dynamics in the honeycomb-lattice Tb2Ir3Ga9

Authors: Feng Ye, Zachary Morgan, Wei Tian, Songxue Chi, Xiaoping Wang, Michael E. Manley, David Parker, Mojammel A. Khan, J. F. Mitchell, Randy Fishman

Abstract: Single crystal neutron diffraction, inelastic neutron scattering, bulk magnetization measurements, and first-principles calculations are used to investigate the magnetic properties of the honeycomb lattice $\rm Tb_2Ir_3Ga_9$. While the $R\ln2$ magnetic contribution to the low-temperature entropy indicates a $\rm J_{eff}=1/2$ moment for the lowest-energy crystal-field doublet, the Tb$^{3+}$ ions fo… ▽ More Single crystal neutron diffraction, inelastic neutron scattering, bulk magnetization measurements, and first-principles calculations are used to investigate the magnetic properties of the honeycomb lattice $\rm Tb_2Ir_3Ga_9$. While the $R\ln2$ magnetic contribution to the low-temperature entropy indicates a $\rm J_{eff}=1/2$ moment for the lowest-energy crystal-field doublet, the Tb$^{3+}$ ions form a canted antiferromagnetic structure below 12.5 K. Due to the Dzyalloshinskii-Moriya interactions, the Tb moments in the $ab$ plane are slightly canted towards $b$ by $6^\circ$ with a canted moment of 1.22 $μ_{\rm B} $ per formula unit. A minimal $xxz$ spin Hamiltonian is used to simultaneously fit the spin-wave frequencies along the high symmetry directions and the field dependence of the magnetization along the three crystallographic axes. Long-range magnetic interactions for both in-plane and out-of-plane couplings up to the second nearest neighbors are needed to account for the observed static and dynamic properties. The $z$ component of the exchange interactions between Tb moments are larger than the $x$ and $y$ components. This compound also exhibits bond-dependent exchange with negligible nearest exchange coupling between moments parallel and perpendicular to the 4$f$ orbitals. Despite the $J_{\rm eff}=1/2$ moments, the spin Hamiltonian is denominated by a large in-plane anisotropy $K_z \sim -1$ meV. DFT calculations confirm the antiferromagnetic ground state and the substantial inter-plane coupling at larger Tb-Tb distances. △ Less

Submitted 4 March, 2021; originally announced March 2021.

Comments: 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 103, 184413 (2021)

Reentrance of spin-driven ferroelectricity through rotational tunneling of ammonium

Authors: Yan Wu, Lei Ding, Na Su, Yinina Ma, Kun Zhai, Xiaojian Bai, Bryan C. Chakoumakos, Young Sun, Yongqiang Cheng, Jinguang Cheng, Wei Tian, Huibo Cao

Abstract: Quantum effects fundamentally engender exotic physical phenomena in macroscopic systems, which advance next-generation technological applications. Rotational tunneling that represents the quantum phenomenon of the librational motion of molecules is ubiquitous in hydrogen-contained materials. However, its direct manifestation in realizing macroscopic physical properties is elusive. Here we report a… ▽ More Quantum effects fundamentally engender exotic physical phenomena in macroscopic systems, which advance next-generation technological applications. Rotational tunneling that represents the quantum phenomenon of the librational motion of molecules is ubiquitous in hydrogen-contained materials. However, its direct manifestation in realizing macroscopic physical properties is elusive. Here we report an observation of reentrant ferroelectricity under low pressure that is mediated by the rotational tunneling of ammonium ions in molecule-based (NH$_4$)$_2$FeCl$_5 \cdot$H$_2$O. Applying a small pressure leads to a transition from spin-driven ferroelectricity to paraelectricity coinciding with the stabilization of a collinear magnetic phase. Such a transition is attributed to the hydrogen bond fluctuations via the rotational tunneling of ammonium groups as supported by theoretical calculations. Higher pressure lifts the quantum fluctuations and leads to a reentrant ferroelectric phase concomitant with another incommensurate magnetic phase. These results demonstrate that the rotational tunneling emerges as a new route to control magnetic-related properties in soft magnets, opening avenues for designing multi-functional materials and realizing potential quantum control. △ Less

Submitted 7 January, 2021; originally announced January 2021.

