Showing 1–50 of 57 results for author: Tan, X

Disentangling bulk and surface states in the electronic structure of PtBi$_2$(0001)

Authors: Stefanie Suzanne Brinkman, Xin Liang Tan, Anders Christian Mathisen, Fabian Göhler, Øyvind Finnseth, Chul-Hee Min, Grigory Shipunov, Falk Pabst, Manuel Alonso Lemos, Balasubramanian Thiagarajan, Craig Polley, Masashi Arita, Kenya Shimada, Anna Isaeva, Jorge I. Facio, Hendrik Bentmann

Abstract: Recent reports of surface-localized topological superconductivity in trigonal PtBi$_2$ highlight the importance of understanding its surface electronic structure. We investigate the bulk and surface band structure of PtBi$_2$ using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and first-principles calculations. Through photon-energy- and polarization-dependent measurements, we disentangle bulk… ▽ More Recent reports of surface-localized topological superconductivity in trigonal PtBi$_2$ highlight the importance of understanding its surface electronic structure. We investigate the bulk and surface band structure of PtBi$_2$ using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and first-principles calculations. Through photon-energy- and polarization-dependent measurements, we disentangle bulk dispersions from surface states on the two distinct surface terminations of PtBi$_2$(0001). For both terminations, we assign several different surface states and find good agreement between experiment and calculations. Based on our calculations, we analyze the orbital composition in the surface and bulk bands and compare the results to polarization-dependent ARPES measurements. Together, our results provide a coherent picture of the surface electronic structure of PtBi$_2$ across both surface terminations. △ Less

Submitted 29 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Fermiology and spin polarization of topological surface states in PtBi$_2$

Authors: Anders Christian Mathisen, Xin Liang Tan, Stefanie Suzanne Brinkman, Kristian Mæland, Fabian Göhler, Øyvind Finnseth, Grigory Shipunov, Falk Pabst, Manuel Alonso Lemos, Balasubramanian Thiagarajan, Craig Polley, Björn Trauzettel, Anna Isaeva, Jorge I. Facio, Hendrik Bentmann

Abstract: Layered PtBi$_2$ is a candidate for topological superconductivity arising in Fermi-arc surface states. Using spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the Fermi arcs in PtBi$_2$ are singly degenerate and spin-polarized, which establishes their nontrivial topology and constitutes a necessary condition for topological superconductivity. We further uncover a pronounced… ▽ More Layered PtBi$_2$ is a candidate for topological superconductivity arising in Fermi-arc surface states. Using spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the Fermi arcs in PtBi$_2$ are singly degenerate and spin-polarized, which establishes their nontrivial topology and constitutes a necessary condition for topological superconductivity. We further uncover a pronounced surface-termination dependence of the Fermi-arc dispersion, yielding either nearly flat or approximately linear bands in agreement with first-principles calculations. Together, the observed spin polarization and termination-dependent bandwidth of the Fermi-arc surface states identify key ingredients underlying the potential emergence of topological superconductivity in PtBi$_2$. △ Less

Submitted 2 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

High-Fidelity Hole Spin Qubits Reveal Quadrupolar Nuclear-Bath Dynamics in Isotopically Purified Planar Germanium

Authors: Jian Zeng, Xiangjun Tan, Hongzhang Wang, Yulei Zhang, Wendong Bian, Lingting Wu, Chenggang Yang, Zhengshan Guo, Jiankun Li, Yongfeng Wang, Jun Lu, Jun-Wei Luo, Tian Pei

Abstract: Planar Germanium has emerged as a promising platform to build spin-based large scale quantum computers. By exploiting the anisotropic hyperfine interaction of holes in Ge, qubits with long T2* have been recently realized. While the performance of single qubits is still more or less limited by 73Ge nuclear spin fluctuations, the site-to-site variation of qubit sweet spot becomes obstacles to mainta… ▽ More Planar Germanium has emerged as a promising platform to build spin-based large scale quantum computers. By exploiting the anisotropic hyperfine interaction of holes in Ge, qubits with long T2* have been recently realized. While the performance of single qubits is still more or less limited by 73Ge nuclear spin fluctuations, the site-to-site variation of qubit sweet spot becomes obstacles to maintaining high fidelity of each qubit across the whole wafer. To achieve high performance Ge-based quantum circuit, it is therefore essential to eliminate the origin source of hyperfine noise. In its Silicon counterparts, reduction of 29Si abundance enables exceptional high-fidelity operation. In contrast, hole qubits based on isotopically purified Ge have not been demonstrated. Here, we report the synthesis of high quality 2-dimensional hole gas (2DHG) with enriched 70GeH4 precursor. Due to the suppression of nonzero spin nucleus, the qubits' T2* on the sweet spot is moderately extended beyond 20 us, surpassing the previous best reported Ge hole qubits. More importantly, the qubits' T2* off the sweet spot is enhanced to above 3 us, enabling single qubit gate fidelity exceeding 99.9% in both operating regimes. Hahn-echo spectroscopy further resolves a finite-frequency nuclear-noise channel that is distinct from the conventional Larmor-linked hyperfine response. We associate this channel with quadrupole-modified dynamics of residual 73Ge nuclei sampling local electric-field gradients near the Ge/SiGe interface. Its field scaling and angle-dependent visibility are consistent with a qubit-visible quadrupolar nuclear-noise component transduced through the anisotropic hyperfine interaction of Ge holes. These results establish isotopically purified planar Ge as a high-coherence scalable platform for hole spin qubits and provide a spectroscopic probe of interfacial quadrupolar nuclear dynamics. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Saturated and Anisotropic Magnetostriction in an Altermagnet

Authors: Zhiyuan Duan, Qiyun Xu, Peixin Qin, Li Liu, Guojian Zhao, Yuzhou He, Xiaoyang Tan, Sixu Jiang, Jingyu Li, Xiaoning Wang, Qinghua Zhang, Wenhui Duan, Yong Xu, Ziang Meng, Peizhe Tang, Chengbao Jiang, Zhiqi Liu

Abstract: Magnetostriction, a fundamental phenomenon bridging magnetism and mechanics, has enabled a broad spectrum of applications. For almost two centuries, it has been mainly investigated for ferromagnets. Regarding the magnetostriction of antiferromagnets (AFMs), limitedly known examples for both conventional collinear AFMs and noncollinear AFMs predominantly exhibit non-saturating magnetic-field depend… ▽ More Magnetostriction, a fundamental phenomenon bridging magnetism and mechanics, has enabled a broad spectrum of applications. For almost two centuries, it has been mainly investigated for ferromagnets. Regarding the magnetostriction of antiferromagnets (AFMs), limitedly known examples for both conventional collinear AFMs and noncollinear AFMs predominantly exhibit non-saturating magnetic-field dependence. Herein, we report an easily saturated magnetostriction effect in a prototypical altermagnet - MnTe, which is an emerging class of collinear AFMs with special crystal symmetries. For high-quality MnTe single crystals, the magnetostriction saturates under a moderate field of ~0.7 T with an intriguing two-fold-symmetry anisotropy. First-principles calculations reveal that the saturated and anisotropic magnetostriction originates from symmetry-allowed coupling between elastic strain and its Néel order parameter. These findings break the traditional wisdom on antiferromagnetic magnetostriction. △ Less

Submitted 28 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: 51 pages, 21 figures, 1 table, published at Journal of the American Chemical Society

Journal ref: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 148 (22), 22709-22717 (2026)

Probing Tensor Singularities and Their Euler-Class Descendants via Non-Abelian Quantum Geometry Measurement

Authors: Zhe Wang, Yan-Qing Zhu, Xinsheng Tan, Giandomenico Palumbo, Lichang Ji, Wei Xin, Shi-Liang Zhu, Yang Yu

Abstract: We report the theoretical prediction and experimental observation of a new class of four-dimensional (4D) tensor singularities and their three-dimensional (3D) Euler-class descendants, protected by chiral and spacetime inversion symmetries on a superconducting circuit platform. The 4D point-like singularity/monopole, characterized by the Dixmier-Douady class of a real bundle gerbe associated with… ▽ More We report the theoretical prediction and experimental observation of a new class of four-dimensional (4D) tensor singularities and their three-dimensional (3D) Euler-class descendants, protected by chiral and spacetime inversion symmetries on a superconducting circuit platform. The 4D point-like singularity/monopole, characterized by the Dixmier-Douady class of a real bundle gerbe associated with tensor gauge fields, is observed to evolve into a nodal ring carrying an additional first Euler class charge under symmetry-preserving perturbations. Dimensional reduction reveals 3D Euler and Euler curvature dipoles, exhibiting nontrivial Euler topology and a topological sum rule that ensures zero-energy flat bands inherit nontrivial topology even without interactions. Crucially, these high-dimensional degenerate systems are mapped and reconstructed using a hybrid analog-digital protocol designed for non-Abelian quantum geometry measurement within a superconducting qubit array. Our work not only expands the family of topological monopoles but also establishes a robust experimental framework for exploring high-order gauge theory and real-bundle topology across diverse quantum platforms. △ Less

Submitted 18 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Symmetry-Enforced Non-Hermitian Jarzynski Equality in an SU(2)-Rotated Family of Hybrid $\mathcal{PT}$--$\mathcal{APT}$ Systems

Authors: Zongru Yang, Teng Liu, Xiaodong Tan, Feng Zhu, Le Luo

Abstract: The Jarzynski equality is a cornerstone of nonequilibrium thermodynamics, linking work statistics to equilibrium free-energy differences. Although it has been extensively verified in classical and quantum Hermitian settings, its status in non-Hermitian dynamics remains under debate. Here we show that, in a postselected no-quantum-jump framework, a conditional non-Hermitian Jarzynski equality holds… ▽ More The Jarzynski equality is a cornerstone of nonequilibrium thermodynamics, linking work statistics to equilibrium free-energy differences. Although it has been extensively verified in classical and quantum Hermitian settings, its status in non-Hermitian dynamics remains under debate. Here we show that, in a postselected no-quantum-jump framework, a conditional non-Hermitian Jarzynski equality holds when the transition probabilities obey a parity-exchange symmetry. We study a constructed family of two-level hybrid Hamiltonians formed as linear combinations of parity-time ($\mathcal{PT}$) and anti-parity-time ($\mathcal{APT}$) symmetric terms, and demonstrate using complementary geometric and algebraic arguments that the parity-exchange symmetry persists throughout the corresponding $\mathrm{SU}(2)$-rotated orbit. Relative to previous $\mathcal{PT}$-focused conditional Jarzynski equality results, the advance here is an extension of the symmetry criterion from the isolated $\mathcal{PT}$ endpoint to a broader $\mathcal{PT}$--$\mathcal{APT}$ hybrid family. Experimentally, we implement three representative points, $θ_k = 0, π/4, π/2$, in a single trapped $^{171}\mathrm{Yb}^+$ ion and measure the resulting work distributions under cyclic protocols with $ΔF = 0$, confirming the predicted symmetry criterion at those points. Our results establish a symmetry-based extension of the conditional non-Hermitian Jarzynski relation within this restricted two-level setting. △ Less

