Showing 1–50 of 140 results for author: Rao, M

Unraveling the Roles of Shallow, Deep and Auger Trapping in Charge Carrier Recombination in Triple-Cation Perovskites

Authors: Jitendra Kumar, Thomas Kirchartz, Alexandr Marunchenko, Alexander Kiligaridis, Shraddha M. Rao, Shivam Singh, Ankur Yadav, Monojit Bag, Yana Vaynzof, Ivan G. Scheblykin

Abstract: Understanding charge-carrier recombination in metal halide perovskites is essential for accurately identifying the factors limiting solar cell efficiency, yet it remains challenging due to the interplay of multiple competing processes. Here, we combine time-resolved photoluminescence and excitation dependent photoluminescence quantum yield measurements over a wide range of fluences and repetition… ▽ More Understanding charge-carrier recombination in metal halide perovskites is essential for accurately identifying the factors limiting solar cell efficiency, yet it remains challenging due to the interplay of multiple competing processes. Here, we combine time-resolved photoluminescence and excitation dependent photoluminescence quantum yield measurements over a wide range of fluences and repetition rates to investigate recombination dynamics in triple-cation perovskite thin films. By jointly analyzing these multidimensional datasets, we develop a unified model that quantitatively reproduces both photoluminescence decays and absolute quantum yields across all excitation conditions. Our results reveal the coexistence of deep and shallow traps, as well as a second-order nonradiative recombination pathway attributed to Auger-assisted trapping. Importantly, this mechanism dominates under one-sun illumination, making it a critical limiting factor for photovoltaic performance. These findings provide a comprehensive framework for understanding recombination in perovskites and highlight the importance of higher-order defect-mediated processes in determining their efficiency. △ Less

Submitted 14 August, 2026; originally announced August 2026.

Building and maintaining a System of Intracellular Compartments

Authors: Amit Kumar, Madan Rao

Abstract: Organelle patterning and its heritability remain central mysteries in cell biology, highlighting the fundamental tension between genetic inheritance and self-assembly. Here, we explore the nonequilibrium assembly and emdedded size control of the Golgi cisternae and endosomes, amid a continuous flux of membrane traffic, within a stochastic framework of mechanochemical fusion-fission cycles that vio… ▽ More Organelle patterning and its heritability remain central mysteries in cell biology, highlighting the fundamental tension between genetic inheritance and self-assembly. Here, we explore the nonequilibrium assembly and emdedded size control of the Golgi cisternae and endosomes, amid a continuous flux of membrane traffic, within a stochastic framework of mechanochemical fusion-fission cycles that violate detailed balance. Using a dynamical systems approach, we identify distinct, robust regimes, ranging from fixed points to limit cycles with definite phase relations between cisternae. We identify these dynamical regimes with diverse phenotypes, from stable cisternae to periodic, cell-cycle-dependent dissolution/reassembly of cisternae to cisternal progression. We analyse its dynamic response to systematic perturbations or driving protocols and make definite predictions that may be tested experimentally. Our analysis reveals that the two competing models of Golgi organization - vesicular transport and cisternal progression - are, in fact, two phases of the same underlying nonequilibrium process. We see that cisternal size homeostasis is brought about by a size-dependent embedded control system driven by fusion-fission kernels. Finally, our framework offers a strategy for controlling cisternal number and chemical identity by modulating the interplay between glycosylation enzymes and membrane fission-fusion dynamics. △ Less

Submitted 21 May, 2026; v1 submitted 14 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 58 pages, 27 figures. Supplementary movies available upon request

A thermodynamic metric quantitatively predicts disordered protein partitioning and multicomponent phase behavior

Authors: Zhuang Liu, Beijia Yuan, Mihir Rao, Gautam Reddy, William M. Jacobs

Abstract: Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins mediate sequence-specific interactions underlying diverse cellular processes, including the formation of biomolecular condensates. Although IDRs strongly influence condensate compositions, quantitative frameworks that predict and explain their phase behavior in complex mixtures remain lacking. Here we introduce a thermodynamic model that quantita… ▽ More Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins mediate sequence-specific interactions underlying diverse cellular processes, including the formation of biomolecular condensates. Although IDRs strongly influence condensate compositions, quantitative frameworks that predict and explain their phase behavior in complex mixtures remain lacking. Here we introduce a thermodynamic model that quantitatively predicts the behavior of arbitrary combinations of IDRs across a wide range of concentrations, with accuracy comparable to state-of-the-art simulations. The model learns low-dimensional, context-independent representations of IDR sequences that combine to form mixture representations, producing context-dependent interactions. These representations define a thermodynamic metric space in which distances between IDRs correspond directly to differences in their thermodynamic properties. We show that the model predicts multicomponent phase diagrams in quantitative agreement with molecular simulations without being trained on free-energy or phase-coexistence data. The metric space provides geometrically intuitive predictions of IDR partitioning, multicomponent condensation, and context-dependent mutational effects, addressing several central problems in IDR biophysics within a single model. Systematic interrogation of the learned representations reveals how amino-acid composition and sequence patterning jointly determine mixture thermodynamics. Together, our results establish a unified and interpretable framework for predicting and understanding the behavior of complex mixtures of IDRs and other sequence-dependent biomolecules. △ Less