Comments: 4 figures. Supplemental Material available on request

Helical magnetic order and Fermi surface nesting in non-centrosymmetric ScFeGe

Authors: Sunil K. Karna, D. Tristant, J. K. Hebert, G. Cao, R. Chapai, W. A. Phelan, Q. Zhang, Y. Wu, C. Dhital, Y. Li, H. B. Cao, W. Tian, C. R. Dela Cruz, A. A. Aczel, O. Zaharko, A. Khasanov, M. A. McGuire, A. Roy, W. Xie, D. A. Browne, I. Vekhter, V. Meunier, W. A. Shelton, P. W. Adams, P. T. Sprunger , et al. (3 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: An investigation of the structural, magnetic, thermodynamic, and charge transport properties of non-centrosymmetric hexagonal ScFeGe reveals it to be an anisotropic metal with a transition to a weak itinerant incommensurate helimagnetic state below $T_N = 36$ K. Neutron diffraction measurements discovered a temperature and field independent helical wavevector \textbf{\textit{k}} = (0 0 0.193) with… ▽ More An investigation of the structural, magnetic, thermodynamic, and charge transport properties of non-centrosymmetric hexagonal ScFeGe reveals it to be an anisotropic metal with a transition to a weak itinerant incommensurate helimagnetic state below $T_N = 36$ K. Neutron diffraction measurements discovered a temperature and field independent helical wavevector \textbf{\textit{k}} = (0 0 0.193) with magnetic moments of 0.53 $μ_{B}$ per formula unit confined to the {\it ab}-plane. Density functional theory calculations are consistent with these measurements and find several bands that cross the Fermi level along the {\it c}-axis with a nearly degenerate set of flat bands just above the Fermi energy. The anisotropy found in the electrical transport is reflected in the calculated Fermi surface, which consists of several warped flat sheets along the $c$-axis with two regions of significant nesting, one of which has a wavevector that closely matches that found in the neutron diffraction. The electronic structure calculations, along with a strong anomaly in the {\it c}-axis conductivity at $T_N$, signal a Fermi surface driven magnetic transition, similar to that found in spin density wave materials. Magnetic fields applied in the {\it ab}-plane result in a metamagnetic transition with a threshold field of $\approx$ 6.7 T along with a sharp, strongly temperature dependent, discontinuity and a change in sign of the magnetoresistance for in-plane currents. Thus, ScFeGe is an ideal system to investigate the effect of in-plane magnetic fields on an easy-plane magnetic system, where the relative strength of the magnetic interactions and anisotropies determine the topology and magnetic structure. △ Less

Submitted 29 September, 2020; originally announced September 2020.

Comments: 15 pages, 13 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 103, 014443 (2021)

Pseudospin-lattice coupling and electric control of the square-lattice iridate Sr2IrO4

Authors: Feng Ye, Christina Hoffmann, Wei Tian, Hengdi Zhao, G. Cao

Abstract: $\rm Sr_2IrO_4… ▽ More $\rm Sr_2IrO_4$ is an archetypal spin-orbit-coupled Mott insulator and has been extensively studied in part because of a wide range of predicted novel states. Limited experimental characterization of these states thus far brings to light the extraordinary susceptibility of the physical properties to the lattice, particularly, the Ir-O-Ir bond angle. Here, we report a newly observed microscopic rotation of the IrO$_6$ octahedra below 50~K measured by single crystal neutron diffraction. This sharp lattice anomaly provides keys to understanding the anomalous low-temperature physics and a direct confirmation of a crucial role that the Ir-O-Ir bond angle plays in determining the ground state. Indeed, as also demonstrated in this study, applied electric current readily weakens the antiferromagnetic order via the straightening of the Ir-O-Ir bond angle, highlighting that even slight change in the local structure can disproportionately affect the physical properties in the spin-orbit-coupled system. △ Less

Submitted 27 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Comments: 4 Figures

Field-induced magnetic phase transitions and the resultant giant anomalous Hall effect in antiferromagnetic half-Heusler DyPtBi

Authors: H. Zhang, Y. L. Zhu, Y. Qiu, W. Tian, H. B. Cao, Z. Q. Mao, X. Ke

Abstract: We report field-induced magnetic phase transitions and transport properties of antiferromagnetic DyPtBi. We show that DyPtBi hosts a delicate balance between two different magnetic ground states, which can be controlled by a moderate magnetic field. Furthermore, it exhibits giant anomalous Hall effect (σ_A=1540 (ohm cm)^{-1},θ_{AHE} = 24%) in a field-induced Type-I spin structure, presumably attri… ▽ More We report field-induced magnetic phase transitions and transport properties of antiferromagnetic DyPtBi. We show that DyPtBi hosts a delicate balance between two different magnetic ground states, which can be controlled by a moderate magnetic field. Furthermore, it exhibits giant anomalous Hall effect (σ_A=1540 (ohm cm)^{-1},θ_{AHE} = 24%) in a field-induced Type-I spin structure, presumably attributed to the enhanced Berry curvature associated with avoided band-crossings near the Fermi energy and / or non-zero spin chirality. The latter mechanism points DyPtBi towards a rare potential realization of anomalous Hall effect in an antiferromagnet with face-center-cubic lattice that was proposed in [Physical Review Letters 87, 116801 (2001)]. △ Less