Submitted 8 June, 2026; v1 submitted 11 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: 14 pages, 9 figures, Second version. Revised according to reviewers' comments; added new references and minor textual improvements

Giant Room-Temperature Third-Order Electrical Transport in a Thin-Film Altermagnet Candidate

Authors: Hongyu Chen, Peixin Qin, Ziang Meng, Guojian Zhao, Kai Chen, Chuanying Xi, Xiaoning Wang, Li Liu, Zhiyuan Duan, Sixu Jiang, Jingyu Li, Xiaoyang Tan, Jinghua Liu, Jianfeng Wang, Huiying Liu, Chengbao Jiang, Zhiqi Liu

Abstract: Quantum geometry, a quantum mechanical quantity comprised of Berry curvature and quantum metric, describes the geometric structure of the electronic bands in solids. The correlation between nontrivial quantum geometry and quantum materials leads to new findings in condensed matter systems. Here we demonstrate that altermagnets, with spontaneously broken time-reversal (T)- half-lattice-translation… ▽ More Quantum geometry, a quantum mechanical quantity comprised of Berry curvature and quantum metric, describes the geometric structure of the electronic bands in solids. The correlation between nontrivial quantum geometry and quantum materials leads to new findings in condensed matter systems. Here we demonstrate that altermagnets, with spontaneously broken time-reversal (T)- half-lattice-translation and parity-time symmetry, host both T-odd and T-even quantum geometric quantities that simultaneously manifest themselves despite the vanishing net magnetization. Consequently, giant room-temperature third-order electrical transport responses with sizable quantum geometric contributions are observed in (101)-oriented RuO2 thin films, an altermagnetic candidate; in particular, the third-order Hall effect is intimately correlated with altermagnetic order and can serve as a promising tool for detecting the Neel vector. Our work not only supports the existence of altermagnetism in 8-nm-thick RuO2 thin films, but also shows altermagnets as a versatile platform for exploring quantum geometry and constructing quantum electronic and spintronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 15 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 68 pages, 19 figures, published at Nature Nanotechnology

Journal ref: Nat. Nanotechnol. 21, 779-785 (2026)

Electronic Structure and Resonant Circular Dichroism of La$_{0.7}$Sr$_{0.3}$MnO$_3$ from Soft X-ray Angle-Resolved Photoemission

Authors: Øyvind Finnseth, Damian Brzozowski, Anders Christian Mathisen, Stefanie Suzanne Brinkman, Xin Liang Tan, Fabian Gohler, Benjamin A. D. Williamson, Kristoffer Eggestad, Meng-Jie Huang, Jens Buck, Moritz Hoesch, Kai Rossnagel, Sverre M. Selbach, Hendrik Bentmann, Ingrid Hallsteinsen

Abstract: Coupling between spin, orbital, charge, and lattice degrees of freedom in transition-metal oxides produces a variety of electronic and magnetic phenomena of importance for future technologies. Here, we explore the electronic band structure of a (111)-oriented La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin film through soft X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The measurements agree with the electronic ba… ▽ More Coupling between spin, orbital, charge, and lattice degrees of freedom in transition-metal oxides produces a variety of electronic and magnetic phenomena of importance for future technologies. Here, we explore the electronic band structure of a (111)-oriented La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin film through soft X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The measurements agree with the electronic band structure calculated with density functional theory using Hubbard U correction. Furthermore, we probe the circular dichroism in ARPES, and observe a pronounced momentum- resolved magnetic circular dichroism in resonant photoemission from the Mn L-edge. The approach combines the momentum- and spin-selectivity of ARPES and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, respectively, which could provide a useful approach for the study of unconventional magnetism. △ Less

Submitted 11 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Bulk OsO2 Single Crystals: Superior Catalysts for Water Oxidation

Authors: Guojian Zhao, Zhihao Li, Ziang Meng, Shucheng Wang, Li Liu, Zhiyuan Duan, Xiaoning Wang, Hongyu Chen, Yuzhou He, Jingyu Li, Sixu Jiang, Xiaoyang Tan, Qinghua Zhang, Qianfan Zhang, Peixin Qin, Zhiqi Liu

Abstract: Although rutile RuO2 has been a well-known and almost the best oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst, the OER properties for the similar rutile oxide OsO2 with the same group element with Ru have been unknown, mainly due to long-standing synthesis difficulties. In this work, we report the successful synthesis of high-quality OsO2 single crystals, and the ground micrometer-size single crystals a… ▽ More Although rutile RuO2 has been a well-known and almost the best oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst, the OER properties for the similar rutile oxide OsO2 with the same group element with Ru have been unknown, mainly due to long-standing synthesis difficulties. In this work, we report the successful synthesis of high-quality OsO2 single crystals, and the ground micrometer-size single crystals are chemically stable in alkaline solutions and exhibit robust OER performance. In sharp contrast, OsO2 nanopowder reacts quickly with KOH solutions and cannot work for OER. Compared with commercial RuO2 nanopowder, the OsO2 single crystals show comparable catalytic current densities, remarkably lower overpotentials at high current densities and better stability. These findings question the universal applicability of nanoscaling and highlight crystal integrity as a key descriptor for achieving stable and efficient OER electrocatalysis. △ Less

Submitted 6 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 36 pages,18 figures, published online at Advanced Functional Materials

Pressure-Induced Metal-Insulator and Paramagnet-Altermagnet Transitions in Rutile OsO2 Single Crystals

Authors: Guojian Zhao, Ziang Meng, Wencheng Huang, Peixin Qin, Shaoheng Ruan, Liang Ma, Lin Zhu, Yuzhou He, Li Liu, Zhiyuan Duan, Xiaoning Wang, Hongyu Chen, Sixu Jiang, Jingyu Li, Xiaoyang Tan, K. Ozawa, Bosen Wang, Jinguang Cheng, Qinghua Zhang, Jianfeng Wang, Chaoyu Chen, Zhiqi Liu

Abstract: Altermagnets with compensated spin structures and nonrelativistic spin splitting have emerged as a new class of magnetic materials. Rutile OsO2 has been theoretically predicted to be altermagnetic, but experimental studies have been limited by synthesis challenges. We have succeeded in synthesizing high-quality single crystals of rutile OsO2. Electrical transport studies reveal that OsO2 is highly… ▽ More Altermagnets with compensated spin structures and nonrelativistic spin splitting have emerged as a new class of magnetic materials. Rutile OsO2 has been theoretically predicted to be altermagnetic, but experimental studies have been limited by synthesis challenges. We have succeeded in synthesizing high-quality single crystals of rutile OsO2. Electrical transport studies reveal that OsO2 is highly conductive and exhibits clear Fermi liquid behavior, indicating strong electron-electron scattering. Magnetic measurements show that the crystals are isotropically paramagnetic. Density-functional theory calculations indicate that bulk OsO2 is semimetallic with coexisting electron and hole pockets, with its magnetic ground state strongly dependent on the on-site Coulomb correlation U. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies unveil that the bulk bands do not yet show altermagnetic spin splitting. Interestingly, resistivity is rather pressure sensitive: at 44 GPa, a clear metal-insulator transition occurs. Hybrid functional calculations reveal that applying pressure significantly increases the Hubbard U value, driving a phase transition from a paramagnetic metal to an altermagnetic metal, and eventually to an altermagnetic insulator. These findings suggest that tuning external pressure effectively modulates the magnetic ground state of OsO2, providing a pathway to realize altermagnetism in this material. △ Less

Submitted 6 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 20 pages, 7 figures, published at Newton

Journal ref: Newton, 2, 100441 (2026)

Anisotropy, frustration and saddle point in the twisted Kagome antiferromagnet ErPdPb

Authors: Resham Babu Regmi, Sk Jamaluddin, Y. Lee, Hari Bhandari, Po-Hao Chang, Peter E. Siegfried, Abhijeet Nayak, Mohamed El Gazzah, Bence G. Márkus, Anna Nyáry, Zachary T. Messegee, Miya P. Zhao, Xiaoyan Tan, László Forró, Liqin Ke, Igor I. Mazin, Nirmal J. Ghimire

Abstract: The kagome lattice, with its inherent geometric frustration, provides a rich platform for exploring intriguing magnetic phenomena and topological electronic structures. In reduced-symmetry structures, such as twisted kagome systems involving rare earth elements, additional anisotropy can arise, enabling intriguing properties including spin-ice states, magnetocaloric effects, noncollinear magnetic… ▽ More The kagome lattice, with its inherent geometric frustration, provides a rich platform for exploring intriguing magnetic phenomena and topological electronic structures. In reduced-symmetry structures, such as twisted kagome systems involving rare earth elements, additional anisotropy can arise, enabling intriguing properties including spin-ice states, magnetocaloric effects, noncollinear magnetic ordering, and anomalous Hall effect. Here, we report the synthesis of single crystals of ErPdPb, which features a twisted kagome lattice net of Er atoms within the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type structure, and we investigate its magnetic, electronic, and thermal properties. The material exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering below 2.2 K, consistently observed in magnetic, transport, and heat capacity measurements. Magnetization measurements reveal 1/3 metamagnetic steps along the c-axis below the Néel temperature, suggesting an Ising-spin-like state on the twisted kagome lattice. A pronounced anisotropy between in-plane and out-of-plane resistivity is observed throughout the temperature range of 1.8-300 K, and the compound exhibits a significant frustration index of 13.6 (12.7) along the c-axis (ab-plane). Heat capacity measurements show a broad hump at 2.2 K, with an additional increase below 0.5 K. The anisotropic magnetic properties are further explored through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which suggest strong easy-axis anisotropy, consistent with experimental magnetic measurements and crystal-field model expectations, and quasi-one-dimensional bands and a spin-split saddle point at the zone center. △ Less

Submitted 9 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Observation of Orbit-Orbit Torques: Highly Efficient Torques on Orbital Moments Induced by Orbital Currents