Submitted 9 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: Includes Supplementary Information

Accounting for the length-scale dependence of thermal diffusivity in 3C-SiC measured with transient thermal gratings

Authors: Keshav Vasudeva, Samuel Huberman, Angus P. C. Wylie, Maxwell Rae, Joey Demiane, Jamal A. Haibeh, Elena Botica-Artalejo, Kevin B. Woller, Michael P. Short, Sara E. Ferry

Abstract: Pump-probe optical methods like transient grating spectroscopy (TGS) enable rapid, nondestructive thermoelastic property measurements. But, in phonon-dominated ceramics, they can underpredict bulk thermal diffusivity when long mean free path (MFP) phonons do not equilibrate over experimental length scales. We combine in situ TGS with Si4+ ion irradiation of CVD 3C-SiC (300 and 550C, 0.5-1 dpa) and… ▽ More Pump-probe optical methods like transient grating spectroscopy (TGS) enable rapid, nondestructive thermoelastic property measurements. But, in phonon-dominated ceramics, they can underpredict bulk thermal diffusivity when long mean free path (MFP) phonons do not equilibrate over experimental length scales. We combine in situ TGS with Si4+ ion irradiation of CVD 3C-SiC (300 and 550C, 0.5-1 dpa) and density functional theory informed Boltzmann transport equation solutions to understand the origins of this offset. We show how the discrepancy between laser flash analysis (LFA) and TGS-measured thermal diffusivity varies with grain-boundary density, temperature, and defect concentration. We introduce a dimensionless suppression factor that accounts for this discrepancy and demonstrate its utility by using it to show an agreement between the thermal defect resistance of neutron irradiated 3C-SiC (measured using LFA) and ion irradiated 3C-SiC (measured using TGS). This theory-informed experimental framework enables quantitative, in situ tracking of ion irradiation damage induced thermal transport degradation in ceramics. △ Less

Submitted 26 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 41 pages, 9 figures, 1 table

Detecting the Onset and Progression of Spinodal Decomposition using Transient Grating Spectroscopy

Authors: Maxwell Rae, Merrill Chiang, Mahmudul Islam, Angus P. C. Wylie, Avery Nguyen, Myles Stapelberg, Saleem A. Al Dajani, Kristýna Repček, Tomáš Grabec, Abby Kaplan, Rodrigo Freitas, Michael P. Short

Abstract: Spinodal decomposition can degrade corrosion resistance and embrittle materials. The ability to quickly, conclusively, and non-destructively detect the onset of spinodal decomposition before catastrophic materials degradation would represent a significant advance in materials testing. We demonstrate that spinodal decomposition can be detected in binary Fe-Cr alloys via modulus stiffening using in… ▽ More Spinodal decomposition can degrade corrosion resistance and embrittle materials. The ability to quickly, conclusively, and non-destructively detect the onset of spinodal decomposition before catastrophic materials degradation would represent a significant advance in materials testing. We demonstrate that spinodal decomposition can be detected in binary Fe-Cr alloys via modulus stiffening using in situ and ex situ transient grating spectroscopy (TGS). The key mechanistic insight is the non-linearity in elastic moduli as function of Cr content renders a spinodally decomposed Fe-Cr alloy stiffer than an equivalent solid solution for a certain range of initial chromium compositions. We confirm the presence of spinodal decomposition in the 36 at.% chromium alloy using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), linked to known spinodal decomposition energetics, and show via atomistic simulations that elastic modulus stiffening is expected after spinodal decomposition in the 36 at.% chromium alloy. The results of this study suggest the potential use of TGS as a practical tool for non-destructive evaluation of key materials susceptible to such degradation. △ Less

Submitted 10 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Activity-driven sorting, approach to criticality and turbulent flows in dense persistent active fluids

Authors: Suman Dutta, Pinaki Chaudhuri, Madan Rao, Chandan Dasgupta

Abstract: We show that dense active fluids comprising interacting particles with persistent self-propulsion are driven to a non-equilibrium steady state consisting of co-moving particles with co-aligned active forces. This velocity and force sorting appears to be associated with a critical state where the length scales associated with spatial correlations of the velocity and the propulsive force grow with s… ▽ More We show that dense active fluids comprising interacting particles with persistent self-propulsion are driven to a non-equilibrium steady state consisting of co-moving particles with co-aligned active forces. This velocity and force sorting appears to be associated with a critical state where the length scales associated with spatial correlations of the velocity and the propulsive force grow with system size. At large system sizes, these growing velocity domains are accompanied by the appearance of dynamic macroscopic voids in the steady state, associated with large density fluctuations. The dynamics of the macroscopic voids drives a new kind of turbulent state. △ Less