Submitted 25 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Comments: Accepted by Phys. Rev. B

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 102, 094424 (2020)

Magnetic Excitations of the Hybrid Multiferroic (ND4)2FeCl5D2O

Authors: Xiaojian Bai, Randy S. Fishman, Gabriele Sala, Daniel M. Pajerowski, V. Ovidiu Garlea, Tao Hong, Minseong Lee, Jaime A. Fernandez-Baca, Huibo Cao, Wei Tian

Abstract: We report a comprehensive inelastic neutron scattering study of the hybrid molecule-based multiferroic compound (ND4)2FeCl5D2O in the zero-field incommensurate cycloidal phase and the high-field quasi-collinear phase. The spontaneous electric polarization changes its direction concurrently with the field-induced magnetic transition, from mostly aligned with the crystallographic a-axis to the c-axi… ▽ More We report a comprehensive inelastic neutron scattering study of the hybrid molecule-based multiferroic compound (ND4)2FeCl5D2O in the zero-field incommensurate cycloidal phase and the high-field quasi-collinear phase. The spontaneous electric polarization changes its direction concurrently with the field-induced magnetic transition, from mostly aligned with the crystallographic a-axis to the c-axis. To account for such change of polarization direction, the underlying multiferroic mechanism was proposed to switch from the spin-current model induced via the inverse Dzyalloshinskii-Moriya interaction to the p-d hybridization model. We perform a detailed analysis of the inelastic neutron data of (ND4)2FeCl5D2O using linear spin-wave theory to quantify magnetic interaction strengths and investigate possible impact of different multiferroic mechanisms on the magnetic couplings. Our result reveals that the spin dynamics of both multiferroic phases can be well-described by a Heisenberg Hamiltonian with an easy-plane anisotropy. We do not find notable differences between the optimal model parameters of the two phases. The hierarchy of exchange couplings and the balance among frustrated interactions remain the same between two phases, suggesting that magnetic interactions in (ND4)2FeCl5D2O are much more robust than the electric polarization in response to delicate reorganizations of the electronic degrees of freedom in an applied magnetic field. △ Less

Submitted 25 July, 2021; v1 submitted 15 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Comments: 18 pages, 4 main figures, 1 Table

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 103, 224411 (2021)

Magnetic-field-induced nontrivial electronic state in the Kondo-lattice semimetal CeSb

Authors: Y. Fang, F. Tang, Y. R. Ruan, J. M. Zhang, H. Zhang, H. Gu, W. Y. Zhao, Z. D. Han, W. Tian, B. Qian, X. F. Jiang, X. M. Zhang, X. Ke

Abstract: Synergic effect of electronic correlation and spin-orbit coupling is an emerging topic in topological materials. Central to this rapidly developing area are the prototypes of strongly correlated heavy-fermion systems. Recently, some Ce-based compounds are proposed to host intriguing topological nature, among which the electronic properties of CeSb are still under debate. In this paper, we report a… ▽ More Synergic effect of electronic correlation and spin-orbit coupling is an emerging topic in topological materials. Central to this rapidly developing area are the prototypes of strongly correlated heavy-fermion systems. Recently, some Ce-based compounds are proposed to host intriguing topological nature, among which the electronic properties of CeSb are still under debate. In this paper, we report a comprehensive study combining magnetic and electronic transport measurements, and electronic band structure calculations of this compound to identify its topological nature. Quantum oscillations are clearly observed in both magnetization and magnetoresistance at high fields, from which one pocket with a nontrivial Berry phase is recognized. Angular-dependent magnetoresistance shows that this pocket is elongated in nature and corresponds to the electron pocket as observed in LaBi. Nontrivial electronic structure of CeSb is further confirmed by first-principle calculations, which arises from spin splitting in the fully polarized ferromagnetic state. These features indicate that magnetic-field can induce nontrivial topological electronic states in this prototypical Kondo semimetal. △ Less

Submitted 27 May, 2020; v1 submitted 25 May, 2020; originally announced May 2020.