Authors: Hongyu Chen, Han Yan, Xiaorong Zhou, Xiaoning Wang, Ziang Meng, Li Liu, Guojian Zhao, Zhiyuan Duan, Sixu Jiang, Jingyu Li, Xiaoyang Tan, Peixin Qin, Zhiqi Liu

Abstract: We study the current-induced torques in bilayers composed of a light 3d metal, chromium, and a rare-earth ferromagnet with finite orbital moments, terbium, utilizing second-harmonic Hall-response measurements. The dampinglike torque efficiency of chromium is found to be positive and reaches ~3.66 in this system, in sharp contrast to the negative and subtle dampinglike torque efficiency in general… ▽ More We study the current-induced torques in bilayers composed of a light 3d metal, chromium, and a rare-earth ferromagnet with finite orbital moments, terbium, utilizing second-harmonic Hall-response measurements. The dampinglike torque efficiency of chromium is found to be positive and reaches ~3.66 in this system, in sharp contrast to the negative and subtle dampinglike torque efficiency in general Cr/ferromagnet heterostructures with quenched orbital moment. We suggest that the orbital currents generated by the orbital Hall effect in Cr can be injected into Tb with negligible loss at the interface and then efficiently interact with the orbital moments. We term such an exotic effect as the orbit-orbit torque (OOT). Our work implies that orbital currents could be harnessed to manipulate the orbital magnetization of materials, which would advance the development of orbitronics. △ Less

Submitted 6 February, 2026; v1 submitted 3 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 15 pages, 5 figures, published online at Modern Physics Letters B

Journal ref: Mod. Phys. Lett. B 40, 2650080 (2026)

Cancelling second order frequency shifts in Ge hole spin qubits via bichromatic control

Authors: Xiangjun Tan, Zhanning Wang, Wenkai Bai, Hanjie Zhu

Abstract: Germanium quantum dot hole spin qubits are compatible with fully electrical control and are progressing toward multi-qubit operations. However, their coherence is limited by charge noise and driving field induced frequency shifts, and the resulting ensemble $1/f$ dephasing. Here we theoretically demonstrate that a bichromatic driving scheme cancels the second order frequency shift from the control… ▽ More Germanium quantum dot hole spin qubits are compatible with fully electrical control and are progressing toward multi-qubit operations. However, their coherence is limited by charge noise and driving field induced frequency shifts, and the resulting ensemble $1/f$ dephasing. Here we theoretically demonstrate that a bichromatic driving scheme cancels the second order frequency shift from the control field without sacrificing the electric dipole spin resonance (EDSR) rate, and without additional gate design or microwave engineering. Based on this property, we further demonstrate that bichromatic control creates a wide operating window that reduces sensitivity to quasi-static charge noise and thus enhances single qubit gate fidelity. This method provides a low-power route to a stabler frequency operation in germanium hole spin qubits and is readily transferable to other semiconductor spin qubit platforms. △ Less

Submitted 21 March, 2026; v1 submitted 11 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Journal ref: Appl. Phys. Lett. 128, 124001 (2026)

Electric-Field-Controlled Altermagnetic Transition for Neuromorphic Computing

Authors: Zhiyuan Duan, Peixin Qin, Chengyan Zhong, Shaoxuan Zhang, Li Liu, Guojian Zhao, Xiaoning Wang, Hongyu Chen, Ziang Meng, Jingyu Li, Sixu Jiang, Xiaoyang Tan, Qiong Wu, Yu Liu, Zhiqi Liu

Abstract: Altermagnets represent a novel magnetic phase with transformative potential for ultrafast spintronics, yet efficient control of their magnetic states remains challenging. We demonstrate an ultra-low-power electric-field control of altermagnetism in MnTe through strain-mediated coupling in MnTe/PMN-PT heterostructures with negligible Joule heating. Application of +6 kV/cm electric fields induces pi… ▽ More Altermagnets represent a novel magnetic phase with transformative potential for ultrafast spintronics, yet efficient control of their magnetic states remains challenging. We demonstrate an ultra-low-power electric-field control of altermagnetism in MnTe through strain-mediated coupling in MnTe/PMN-PT heterostructures with negligible Joule heating. Application of +6 kV/cm electric fields induces piezoelectric strain in PMN-PT, modulating the Néel temperature from 310 to 328 K. As a result, around the magnetic phase transition, the altermagnetic spin splitting of MnTe is reversibly switched "on" and "off" by the electric fields. Meanwhile, the piezoelectric strain generates lattice distortions and magnetic structure changes in MnTe, enabling up to 9.7% resistance modulation around the magnetic phase transition temperature. Leveraging this effect, we implement programmable resistance states in a Hopfield neuromorphic network, achieving 100% pattern recognition accuracy at <=40% noise levels. This approach establishes the electric-field control as a low-power strategy for altermagnetic manipulation while demonstrating the viability of altermagnetic materials for energy-efficient neuromorphic computing beyond conventional charge-based architectures. △ Less

Submitted 11 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 42 pages, 13 figures, published online at Journal of the American Chemical Society

Journal ref: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 147 (51), 47330-47338 (2025)

Freestanding Thin-Film Materials

Authors: Li Liu, Peixin Qin, Guojian Zhao, Zhiyuan Duan, Jingyu Li, Sixu Jiang, Xiaoyang Tan, Xiaoning Wang, Ziang Meng, Zhiqi Liu

Abstract: Freestanding thin films, a class of low-dimensional materials capable of maintaining structural integrity without substrates, have emerged as a forefront research focus. Their unique advantages-circumventing substrate clamping, liberating intrinsic material properties, and enabling cross-platform heterogeneous integration-underpin this prominence. This review systematically summarizes core fabrica… ▽ More Freestanding thin films, a class of low-dimensional materials capable of maintaining structural integrity without substrates, have emerged as a forefront research focus. Their unique advantages-circumventing substrate clamping, liberating intrinsic material properties, and enabling cross-platform heterogeneous integration-underpin this prominence. This review systematically summarizes core fabrication techniques, including physical delamination (e.g., laser lift-off, mechanical exfoliation) and chemical etching, alongside associated transfer strategies. It further explores the induced strain modulation mechanisms, extreme mechanical properties and interface decoupling effects enabled by these films. Representative case studies demonstrate breakthrough applications in flexible/ultrathin electronics, ultrahigh-sensitivity sensors and the exploration of novel quantum states. Critical challenges regarding scalable fabrication, precise interface control, and long-term stability are analyzed, concluding with prospects for emerging applications in bio-inspired intelligent devices, quantum precision sensing, and brain-inspired neural networks. △ Less

Submitted 6 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 64 pages, 13 figures, published online at Materials Today

Journal ref: Mater. Today 92, 581-605 (2026)

Fast and Robust Remote Two-Qubit Gates on Distributed Qubits

Authors: Yunan Li, Xi Zhang, Weixin Zhang, Ruonan Guo, Yu Zhang, Xinsheng Tan, Yang Yu

Abstract: Distributed quantum computing offers a potential solution to the complexity of superconducting chip hardware layouts and error correction algorithms. High-quality gates between distributed chips enable the simplification of existing error correction algorithms. This article proposes and demonstrates a remote quantum geometric gate scheme via parametric modulation. Our scheme inherits the intrinsic… ▽ More Distributed quantum computing offers a potential solution to the complexity of superconducting chip hardware layouts and error correction algorithms. High-quality gates between distributed chips enable the simplification of existing error correction algorithms. This article proposes and demonstrates a remote quantum geometric gate scheme via parametric modulation. Our scheme inherits the intrinsic robustness of geometric phases. Meanwhile, by employing gradient-based optimization algorithms(Adaptive Moment Estimation) from deep learning, we design control waveforms that significantly suppress population leakage. We experimentally realize the rapid remote SWAP and $\sqrt{\text{SWAP}}$ gates with high fidelity, completing operation in about 30 ns. The gate error of SWAP ($\sqrt{\text{SWAP}}$) is 1.16\% (0.91\%) after excluding the effect of energy relaxation. The simulation demonstrate that this scheme can be implemented in the distributed chips connected by cables extending several meters. Our results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed protocol in enabling modular quantum processors, offering a promising path toward the realization of fault-tolerant quantum computation. △ Less

Submitted 3 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Orbital Topology of Chiral Crystals for Orbitronics

Authors: Kenta Hagiwara, Ying-Jiun Chen, Dongwook Go, Xin Liang Tan, Sergii Grytsiuk, Kui-Hon Ou Yang, Guo-Jiun Shu, Jing Chien, Yi-Hsin Shen, Xiang-Lin Huang, Fang-Cheng Chou, Iulia Cojocariu, Vitaliy Feyer, Minn-Tsong Lin, Stefan Blügel, Claus Michael Schneider, Yuriy Mokrousov, Christian Tusche

Abstract: Chirality is ubiquitous in nature and manifests in a wide range of phenomena including chemical reactions, biological processes, and quantum transport of electrons. In quantum materials, the chirality of fermions, given by the relative directions between the electron spin and momentum, is connected to the band topology of electronic states. Here, we show that in structurally chiral materials like… ▽ More Chirality is ubiquitous in nature and manifests in a wide range of phenomena including chemical reactions, biological processes, and quantum transport of electrons. In quantum materials, the chirality of fermions, given by the relative directions between the electron spin and momentum, is connected to the band topology of electronic states. Here, we show that in structurally chiral materials like CoSi, the orbital angular momentum (OAM) serves as the main driver of a nontrivial band topology in this new class of unconventional topological semimetals, even when spin-orbit coupling is negligible. A nontrivial orbital-momentum locking of multifold chiral fermions in the bulk leads to a pronounced OAM texture of the helicoid Fermi arcs at the surface. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of the orbital degree of freedom for the chirality and topology of electron states, in general, and pave the way towards the application of topological chiral semimetals in orbitronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 27 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Quantum Computing for Phonon Scattering Effects on Thermal Conductivity

Authors: Xiangjun Tan

Abstract: Recent investigations have demonstrated that multi-phonon scattering processes substantially influence the thermal conductivity of materials, posing significant computational challenges for classical simulations as the complexity of phonon modes escalates. This study examines the potential of quantum simulations to address these challenges, utilizing Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum era (NISQ) qua… ▽ More Recent investigations have demonstrated that multi-phonon scattering processes substantially influence the thermal conductivity of materials, posing significant computational challenges for classical simulations as the complexity of phonon modes escalates. This study examines the potential of quantum simulations to address these challenges, utilizing Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum era (NISQ) quantum computational capabilities and quantum error mitigation techniques to optimize thermal conductivity calculations. Employing the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) algorithm, we simulate phonon-phonon contributions based on the Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE). Our methodology involves mapping multi-phonon scattering systems to fermionic spin operators, necessitating the creation of a customized ansatz to balance circuit accuracy and depth. We construct the system within Fock space using bosonic operators and transform the Hamiltonian into the sum of Pauli operators suitable for quantum computation. By addressing the impact of depolarization and non-unitary noise effects, we benchmark the noise influence and implement error mitigation strategies to develop a more efficient model for quantum simulations in the NISQ era. △ Less

Submitted 28 July, 2024; v1 submitted 22 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Giant Rashba-Splitting of One-Dimensional Metallic States in Bi Dimer Lines on InAs(100)

Authors: Polina M. Sheverdyaeva, Gustav Bihlmayer, Silvio Modesti, Vitaliy Feyer, Matteo Jugovac, Giovanni Zamborlini, Christian Tusche, Ying-Jiun Chen, Xin Liang Tan, Kenta Hagiwara, Luca Petaccia, Sangeeta Thakur, Asish K. Kundu, Carlo Carbone, Paolo Moras

Abstract: Bismuth produces different types of ordered superstructures on the InAs(100) surface, depending on the growth procedure and coverage. The (2x1) phase forms at completion of a Bi monolayer and consists of a uniformly oriented array of parallel lines of Bi dimers. Scanning tunneling and core level spectroscopies demonstrate its metallic character, in contrast with the semiconducting properties expec… ▽ More Bismuth produces different types of ordered superstructures on the InAs(100) surface, depending on the growth procedure and coverage. The (2x1) phase forms at completion of a Bi monolayer and consists of a uniformly oriented array of parallel lines of Bi dimers. Scanning tunneling and core level spectroscopies demonstrate its metallic character, in contrast with the semiconducting properties expected on the basis of the electron counting principle. The weak electronic coupling among neighboring lines gives rise to quasi one-dimensional Bi-derived bands with open contours at the Fermi level. Spin- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy reveals a giant Rashba splitting of these bands, in good agreement with ab-initio electronic structure calculations. The very high density of the dimer lines, the metallic and quasi one-dimensional band dispersion and the Rashba-like spin texture make the Bi/InAs(100)-(2x1) phase an intriguing system, where novel transport regimes can be studied. △ Less

Submitted 20 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: 4 figures, includes supplemental material file

Journal ref: Nanoscale, 2024,16, 15815-15823

Chirality-Driven Orbital Angular Momentum and Circular Dichroism in CoSi

Authors: Stefanie Suzanne Brinkman, Xin Liang Tan, Bjørnulf Brekke, Anders Christian Mathisen, Øyvind Finnseth, Richard Justin Schenk, Kenta Hagiwara, Meng-Jie Huang, Jens Buck, Matthias Kalläne, Moritz Hoesch, Kai Rossnagel, Kui-Hon Ou Yang, Minn-Tsong Lin, Guo-Jiun Shu, Ying-Jiun Chen, Christian Tusche, Hendrik Bentmann

Abstract: Chiral crystals and molecules were recently predicted to form an intriguing platform for unconventional orbital physics. Here, we report the observation of chirality-driven orbital textures in the bulk electronic structure of CoSi, a prototype member of the cubic B20 family of chiral crystals. Using circular dichroism in soft X-ray angle-resolved photoemission, we demonstrate the formation of a bu… ▽ More Chiral crystals and molecules were recently predicted to form an intriguing platform for unconventional orbital physics. Here, we report the observation of chirality-driven orbital textures in the bulk electronic structure of CoSi, a prototype member of the cubic B20 family of chiral crystals. Using circular dichroism in soft X-ray angle-resolved photoemission, we demonstrate the formation of a bulk orbital-angular-momentum texture and monopole-like orbital-momentum locking that depends on crystal handedness. We introduce the intrinsic chiral circular dichroism, icCD, as a differential photoemission observable and a natural probe of chiral electron states. Our findings render chiral crystals promising for spin-orbitronics applications. △ Less

Submitted 3 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: To be published in Physical Review Letters

Report number: QuSpin 2024

Exploring Parity Magnetic Effects through Experimental Simulation with Superconducting Qubits

Authors: Yu Zhang, Yan-Qing Zhu, Jianwen Xu, Wen Zheng, Dong Lan, Giandomenico Palumbo, Nathan Goldman, Shi-Liang Zhu, Xinsheng Tan, Z. D. Wang, Yang Yu

Abstract: We present the successful realization of four-dimensional (4D) semimetal bands featuring tensor monopoles, achieved using superconducting quantum circuits. Our experiment involves the creation of a highly tunable diamond energy diagram with four coupled transmons, and the parametric modulation of their tunable couplers, effectively mapping momentum space to parameter space. This approach enables u… ▽ More We present the successful realization of four-dimensional (4D) semimetal bands featuring tensor monopoles, achieved using superconducting quantum circuits. Our experiment involves the creation of a highly tunable diamond energy diagram with four coupled transmons, and the parametric modulation of their tunable couplers, effectively mapping momentum space to parameter space. This approach enables us to establish a 4D Dirac-like Hamiltonian with fourfold degenerate points. Moreover, we manipulate the energy of tensor monopoles by introducing an additional pump microwave field, generating effective magnetic and pseudo-electric fields and simulating topological parity magnetic effects emerging from the parity anomaly. Utilizing non-adiabatic response methods, we measure the fractional second Chern number for a Dirac valley with a varying mass term, signifying a nontrivial topological phase transition connected to a 5D Yang monopole. Our work lays the foundation for further investigations into higher-dimensional topological states of matter and enriches our comprehension of topological phenomena. △ Less

Submitted 21 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Graphical Representations and Worm Algorithms for the O($N$) Spin Model

Authors: Longxiang Liu, Lei Zhang, Xiaojun Tan, Youjin Deng

Abstract: We present a family of graphical representations for the O($N$) spin model, where $N \ge 1$ represents the spin dimension, and $N=1,2,3$ corresponds to the Ising, XY and Heisenberg models, respectively. With an integer parameter $0 \le \ell \le N/2$, each configuration is the coupling of $\ell$ copies of subgraphs consisting of directed flows and $N -2\ell$ copies of subgraphs constructed by undir… ▽ More We present a family of graphical representations for the O($N$) spin model, where $N \ge 1$ represents the spin dimension, and $N=1,2,3$ corresponds to the Ising, XY and Heisenberg models, respectively. With an integer parameter $0 \le \ell \le N/2$, each configuration is the coupling of $\ell$ copies of subgraphs consisting of directed flows and $N -2\ell$ copies of subgraphs constructed by undirected loops, which we call the XY and Ising subgraphs, respectively. On each lattice site, the XY subgraphs satisfy the Kirchhoff flow-conservation law and the Ising subgraphs obey the Eulerian bond condition. Then, we formulate worm-type algorithms and simulate the O($N$) model on the simple-cubic lattice for $N$ from 2 to 6 at all possible $\ell$. It is observed that the worm algorithm has much higher efficiency than the Metropolis method, and, for a given $N$, the efficiency is an increasing function of $\ell$. Beside Monte Carlo simulations, we expect that these graphical representations would provide a convenient basis for the study of the O($N$) spin model by other state-of-the-art methods like the tensor network renormalization. △ Less

Submitted 21 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: 10 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Commun. Theor. Phys. 75 115702 (2023)

CoTe2: A quantum critical Dirac metal with strong spin fluctuations

Authors: Peter E. Siegfried, Hari Bhandari, Jeanie Qi, Rojila Ghimire, Jayadeep Joshi, Zachary T. Messegee, Willie Beeson, Kai Liu, Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Yanliu Dang, Huairuo Zhang, Albert Davydov, Xiaoyan Tan, Patrick M. Vora, Igor I. Mazin, Nirmal J. Ghimire

Abstract: Quantum critical points separating weak ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases trigger many novel phenomena. Dynamical spin fluctuations not only suppress the long-range order, but can also lead to unusual transport and even superconductivity. Combining quantum criticality with topological electronic properties presents a rare and unique opportunity. Here, by means of ab initio calculations and mag… ▽ More Quantum critical points separating weak ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases trigger many novel phenomena. Dynamical spin fluctuations not only suppress the long-range order, but can also lead to unusual transport and even superconductivity. Combining quantum criticality with topological electronic properties presents a rare and unique opportunity. Here, by means of ab initio calculations and magnetic, thermal, and transport measurements, we show that the orthorhombic CoTe$_2$ is close to ferromagnetism, which appears suppressed by spin fluctuations. Calculations and transport measurements reveal nodal Dirac lines, making it a rare combination of proximity to quantum criticality and Dirac topology. △ Less

Submitted 28 August, 2022; originally announced August 2022.

Link between Weyl-fermion chirality and spin texture

Authors: Kenta Hagiwara, Philipp Rüßmann, Xin Liang Tan, Ying-Jiun Chen, Keiji Ueno, Vitaliy Feyer, Giovanni Zamborlini, Matteo Jugovac, Shigemasa Suga, Stefan Blügel, Claus Michael Schneider, Christian Tusche

Abstract: Topological semimetals have recently attracted great attention due to prospective applications governed by their peculiar Fermi surfaces. Weyl semimetals host chiral fermions that manifest as pairs of non-degenerate massless Weyl points in their electronic structure, giving rise to novel macroscopic quantum phenomena such as the chiral anomaly, an unusual magnetoresistance, and various kinds of Ha… ▽ More Topological semimetals have recently attracted great attention due to prospective applications governed by their peculiar Fermi surfaces. Weyl semimetals host chiral fermions that manifest as pairs of non-degenerate massless Weyl points in their electronic structure, giving rise to novel macroscopic quantum phenomena such as the chiral anomaly, an unusual magnetoresistance, and various kinds of Hall effects These properties enable the engineering of non-local electric transport devices, magnetic sensors and memories, and spintronics devices. Nevertheless, little is known about the underlying spin- and orbital-degrees of freedom of the electron wave functions in Weyl semimetals, that govern the electric transport. Here, we give evidence that the chirality of the Weyl points in the Type-II Weyl semimetal MoTe$_2$ is directly linked to the spin texture and orbital angular momentum of the electron wave functions. By means of state-of-the-art spin- and momentum-resolved photoemission spectroscopy the spin- and orbital texture in the Fermi surface is directly resolved. Supported by first-principles calculations, we examined the relationship between the topological chiral charge and spin texture, which significantly contributes to the understanding of the electronic structure in topological quantum materials. △ Less

Submitted 30 May, 2022; originally announced May 2022.