Hole Doping and Antiferromagnetic Correlations above the N{é}el temperature of the Topological Semimetal (Sr$_{1-x}$K$_x$)MnSb$_2$

Authors: Yong Liu, Farhan Islam, Kevin W. Dennis, Wei Tian, Benjamin G. Ueland, Robert J. McQueeney, David Vaknin

Abstract: Neutron diffraction and magnetic susceptibility studies of orthorhombic single crystal {\Ksub} confirm the three dimensional (3D) C-type antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering of the Mn$^{2+}$ moments at $T_{\rm N}=305 \pm 3$ K which is slightly higher than that of the parent SrMnSb$_2$ with $T_{\rm N}=297 \pm 3$ K. Susceptibility measurements of the K-doped and parent crystals above $T_{\rm N}$ are cha… ▽ More Neutron diffraction and magnetic susceptibility studies of orthorhombic single crystal {\Ksub} confirm the three dimensional (3D) C-type antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering of the Mn$^{2+}$ moments at $T_{\rm N}=305 \pm 3$ K which is slightly higher than that of the parent SrMnSb$_2$ with $T_{\rm N}=297 \pm 3$ K. Susceptibility measurements of the K-doped and parent crystals above $T_{\rm N}$ are characteristic of 2D AFM systems. This is consistent with high temperature neutron diffraction of the parent compound that display persisting 2D AFM correlations well above $T_{\rm N}$ to at least $\sim 560$ K with no evidence of a ferromagnetic phase. Analysis of the de Haas van Alphen magnetic oscillations of the K-doped crystal is consistent with hole doping. △ Less

Submitted 29 July, 2019; originally announced July 2019.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 100, 014437 (2019)

Helical magnetic ordering in Sr(Co1-xNix)2As2

Authors: J. M. Wilde, A. Kreyssig, D. Vaknin, N. S. Sangeetha, Bing Li, W. Tian, P. P. Orth, D. C. Johnston, B. G. Ueland, R. J. McQueeney

Abstract: SrCo2As2 is a peculiar itinerant magnetic system that does not order magnetically, but inelastic neutron scattering experiments observe the same stripe-type antiferromagnetic (AF) fluctuations found in many of the Fe-based superconductors along with evidence of magnetic frustration. Here we present results from neutron diffraction measurements on single crystals of Sr(Co1-xNix)2As2 that show the d… ▽ More SrCo2As2 is a peculiar itinerant magnetic system that does not order magnetically, but inelastic neutron scattering experiments observe the same stripe-type antiferromagnetic (AF) fluctuations found in many of the Fe-based superconductors along with evidence of magnetic frustration. Here we present results from neutron diffraction measurements on single crystals of Sr(Co1-xNix)2As2 that show the development of long-range AF order with Ni-doping. However, the AF order is not stripe-type. Rather, the magnetic structure consists of ferromagnetically-aligned (FM) layers (with moments laying in the layer) that are AF arranged along c with an incommensurate propagation vector of (0 0 tau), i.e. a helix. Using high-energy x-ray diffraction, we find no evidence for a temperature-induced structural phase transition that would indicate a collinear AF order. This finding supports a picture of competing FM and AF interactions within the square transition-metal layers due to flat-band magnetic instabilities. However, the composition dependence of the propagation vector suggests that far more subtle Fermi surface and orbital effects control the interlayer magnetic correlations. △ Less

Submitted 15 October, 2019; v1 submitted 26 July, 2019; originally announced July 2019.

Comments: 6 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 100, 161113 (2019)

Antiferromagnetic Stacking of Ferromagnetic Layers and Doping Controlled Phase Competition in Ca$_{1-x}$Sr$_{x}$Co$_{2-y}$As$_{2}$

Authors: Bing Li, Y. Sizyuk, N. S. Sangeetha, J. M. Wilde, P. Das, W. Tian, D. C. Johnston, A. I. Goldman, A. Kreyssig, P. P. Orth, R. J. McQueeney, B. G. Ueland

Abstract: In search of a quantum phase transition between the two-dimensional ($2$D) ferromagnetism of CaCo$_{2-y}$As$_{2}$ and stripe-type antiferromagnetism in SrCo$_{2}$As$_{2}$, we rather find evidence for $1$D magnetic frustration between magnetic square Co layers. We present neutron diffraction data for Ca$_{1-x}$Sr$_{x}$Co$_{2-y}$As$_{2}$ that reveal a sequence of $x$-dependent magnetic transitions w… ▽ More In search of a quantum phase transition between the two-dimensional ($2$D) ferromagnetism of CaCo$_{2-y}$As$_{2}$ and stripe-type antiferromagnetism in SrCo$_{2}$As$_{2}$, we rather find evidence for $1$D magnetic frustration between magnetic square Co layers. We present neutron diffraction data for Ca$_{1-x}$Sr$_{x}$Co$_{2-y}$As$_{2}$ that reveal a sequence of $x$-dependent magnetic transitions which involve different stacking of $2$D ferromagnetically-aligned layers with different magnetic anisotropy. We explain the $x$-dependent changes to the magnetic order by utilizing classical analytical calculations of a $1$D Heisenberg model where single-ion magnetic anisotropy and frustration of antiferromagnetic nearest- and next-nearest-layer exchange are all composition dependent. △ Less

Submitted 15 July, 2019; v1 submitted 12 April, 2019; originally announced April 2019.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 100, 024415 (2019)