Size distribution of primary submicron particles and larger aggregates in solvent induced asphaltene precipitation

Authors: Jia Meng, Somasekhara Goud Sontti, Mohsen Sadeghi, Gilmar F. Arends, Petr Nikrityuk, Xiaoli Tan, Xuehua Zhang

Abstract: Asphaltene precipitation is a crucial phase separation phenomenon in the oil industry, especially in paraffinic froth treatment to extract bitumen from oil sands ores. This work reveals the formation of particles at 0.2 to 0.4 um in radius, defined as a primary sub-micron particle (PSMP), which is ubiquitous from diffusive mixing between asphaltene solution and any of 23 types of precipitants exam… ▽ More Asphaltene precipitation is a crucial phase separation phenomenon in the oil industry, especially in paraffinic froth treatment to extract bitumen from oil sands ores. This work reveals the formation of particles at 0.2 to 0.4 um in radius, defined as a primary sub-micron particle (PSMP), which is ubiquitous from diffusive mixing between asphaltene solution and any of 23 types of precipitants examined in our experiments. The yield and quantity of asphaltene particles are affected not only by the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the precipitants but also by the diffusion coefficients of the asphaltene solution and the precipitant. The Population Balance Model (PBM) with the Hildebrand solubility parameter has been used to model particle size distribution. Good agreement has been achieved between numerical predictions and the experimental data. It indicates that the colloid theory can describe the size distribution of PSMP and larger aggregates. Therefore, this study provides new insight into the mechanism for the dependence of yield and size distribution of the precipitated asphaltene particles on the composition of precipitants and adding inhibitors. Controlling of asphaltene yield and size distribution may be applied to the process of hydrocarbon separation or asphaltene precipitation prevention. △ Less

Submitted 1 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Comments: Preprint submitted to Fuel

The effect of $f$-$c$ hybridization on the $γ\rightarrowα$ phase transition of cerium studied by lanthanum doping

Authors: Yong-Huan Wang, Yun Zhang, Yu Liu, Xiao Tan, Ce ma, Yue-Chao Wang, Qiang Zhang, Deng-Peng Yuan, Dan Jian, Jian Wu, Chao Lai, Xi-Yang Wang, Xue-Bing Luo, Qiu-Yun Chen, Wei Feng, Qiu Liu, Qun-Qing Hao, Yi Liu, Shi-Yong Tan, Xie-Gang Zhu, Hai-Feng Song, Xin-Chun Lai

Abstract: The hybridization between the localized 4$f$ level ($f$) with conduction ($c$) states in $γ$-Ce upon cooling has been previously revealed in single crystalline thin films experimentally and theoretically, whereas its influence on the $γ\rightarrowα$ phase transition was not explicitly verified, due to the fact that the phase transition happened in the bulk-layer, leaving the surface in the $γ$ pha… ▽ More The hybridization between the localized 4$f$ level ($f$) with conduction ($c$) states in $γ$-Ce upon cooling has been previously revealed in single crystalline thin films experimentally and theoretically, whereas its influence on the $γ\rightarrowα$ phase transition was not explicitly verified, due to the fact that the phase transition happened in the bulk-layer, leaving the surface in the $γ$ phase. Here in our work, we circumvent this issue by investigating the effect of alloying addition of La on Ce, by means of crystal structure, electronic transport and ARPES measurements, together with a phenomenological periodic Anderson model and a modified Anderson impurity model. Our current researches indicate that the weakening of $f$-$c$ hybridization is the major factor in the suppression of $γ\rightarrowα$ phase transition by La doping. The consistency of our results with the effects of other rare earth and actinide alloying additions on the $γ\rightarrowα$ phase transition of Ce is also discussed. Our work demonstrates the importance of the interaction of $f$ and $c$ electrons in understanding the unconventional phase transition in Ce, which is intuitive for further researches on other rare earth and actinide metals and alloys with similar phase transition behaviors. △ Less

Submitted 28 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

An experimental approach to mapping chemical bonds in nanostructured materials

Authors: Philip N. H. Nakashima, Ding Peng, Xiaofen Tan, Anna N. Mortazavi, Tianyu Liu, Joanne Etheridge, Laure Bourgeois, David R. Clarke

Abstract: We introduce a number of techniques in quantitative convergent-beam electron diffraction under development by our group and discuss the basis for measuring interatomic electrostatic potentials (and therefore also electron densities), localised at sub-nanometre scales, with sufficient accuracy and precision to map chemical bonds in and around nanostructures in nanostructured materials. This has nev… ▽ More We introduce a number of techniques in quantitative convergent-beam electron diffraction under development by our group and discuss the basis for measuring interatomic electrostatic potentials (and therefore also electron densities), localised at sub-nanometre scales, with sufficient accuracy and precision to map chemical bonds in and around nanostructures in nanostructured materials. This has never been possible as experimental measurements of bonding have always been restricted to homogeneous single-phased crystals. △ Less

Submitted 22 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Comments: 11 pages, 4 figures

Nested Closed Paths in Two-Dimensional Percolation

Authors: Yu-Feng Song, Xiao-Jun Tan, Xin-Hang Zhang, Jesper Lykke Jacobsen, Bernard Nienhuis, Youjin Deng

Abstract: For two-dimensional percolation on a domain with the topology of a disc, we introduce a nested-path operator (NP) and thus a continuous family of one-point functions $W_k \equiv \langle \mathcal{R} \cdot k^\ell \rangle $, where $\ell$ is the number of independent nested closed paths surrounding the center, $k$ is a path fugacity, and $\mathcal{R}$ projects on configurations having a cluster connec… ▽ More For two-dimensional percolation on a domain with the topology of a disc, we introduce a nested-path operator (NP) and thus a continuous family of one-point functions $W_k \equiv \langle \mathcal{R} \cdot k^\ell \rangle $, where $\ell$ is the number of independent nested closed paths surrounding the center, $k$ is a path fugacity, and $\mathcal{R}$ projects on configurations having a cluster connecting the center to the boundary. At criticality, we observe a power-law scaling $W_k \sim L^{X_{\rm NP}}$, with $L$ the linear system size, and we determine the exponent $X_{\rm NP}$ as a function of $k$. On the basis of our numerical results, we conjecture an analytical formula, $X_{\rm NP} (k) = \frac{3}{4}φ^2 -\frac{5}{48}φ^2/ (φ^2-\frac{2}{3})$ where $k = 2 \cos(πφ)$, which reproduces the exact results for $k=0,1$ and agrees with the high-precision estimate of $X_{\rm NP}$ for other $k$ values. In addition, we observe that $W_2(L)=1$ for site percolation on the triangular lattice with any size $L$, and we prove this identity for all self-matching lattices. △ Less

Submitted 14 February, 2021; originally announced February 2021.

Comments: 5 pages, 5 figures plus supplemental material, 1 page 2 figures

MSC Class: 82B43; 60K35

Microfluidic device coupled with total internal reflection microscopy for in situ observation of precipitation

Authors: Jia Meng, Jae Bem You, Gilmar F. Arends, Hao Hao, Xiaoli Tan, Xuehua Zhang

Abstract: In situ observation of precipitation or phase separation induced by solvent addition is important in studying its dynamics. Combined with optical and fluorescence microscopy, microfluidic devices have been leveraged in studying the phase separation in various materials including biominerals, nanoparticles, and inorganic crystals. However, strong scattering from the subphases in the mixture is prob… ▽ More In situ observation of precipitation or phase separation induced by solvent addition is important in studying its dynamics. Combined with optical and fluorescence microscopy, microfluidic devices have been leveraged in studying the phase separation in various materials including biominerals, nanoparticles, and inorganic crystals. However, strong scattering from the subphases in the mixture is problematic for in situ study of phase separation with high temporal and spatial resolution. In this work, we present a quasi-2D microfluidic device combined with total internal reflection microscopy as an approach for in situ observation of phase separation. The quasi-2D microfluidic device comprises of a shallow main channel and a deep side channel. Mixing between a solution in the main channel (solution A) and another solution (solution B) in the side channel is predominantly driven by diffusion due to high fluid resistance from the shallow height of the main channel, which is confirmed using fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, relying on diffusive mixing, we can control the composition of the mixture in the main channel by tuning the composition of solution B. We demonstrate the application of our method for in situ observation of asphaltene precipitation and beta-alanine crystallization. △ Less

Submitted 13 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Comments: Preprint submitted to The European Physical Journal E

Experimental Observation of Tensor Monopoles with a Superconducting Qudit

Authors: Xinsheng Tan, Dan-Wei Zhang, Wen Zheng, Xiaopei Yang, Shuqing Song, Zhikun Han, Yuqian Dong, Zhimin Wang, Dong Lan, Hui Yan, Shi-Liang Zhu, Yang Yu

Abstract: Monopoles play a center role in gauge theories and topological matter. There are two fundamental types of monopoles in physics: vector monopoles and tensor monopoles. Examples of vector monopoles include the Dirac monopole in 3D and Yang monopole in 5D, which have been extensively studied and observed in condensed matter or artificial systems. However, tensor monopoles are less studied, and their… ▽ More Monopoles play a center role in gauge theories and topological matter. There are two fundamental types of monopoles in physics: vector monopoles and tensor monopoles. Examples of vector monopoles include the Dirac monopole in 3D and Yang monopole in 5D, which have been extensively studied and observed in condensed matter or artificial systems. However, tensor monopoles are less studied, and their observation has not been reported. Here we experimentally construct a tunable spin-1 Hamiltonian to generate a tensor monopole and then measure its unique features with superconducting quantum circuits. The energy structure of a 4D Weyl-like Hamiltonian with three-fold degenerate points acting as tensor monopoles is imaged. Through quantum-metric measurements, we report the first experiment that measures the Dixmier-Douady invariant, the topological charge of the tensor monopole. Moreover, we observe topological phase transitions characterized by the topological Dixmier-Douady invariant, rather than the Chern numbers as used for conventional monopoles in odd-dimensional spaces. △ Less

Submitted 10 December, 2020; v1 submitted 21 June, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Comments: 6+6 pages, 4+4 figures; version accepted for publication in PRL

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 017702 (2021)

$N$-cluster correlations in four- and five-dimensional percolation

Authors: Xiaojun Tan, Youjin Deng, Jesper Lykke Jacobsen

Abstract: We study $N$-cluster correlation functions in four- and five-dimensional (4D, 5D) bond percolation by extensive Monte Carlo simulation. We reformulate the transfer Monte Carlo algorithm for percolation [Phys. Rev. E {\bf 72}, 016126 (2005)] using the disjoint-set data structure, and simulate a cylindrical geometry $L^{d-1}\times \infty$, with the linear size up to $L=512$ for 4D and $128$ for 5D.… ▽ More We study $N$-cluster correlation functions in four- and five-dimensional (4D, 5D) bond percolation by extensive Monte Carlo simulation. We reformulate the transfer Monte Carlo algorithm for percolation [Phys. Rev. E {\bf 72}, 016126 (2005)] using the disjoint-set data structure, and simulate a cylindrical geometry $L^{d-1}\times \infty$, with the linear size up to $L=512$ for 4D and $128$ for 5D. We determine with a high precision all possible $N$-cluster exponents, for $N \! =\!2$ and $3$, and the universal amplitude for a logarithmic correlation function. From the symmetric correlator with $N \! = \!2$, we obtain the correlation-length critical exponent as $1/ν\! =\! 1.4610(12)$ for 4D and $1/ν\! =\! 1.737 (2)$ for 5D, significantly improving over the existing results. Estimates for the other exponents and the universal logarithmic amplitude have not been reported before to our knowledge. Our work demonstrates the validity of logarithmic conformal field theory and adds to the growing knowledge for high-dimensional percolation. △ Less

Submitted 19 June, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Comments: Percolation, Logarithmic conformal field theory, Monte Carlo simulation

Journal ref: Front. Phys. 15(4), 41501 (2020)

Uncompensated Polarization in Incommensurate Modulations of Perovskite Antiferroelectrics

Authors: Tao Ma, Zhongming Fan, Bin Xu, Tae-Hoon Kim, Ping Lu, Laurent Bellaiche, Matthew J. Kramer, Xiaoli Tan, Lin Zhou

Abstract: Complex polar structures of incommensurate modulations (ICMs) are revealed in chemically modified PbZrO$_3$ perovskite antiferroelectrics using advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques. The Pb-cation displacements, previously assumed to arrange in a fully-compensated antiparallel fashion, are found to be either antiparallel but with different magnitudes, or in a nearly orthogonal arran… ▽ More Complex polar structures of incommensurate modulations (ICMs) are revealed in chemically modified PbZrO$_3$ perovskite antiferroelectrics using advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques. The Pb-cation displacements, previously assumed to arrange in a fully-compensated antiparallel fashion, are found to be either antiparallel but with different magnitudes, or in a nearly orthogonal arrangement in adjacent stripes in the ICMs. Ab initio calculations corroborate the low-energy state of these arrangements. Our discovery corrects the atomic understanding of ICMs in PbZrO$_3$-based perovskite antiferroelectrics. △ Less

Submitted 18 October, 2019; v1 submitted 5 September, 2019; originally announced September 2019.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 217602 (2019)

GPU-based Ising Computing for Solving Balanced Min-Cut Graph Partitioning Problem

Authors: Chase Cook, Wentian Jin, Sheldon X. -D. Tan

Abstract: Ising computing provides a new computing paradigm for many hard combinatorial optimization problems. Ising computing essentially tries to solve the quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem, which is also described by the Ising spin glass model and is also the basis for so-called Quantum Annealing computers. In this work, we propose a novel General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU… ▽ More Ising computing provides a new computing paradigm for many hard combinatorial optimization problems. Ising computing essentially tries to solve the quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem, which is also described by the Ising spin glass model and is also the basis for so-called Quantum Annealing computers. In this work, we propose a novel General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU) solver for the balanced min-cut graph partitioning problem, which has many applications in the area of design automation and others. Ising model solvers for the balanced min-cut partitioning problem have been proposed in the past. However, they have rarely been demonstrated in existing quantum computers for many meaningful problem sizes. One difficulty is the fact that the balancing constraint in the balanced min-cut problem can result in a complete graph in the Ising model, which makes each local update a global update. Such global update from each GPU thread will diminish the efficiency of GPU computing, which favors many localized memory accesses for each thread. To mitigate this problem, we propose an novel Global Decoupled Ising (GDI) model and the corresponding annealing algorithm, in which the local update is still preserved to maintain the efficiency. As a result, the new Ising solver essentially eliminates the need for the fully connected graph and will use a more efficient method to track and update global balance without sacrificing cut quality. Experimental results show that the proposed Ising-based min-cut partitioning method outperforms the state of art partitioning tool, METIS, on G-set graph benchmarks in terms of partitioning quality with similar CPU/GPU times. △ Less

Submitted 1 August, 2019; originally announced August 2019.

Comments: 9 pages, 8 figures, 1 table

Experimental Measurement of the Quantum Metric Tensor and Related Topological Phase Transition with a Superconducting Qubit

Authors: Xinsheng Tan, Dan-Wei Zhang, Zhen Yang, Ji Chu, Yan-Qing Zhu, Danyu Li, Xiaopei Yang, Shuqing Song, Zhikun Han, Zhiyuan Li, Yuqian Dong, Hai-Feng Yu, Hui Yan, Shi-Liang Zhu, Yang Yu

Abstract: Berry curvature is an imaginary component of the quantum geometric tensor (QGT) and is well studied in many branches of modern physics; however, the quantum metric as a real component of the QGT is less explored. Here, by using tunable superconducting circuits, we experimentally demonstrate two methods to directly measure the quantum metric tensor for characterizing the geometry and topology of un… ▽ More Berry curvature is an imaginary component of the quantum geometric tensor (QGT) and is well studied in many branches of modern physics; however, the quantum metric as a real component of the QGT is less explored. Here, by using tunable superconducting circuits, we experimentally demonstrate two methods to directly measure the quantum metric tensor for characterizing the geometry and topology of underlying quantum states in parameter space. The first method is to probe the transition probability after a sudden quench, and the second one is to detect the excitation rate under weak periodic driving. Furthermore, based on quantum-metric and Berry-curvature measurements, we explore a topological phase transition in a simulated time-reversal-symmetric system, which is characterized by the Euler characteristic number instead of the Chern number. The work opens up a unique approach to explore the topology of quantum states with the QGT. △ Less

Submitted 4 June, 2019; originally announced June 2019.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures; newly cited two experimental references

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 210401 (2019)

Observation of non-scalar and logarithmic correlations in 2D and 3D percolation

Authors: Xiaojun Tan, Romain Couvreur, Youjin Deng, Jesper Lykke Jacobsen

Abstract: Percolation, a paradigmatic geometric system in various branches of physical sciences, is known to possess logarithmic factors in its correlators. Starting from its definition, as the $Q\rightarrow1$ limit of the $Q$-state Potts model with $S_Q$ symmetry, in terms of geometrical clusters, its operator content as $N$-cluster observables has been classified. We extensively simulate critical bond per… ▽ More Percolation, a paradigmatic geometric system in various branches of physical sciences, is known to possess logarithmic factors in its correlators. Starting from its definition, as the $Q\rightarrow1$ limit of the $Q$-state Potts model with $S_Q$ symmetry, in terms of geometrical clusters, its operator content as $N$-cluster observables has been classified. We extensively simulate critical bond percolation in two and three dimensions and determine with high precision the $N$-cluster exponents and non-scalar features up to $N \! =\! 4$ (2D) and $N \! =\! 3$ (3D). The results are in excellent agreement with the predicted exact values in 2D, while such families of critical exponents have not been reported in 3D, to our knowledge. Finally, we demonstrate the validity of predictions about the logarithmic structure between the energy and two-cluster operators in 3D. △ Less

Submitted 18 September, 2018; originally announced September 2018.

Comments: 10 pages, 7 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. E 99, 050103 (2019)

Emulating topological chiral magnetic effects in artificial Weyl semimetals

Authors: Xinsheng Tan, Yuxin Zhao, Qiang Liu, Guangming Xue, Haifeng Yu, Zidan Wang, Yang Yu

Abstract: We realized highly tunable Weyl semimetal-bands and subsequently emulated the topological chiral magnetic effects in superconducting quantum circuits. Driving the superconducting quantum circuits with elaborately designed microwave fields, we mapped the momentum space of a lattice to the parameter space, realizing the Hamiltonian of a Weyl semimetal. By measuring the energy spectrum, we directly i… ▽ More We realized highly tunable Weyl semimetal-bands and subsequently emulated the topological chiral magnetic effects in superconducting quantum circuits. Driving the superconducting quantum circuits with elaborately designed microwave fields, we mapped the momentum space of a lattice to the parameter space, realizing the Hamiltonian of a Weyl semimetal. By measuring the energy spectrum, we directly imaged the Weyl points of cubic lattices, whose topological winding numbers were further determined from the Berry curvature measurement. In particular, we used an additional microwave field to produce a momentum-dependent chemical potential, from which the chiral magnetic topological current was extracted in the presence of an artificial magnetic field. This pure topological current is proportional to the magnetic field, which is in contrast to the famous Ampere's law, and may have significant impacts on topological materials and quantum devices. △ Less

Submitted 12 March, 2018; v1 submitted 22 February, 2018; originally announced February 2018.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 010501 (2019)

Establishing phase diagram for the band engineering in p-type PbTe/SnTe from elementary electronic structure understanding

Authors: Xiaojian Tan, Guoqiang Liu, Jingtao Xu, Hezhu Shao, Haochuan Jiang, Jun Jiang

Abstract: Band engineering is an important mechanism to increase the thermopower of thermoelectric materials by reconstructing the band structure near Fermi level. PbTe and SnTe are the most representative systems in which band engineering were achieved by various dopants. Starting with the elementary understanding of the band structures, we established the phase diagram for the band engineering in p-type P… ▽ More Band engineering is an important mechanism to increase the thermopower of thermoelectric materials by reconstructing the band structure near Fermi level. PbTe and SnTe are the most representative systems in which band engineering were achieved by various dopants. Starting with the elementary understanding of the band structures, we established the phase diagram for the band engineering in p-type PbTe/SnTe by constructing an s-p bonding model. We show that the effects of band tuning are mainly determined by an inherent parameter of doping element: the s orbital energy level. With the phase diagram, all the related experimental observations can be consistently explained, moreover, undiscovered effective dopants become foreseeable. Our study discovers an applicable criteria to pick up proper dopants from the periodic table directly, and the analytical method can be adopted to more thermoelectric materials. △ Less

Submitted 25 January, 2018; originally announced January 2018.

Comments: 26 pages, 8 figures

Demonstration of Hopf-link semimetal bands with superconducting circuits

Authors: Xinsheng Tan, Mengmeng Li, Danyu Li, Kunzhe Dai, Haifeng Yu, Yang Yu

Abstract: Hopf-link semimetals exhibit exotic gapless band structures with fascinating topological properties, which have never been observed in nature. Here we demonstrate nodal lines with topological form of Hopf-link chains in artificial semimetal-bands. Driving superconducting quantum circuits with elaborately designed microwave fields, we mapped the momentum space of a lattice to a parameter space of t… ▽ More Hopf-link semimetals exhibit exotic gapless band structures with fascinating topological properties, which have never been observed in nature. Here we demonstrate nodal lines with topological form of Hopf-link chains in artificial semimetal-bands. Driving superconducting quantum circuits with elaborately designed microwave fields, we mapped the momentum space of a lattice to a parameter space of the Hamiltonian for a Hopf-link semimetal. By measuring the energy spectrum, we directly imaged nodal lines in cubic lattices. By tuning the driving fields, we adjusted various parameters of Hamiltonian. Important topological features, such as link-unlink topological transitions and the robustness of the Hopf-link chain structure were investigated. Moreover, we extracted the linking number by detecting the Berry phase associated with different loops encircling nodal lines. This topological invariant clearly reveals the nontrivial topology of the Hopf-link semimetal. Our results provide knowledge for developing new materials and quantum devices. △ Less

Submitted 10 January, 2018; v1 submitted 19 December, 2017; originally announced December 2017.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1702.01512

Topological Maxwell Metal Bands in a Superconducting Qutrit

Authors: Xinsheng Tan, Dan-Wei Zhang, Qiang Liu, Guangming Xue, Hai-Feng Yu, Yan-Qing Zhu, Hui Yan, Shi-Liang Zhu, Yang Yu

Abstract: We experimentally explore the topological Maxwell metal bands by mapping the momentum space of condensed-matter models to the tunable parameter space of superconducting quantum circuits. An exotic band structure that is effectively described by the spin-1 Maxwell equations is imaged. Three-fold degenerate points dubbed Maxwell points are observed in the Maxwell metal bands. Moreover, we engineer a… ▽ More We experimentally explore the topological Maxwell metal bands by mapping the momentum space of condensed-matter models to the tunable parameter space of superconducting quantum circuits. An exotic band structure that is effectively described by the spin-1 Maxwell equations is imaged. Three-fold degenerate points dubbed Maxwell points are observed in the Maxwell metal bands. Moreover, we engineer and observe the topological phase transition from the topological Maxwell metal to a trivial insulator, and report the first experiment to measure the Chern numbers that are higher than one. △ Less

Submitted 2 April, 2018; v1 submitted 17 September, 2017; originally announced September 2017.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures; accepted version

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 130503 (2018)

Imaging the magnetic states in an actinide ferromagnet UMn$_2$Ge$_2$

Authors: Xinzhou Tan, Morgann Berg, Jeehoon Kim, Ryan E. Baumbach, Eric D. Bauer, Joe D. Thompson, Filip Ronning, Alex de Lozanne

Abstract: We present studies of the magnetic domain structure of UMn$_2$Ge$_2$ single crystals using a home-built low temperature magnetic force microscope. The material has two distinct magnetic ordering temperatures, originating from the Mn and U moments. At room temperature, where the Mn moments dominate, there are flower-like domain patterns similar to those observed in uniaxial ferromagnets. After expo… ▽ More We present studies of the magnetic domain structure of UMn$_2$Ge$_2$ single crystals using a home-built low temperature magnetic force microscope. The material has two distinct magnetic ordering temperatures, originating from the Mn and U moments. At room temperature, where the Mn moments dominate, there are flower-like domain patterns similar to those observed in uniaxial ferromagnets. After exposing the sample to a one-tesla magnetic field near 40 K, the evolution of the magnetic domains are imaged through zero-field warming up to 200 K. Near the ordering temperature of the uranium moments a clear change in the domain wall motion is observed. The domain size analysis of the flower-like pattern reveals that the domain structure is consistent with a model of branching domains. △ Less

Submitted 7 August, 2018; v1 submitted 14 September, 2017; originally announced September 2017.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Materials 2, 074402 (2018)

Clock Monte Carlo methods

Authors: Manon Michel, Xiaojun Tan, Youjin Deng

Abstract: We propose the clock Monte Carlo technique for sampling each successive chain step in constant time. It is built on a recently proposed factorized transition filter and its core features include its O(1) computational complexity and its generality. We elaborate how it leads to the clock factorized Metropolis (clock FMet) method, and discuss its application in other update schemes. By grouping inte… ▽ More We propose the clock Monte Carlo technique for sampling each successive chain step in constant time. It is built on a recently proposed factorized transition filter and its core features include its O(1) computational complexity and its generality. We elaborate how it leads to the clock factorized Metropolis (clock FMet) method, and discuss its application in other update schemes. By grouping interaction terms into boxes of tunable sizes, we further formulate a variant of the clock FMet algorithm, with the limiting case of a single box reducing to the standard Metropolis method. A theoretical analysis shows that an overall acceleration of ${\rm O}(N^κ)$ ($0 \! \leq \! κ\! \leq \! 1$) can be achieved compared to the Metropolis method, where $N$ is the system size and the $κ$ value depends on the nature of the energy extensivity. As a systematic test, we simulate long-range O$(n)$ spin models in a wide parameter regime: for $n \! = \! 1,2,3$, with disordered algebraically decaying or oscillatory Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yoshida-type interactions and with and without external fields, and in spatial dimensions from $d \! = \! 1, 2, 3$ to mean-field. The O(1) computational complexity is demonstrated, and the expected acceleration is confirmed. Its flexibility and its independence from the interaction range guarantee that the clock method would find decisive applications in systems with many interaction terms. △ Less

Submitted 16 October, 2019; v1 submitted 30 June, 2017; originally announced June 2017.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. E 99, 010105 (2019)

Realizing and manipulating space-time inversion symmetric topological semimetal bands with superconducting quantum circuits

Authors: Xinsheng Tan, Yuxin Zhao, Qiang Liu, Guangming Xue, Haifeng Yu, Zidan Wang, Yang Yu

Abstract: We have experimentally realized novel space-time inversion (P-T) invariant Z2-type topological semimetal-bands, via an analogy between the momentum space and a controllable parameter space in superconducting quantum circuits. By measuring the whole energy spectrum of system, we imaged clearly an exotic tunable gapless band structure of topological semimetals. Two topological quantum phase transiti… ▽ More We have experimentally realized novel space-time inversion (P-T) invariant Z2-type topological semimetal-bands, via an analogy between the momentum space and a controllable parameter space in superconducting quantum circuits. By measuring the whole energy spectrum of system, we imaged clearly an exotic tunable gapless band structure of topological semimetals. Two topological quantum phase transitions from a topological semimetal to two kinds of insulators can be manipulated by continuously tuning the different parameters in the experimental setup, one of which captures the Z2 topology of the PT semimetal via merging a pair of nontrivial Z2 Dirac points. Remarkably, the topological robustness was demonstrated unambiguously, by adding a perturbation that breaks only the individual T and P symmetries but keeps the joint PT symmetry. In contrast, when another kind of PT -violated perturbation is introduced, a topologically trivial insulator gap is fully opened. △ Less

Submitted 6 February, 2017; originally announced February 2017.

Journal ref: npj Quantum Materials 2, 60, 2017

On the mechanism of gas adsorption for pristine, defective and functionalized graphene

Authors: Y. You, J. Deng, X. Tan, N. Gorjizadeh, M. Yoshimura, S. C. Smith, V. Sahajwalla, R. K. Joshi

Abstract: Defect is no longer deemed an adverse aspect of graphene. Contrarily, it can pave ways of extending applicability of graphene. Here, we discuss the effects of three types of defects on graphene: carbon deficiency, adatom (single Fe) dopant and introduction of functional groups (carboxyl, pyran group) on NO2 gas adsorption via density functional theory method. We have observed that the unsaturated… ▽ More Defect is no longer deemed an adverse aspect of graphene. Contrarily, it can pave ways of extending applicability of graphene. Here, we discuss the effects of three types of defects on graphene: carbon deficiency, adatom (single Fe) dopant and introduction of functional groups (carboxyl, pyran group) on NO2 gas adsorption via density functional theory method. We have observed that the unsaturated carbon in defected graphene is highly active to attract NO2 molecules. Our study suggests that introducing Fe on graphene can enhance the NO2 adsorption process. Adsorption energy calculations suggest the enhancement in NO2 adsorption is more profound for Fe-doped mono and tetra vacant graphene than Fe doped bi- and tri-vacant graphene. This study could potentially be useful in developing adsorption-based applications of graphene. △ Less

Submitted 24 October, 2016; originally announced October 2016.

Journal ref: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2017

Cooperative photoinduced metastable phase control in strained manganite films

Authors: Jingdi Zhang, Xuelian Tan, Mengkun Liu, Samuel W. Teitelbaum, Kirk W. Post, Feng Jin, Keith A. Nelson, D. N. Basov, Wenbin Wu, Richard D. Averitt

Abstract: A major challenge in condensed matter physics is active control of quantum phases. Dynamic control with pulsed electromagnetic fields can overcome energetic barriers enabling access to transient or metastable states that are not thermally accessible. Here we demonstrate strain-engineered tuning of La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 into an emergent charge-ordered insulating phase with extreme photo-susceptibility whe… ▽ More A major challenge in condensed matter physics is active control of quantum phases. Dynamic control with pulsed electromagnetic fields can overcome energetic barriers enabling access to transient or metastable states that are not thermally accessible. Here we demonstrate strain-engineered tuning of La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 into an emergent charge-ordered insulating phase with extreme photo-susceptibility where even a single optical pulse can initiate a transition to a long-lived metastable hidden metallic phase. Comprehensive single-shot pulsed excitation measurements demonstrate that the transition is cooperative and ultrafast, requiring a critical absorbed photon density to activate local charge excitations that mediate magnetic-lattice coupling that, in turn, stabilize the metallic phase. These results reveal that strain engineering can tune emergent functionality towards proximal macroscopic states to enable dynamic ultrafast optical phase switching and control. △ Less

Submitted 1 December, 2015; originally announced December 2015.

Journal ref: Nature Materials, Vol. 15, 956 (2016)

Tetragonal Bismuth Bilayer: A Stable and Robust Quantum Spin Hall Insulator

Authors: Liangzhi Kou, Xin Tan, Yandong Ma, Hassan Tahini, Liujiang Zhou, Ziqi Sun, Aijun Du, Changfeng Chen, Sean C Smith

Abstract: Topological insulators (TIs) exhibit novel physics with great promise for new devices, but considerable challenges remain to identify TIs with high structural stability and large nontrivial band gap suitable for practical applications. Here we predict by first-principles calculations a two-dimensional (2D) TI, also known as a quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulator, in a tetragonal bismuth bilayer (TB-B… ▽ More Topological insulators (TIs) exhibit novel physics with great promise for new devices, but considerable challenges remain to identify TIs with high structural stability and large nontrivial band gap suitable for practical applications. Here we predict by first-principles calculations a two-dimensional (2D) TI, also known as a quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulator, in a tetragonal bismuth bilayer (TB-Bi) structure that is dynamically and thermally stable based on phonon calculations and finite-temperature molecular dynamics simulations. Density functional theory and tight-binding calculations reveal a band inversion among the Bi-p orbits driven by the strong intrinsic spin-orbit coupling, producing a large nontrivial band gap, which can be effectively tuned by moderate strains. The helical gapless edge states exhibit a linear dispersion with a high Fermi velocity comparable to that of graphene, and the QSH phase remains robust on a NaCl substrate. These remarkable properties place TB-Bi among the most promising 2D TIs for high-speed spintronic devices, and the present results provide insights into the intriguing QSH phenomenon in this new Bi structure and offer guidance for its implementation in potential applications. △ Less

Submitted 26 October, 2015; originally announced October 2015.

Comments: Accepted by 2D Materials. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1505.04277 by other authors

A first-principles study on the phonon transport in layered BiCuOSe

Authors: Hezhu Shao, Xiaojian Tan, Guo-Qiang Liu, Jun Jiang, Haochuan Jiang

Abstract: First-principles calculations are employed to investigate the phonon transport of BiCuOSe. Our calculations reproduce the lattice thermal conductivity of BiCuOSe. The calculated gruneisen parameter is 2.4~2.6 at room temperature, a fairly large value indicating a strong anharmonicity in BiCuOSe, which leads to its ultralow lattice thermal conductivity. The contribution to total thermal conductivit… ▽ More First-principles calculations are employed to investigate the phonon transport of BiCuOSe. Our calculations reproduce the lattice thermal conductivity of BiCuOSe. The calculated gruneisen parameter is 2.4~2.6 at room temperature, a fairly large value indicating a strong anharmonicity in BiCuOSe, which leads to its ultralow lattice thermal conductivity. The contribution to total thermal conductivity from high-frequency optical phonons, which are mostly contributed by the vibrations of O atoms, is larger than 1/3, remarkably different from the usual picture with very little contribution from high-frequency optical phonons. Our calculations show that both the high group velocities and low scattering processes involved make the high-frequency optical modes contribute considerably to the total lattice thermal conductivity. In addition, we show that the sound velocity and bulk modulus along $a$ and $c$ axes exhibit strong anisotropy, which results in the anisotropic thermal conductivity in BiCuOSe. △ Less

Submitted 9 March, 2016; v1 submitted 19 October, 2015; originally announced October 2015.

Comments: 8 pages, 9 figures

Journal ref: Sci. Rep. 6, 21035 (2016)

Simulating the Kibble-Zurek mechanism of the Ising model with a superconducting qubit system

Authors: Ming Gong, Xueda Wen, Guozhu Sun, Dan-Wei Zhang, Dong Lan, Yu Zhou, Yunyi Fan, Yuhao Liu, Xinsheng Tan, Haifeng Yu, Yang Yu, Shi-Liang Zhu, Siyuan Han, Peiheng Wu

Abstract: The Kibble-Zurek mechanism (KZM) predicts the density of topological defects produced in the dynamical processes of phase transitions in systems ranging from cosmology to condensed matter and quantum materials. The similarity between KZM and the Landau-Zener transition (LZT), which is a standard tool to describe the dynamics of some non-equilibrium physics in contemporary physics, is being extensi… ▽ More The Kibble-Zurek mechanism (KZM) predicts the density of topological defects produced in the dynamical processes of phase transitions in systems ranging from cosmology to condensed matter and quantum materials. The similarity between KZM and the Landau-Zener transition (LZT), which is a standard tool to describe the dynamics of some non-equilibrium physics in contemporary physics, is being extensively exploited. Here we demonstrate the equivalence between KZM in the Ising model and LZT in a superconducting qubit system. We develop a time-resolved approach to study quantum dynamics of LZT with nano-second resolution. By using this technique, we simulate the key features of KZM in the Ising model with LZT, e.g., the boundary between the adiabatic and impulse regions, the freeze-out phenomenon in the impulse region, especially, the scaling law of the excited state population as the square root of the quenching rate. Our results supply the experimental evidence of the close connection between KZM and LZT, two textbook paradigms to study the dynamics of the non-equilibrium phenomena. △ Less

Submitted 10 February, 2016; v1 submitted 27 May, 2015; originally announced May 2015.

Comments: Title changed, authors added, and some experimental data updated

Fabrication and Characterization of an Amperometric Glucose Sensor on a Flexible Polyimide Substrate

Authors: Xiaosong Du, Christopher J. Durgan, David J. Matthews, Joshua R. Motley, Xuebin Tan, Kovit Pholsena, Líney Árnadóttir, Jessica R. Castle, Peter G. Jacobs, Robert S. Cargill, W. Kenneth Ward, John F. Conley Jr., Gregory S. Herman

Abstract: This study details the use of printing and other additive processes to fabricate a novel amperometric glucose sensor. The sensor was fabricated using a Au coated 12.7 micron polyimide film as a starting material, where micro-contact printing, electrochemical plating and chloridization, electrohydrodynamic jet (e-jet) printing, and spin coating were used to pattern, deposit, print, and coat functio… ▽ More This study details the use of printing and other additive processes to fabricate a novel amperometric glucose sensor. The sensor was fabricated using a Au coated 12.7 micron polyimide film as a starting material, where micro-contact printing, electrochemical plating and chloridization, electrohydrodynamic jet (e-jet) printing, and spin coating were used to pattern, deposit, print, and coat functional materials, respectively. We have found that e-jet printing was effective for the deposition and patterning of glucose oxidase inks between ~5 to 1000 micron in width, and we have demonstrated that the enzyme was still active after printing. The thickness of the permselective layer was optimized to obtain a linear response to glucose concentration up to 32 mM. For these sensors no response to acetaminophen, a common interfering compound, was observed. △ Less

Submitted 23 December, 2014; v1 submitted 22 November, 2014; originally announced November 2014.

Comments: This paper has been withdrawn by the author due to a crucial error in Figure 4 and 6

Theoretical study of the thermoelectric properties of SiGe nanotubes

Authors: J. Wei, H. J. Liu, X. J. Tan, L. Cheng, J. Zhang, D. D. Fan, J. Shi, X. F. Tang

Abstract: The thermoelectric properties of two typical SiGe nanotubes are investigated using a combination of density functional theory, Boltzmann transport theory, and molecular dynamics simulations. Unlike carbon nanotubes, these SiGe nanotubes tend to have gear-like geometry, and both the (6, 6) and (10, 0) tubes are semiconducting with direct band gaps. The calculated Seebeck coefficients as well as the… ▽ More The thermoelectric properties of two typical SiGe nanotubes are investigated using a combination of density functional theory, Boltzmann transport theory, and molecular dynamics simulations. Unlike carbon nanotubes, these SiGe nanotubes tend to have gear-like geometry, and both the (6, 6) and (10, 0) tubes are semiconducting with direct band gaps. The calculated Seebeck coefficients as well as the relaxation time of these SiGe nanotubes are significantly larger than those of bulk thermoelectric materials. Together with smaller lattice thermal conductivity caused by phonon boundary and alloy scattering, these SiGe nanotubes can exhibit very good thermoelectric performance. Moreover, there are strong chirality and temperature dependence of the ZT values, which can be optimized to 4.9 at room temperature and further enhanced to 5.4 at 400 K for the armchair (6, 6) tube. △ Less

Submitted 23 June, 2014; originally announced June 2014.

Journal ref: RSC advances 4, 53037 (2014)

High Mobility WSe2 p- and n-Type Field Effect Transistors Contacted by Highly Doped Graphene for Low-Resistance Contacts

Authors: Hsun-Jen Chuang, Xuebin Tan, Nirmal Jeevi Ghimire, Meeghage Madusanka Perera, Bhim Chamlagain, Mark Ming-Cheng Cheng, Jiaqiang Yan, David Mandrus, David Tománek, Zhixian Zhou

Abstract: We report the fabrication of both n-type and p-type WSe2 field effect transistors with hexagonal boron nitride passivated channels and ionic-liquid (IL)-gated graphene contacts. Our transport measurements reveal intrinsic channel properties including a metal-insulator transition at a characteristic conductivity close to the quantum conductance e2/h, a high ON/OFF ratio of >107 at 170 K, and large… ▽ More We report the fabrication of both n-type and p-type WSe2 field effect transistors with hexagonal boron nitride passivated channels and ionic-liquid (IL)-gated graphene contacts. Our transport measurements reveal intrinsic channel properties including a metal-insulator transition at a characteristic conductivity close to the quantum conductance e2/h, a high ON/OFF ratio of >107 at 170 K, and large electron and hole mobility of ~200 cm2V-1s-1 at 160 K. Decreasing the temperature to 77 K increases mobility of electrons to ~330 cm2V-1s-1 and that of holes to ~270 cm2V-1s-1. We attribute our ability to observe the intrinsic, phonon limited conduction in both the electron and hole channels to the drastic reduction of the Schottky barriers between the channel and the graphene contact electrodes using IL gating. We elucidate this process by studying a Schottky diode consisting of a single graphene/WSe2 Schottky junction. Our results indicate the possibility to utilize chemically or electrostatically highly doped graphene for versatile, flexible and transparent low-resistance Ohmic contacts to a wide range of quasi-2D semiconductors. KEYWORDS: MoS2, WSe2, field-effect transistors, graphene, Schottky barrier, ionic-liquid gate △ Less

Submitted 21 May, 2014; originally announced May 2014.

Comments: 28 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in Nano Lett. 2014