Submitted 30 August, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Structural, dielectric, and ferroelectric characteristics of the low-temperature sintered 65PMN-35PT sample for electroceramic applications

Authors: B. Ramachandran, N. Sudarshan, G. Mangamma, M. S. Ramachandra Rao

Abstract: A single-phase 65PMN-35PT ceramic was synthesized at a relatively low temperature (875 oC) using a modified columbite method. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the single-phase formation of perovskite 65PMN-35PT with a tetragonal structure. Morphological studies indicated that the sample consisted of small grains with a size of about 2 micro-m. The dielectric properties of the material demonstr… ▽ More A single-phase 65PMN-35PT ceramic was synthesized at a relatively low temperature (875 oC) using a modified columbite method. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the single-phase formation of perovskite 65PMN-35PT with a tetragonal structure. Morphological studies indicated that the sample consisted of small grains with a size of about 2 micro-m. The dielectric properties of the material demonstrate its relaxor behavior near the ferroelectric transition temperature, TC = 457 K. The saturation and remnant polarization values of approximately 25.9 and 20.1 micro-C cm-2 were achieved for an electrically poled sample. Additionally, the poling induced a negative internal electric field of about -0.2 kV cm-1 was detected due to the presence of ferroelectric nano-grains in this bulk 65PMN-35PT sample. These observed characteristics of the pyrochlore-free 65PMN-35PT ceramic are similar to those of its single-crystal counterpart. △ Less

Submitted 1 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 9 pages, 7 figures, 1 Table and Accepted for publication in Journal of Electroceramics

Comment on "Neutron diffraction evidence of the 3-dimensional structure of Ba2MnTeO6 and misidentification of the triangular layers within the face-centred cubic lattice"

Authors: J. Khatua, T. Arh, Shashi B. Mishra, H. Luetkens, A. Zorko, B. Sana, M. S. Ramachandra Rao, B. R. K. Nanda, P. Khuntia

Abstract: Frustrated magnetism continues to attract significant attention due to its potential to host novel quantum many-body phenomena and associated exotic excitations that transcend existing paradigms. Herein, we present our reply to the comment on our recent thermodynamic and muon spin relaxation studies on a frustrated double perovskite, Ba2MnTeO6 (henceforth BMTO). Previous studies by four independen… ▽ More Frustrated magnetism continues to attract significant attention due to its potential to host novel quantum many-body phenomena and associated exotic excitations that transcend existing paradigms. Herein, we present our reply to the comment on our recent thermodynamic and muon spin relaxation studies on a frustrated double perovskite, Ba2MnTeO6 (henceforth BMTO). Previous studies by four independent groups, including our group, suggested a trigonal space group based on single-crystal and polycrystalline samples of BMTO, while the recent comment reports a cubic space group based on polycrystalline samples. We believe that the structure is fairly intricate because of the slight variations between the two space groups, refining the crystal structure of BMTO remains an unresolved problem that needs additional high-resolution XRD and neutron diffraction studies on high-quality single crystals. It is thought, however, that structural assignments will not greatly influence any of the primary findings related to the magnetism and spin dynamics of BMTO. These consist of a magnetic phase transition at around 21 K, the observation of antiferromagnetic magnon excitations exhibiting a gap of 1.4 K beneath the phase transition, the presence of short-range spin correlations well above the antiferromagnetic phase transition, and the persistence of spin dynamics even within the magnetically ordered phase. It is important to note that the magnetization, specific heat, and muon spin relaxation findings that constitute the core of our earlier study are independent; the interpretation of these findings did not rely on any specific space group. Concerning the final allocation of the symmetry of BMTO, a definitive differentiation in certain physical characteristics resulting from the symmetry is still necessary. △ Less

Submitted 2 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: Comment on arXiv:2202.03850

Journal ref: Scientific Reports (Nature) 16, 7957 (2026)

Investigation of electronic energy levels in a weak ferromagnetic oxygen-deficient BiFeO2.85 thick film using absorption and X ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies

Authors: Ramachandran Balakrishnan, Ambesh Dixit, Mamidanna Sri Ramachandra Rao

Abstract: We grew a 2 micron thick film of single-phase BiFeO3 on a Si (100) substrate by pulsed laser deposition with a substrate temperature of 575 oC and an oxygen partial pressure of 0.06 mbar. X ray diffraction analysis indicated that the film exhibits textured growth along the (110) plane and possesses a rhombohedral R3c structure. Investigations using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force mic… ▽ More We grew a 2 micron thick film of single-phase BiFeO3 on a Si (100) substrate by pulsed laser deposition with a substrate temperature of 575 oC and an oxygen partial pressure of 0.06 mbar. X ray diffraction analysis indicated that the film exhibits textured growth along the (110) plane and possesses a rhombohedral R3c structure. Investigations using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed an average grain size of about 300 nm and a surface roughness of 18 nm for the film. Energy dispersive X ray analysis estimated the composition of the film to be BiFeO2.85. Temperature- and magnetic field dependent magnetization measurements demonstrated weak ferromagnetic properties in the BiFeO2.85 film, with a non-zero spontaneous magnetization at H = 0 Oe across the temperature range of 2 to 300 K. Furthermore, the exchange bias field (HEB) of the film changed from the positive exchange bias field (+HEB = +6.45 Oe) at 200 K to a negative field (-HEB = -8.12 Oe) at 100 K, indicating a shift in macroscopic magnetism from antiferromagnetic to weak ferromagnetic order below 200 K. Elemental analysis via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the Fe ions in the BiFeO2.85 film are in a 3+ valence state, and a peak feature at 532.1 eV confirmed the presence of induced oxygen vacancies. UV visible NIR and valence band spectroscopic studies showed that the direct band-gap energy, and the separation between the valence band maximum and Fermi energy were approximately 2.27 eV and 0.9 eV, respectively, which are red-shifted when compared to its bulk form. △ Less

Submitted 2 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 39 pages, 13 figures, Accepted for publication in Surface and Interface Analysis Journal

Excitability and travelling waves in renewable active matter

Authors: M. Abhishek, Ankit Dhanuka, Deb Sankar Banerjee, Madan Rao

Abstract: Activity and renewability are distinctive features of living matter, and constitute a new class of materials that we term renewable active matter. A striking example is the cell cytoskeleton, where myosin filaments bind to the actin meshwork, apply contractile stresses and undergo continual stress/strain dependent turnover, thus acting as both force generators and sensors. As a consequence of nonr… ▽ More Activity and renewability are distinctive features of living matter, and constitute a new class of materials that we term renewable active matter. A striking example is the cell cytoskeleton, where myosin filaments bind to the actin meshwork, apply contractile stresses and undergo continual stress/strain dependent turnover, thus acting as both force generators and sensors. As a consequence of nonreciprocity, arising from the independence of action and response, such living matter exhibits unusual mechanical properties like, segregation without attraction, fragility and force chains. Here we show that the interplay between activity and turnover gives rise to mechanical excitability in the form of travelling waves and pulses, and spatiotemporal chaos. We provide a systematic study of the nucleation, movement and shape of the travelling pulse, and present a boundary layer analysis to establish the existence of homoclinic orbits. Our analytical results are supported by detailed numerical analysis of the governing partial differential equations. This study has implications for the observed mechanical excitability in a variety of cellular contexts such as in isolated adherent cells and confluent cells within tissues. △ Less

Submitted 25 May, 2025; v1 submitted 25 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 29 pages, 12 figures

Lattice dynamics of hexagonal ZnMgS

Authors: Abdelmahjid Elmahjoubi, Mala Rao, Alexandre Ivanov, Andrei Postnikov, Alain Polian, Toni Alhaddad, Samrath Chaplot, Andrea Piovano, Sebastien Diliberto, Stephanie Michel, Alain Maillard, Karol Strzalkowski, O. Pages

Abstract: Inelastic neutron scattering measurements on the hexagonal Zn67Mg33S semiconductor alloy reveal a bimodal pattern of the optical modes across the Brillouin zone, confirmed by first-principles simulations. Such modes are sensitive to the local fluctuations in the composition inherent to random Zn/Mg alloying, distinguishing homo from hetero environments of a given bond (1-bond/2-mode), as is formal… ▽ More Inelastic neutron scattering measurements on the hexagonal Zn67Mg33S semiconductor alloy reveal a bimodal pattern of the optical modes across the Brillouin zone, confirmed by first-principles simulations. Such modes are sensitive to the local fluctuations in the composition inherent to random Zn/Mg alloying, distinguishing homo from hetero environments of a given bond (1-bond/2-mode), as is formalized for cubic alloys by the percolation model. The latter model thus emerges as a generic framework for systematizing the optical modes of semiconductor alloys in various crystal structures. △ Less

Submitted 5 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 30 pages, 14 figures

MSC Class: 70 ACM Class: J.2

A correspondence between Hebbian unlearning and steady states generated by nonequilibrium dynamics

Authors: Agnish Kumar Behera, Matthew Du, Uday Jagadisan, Srikanth Sastry, Madan Rao, Suriyanarayanan Vaikuntanathan

Abstract: The classic paradigms for learning and memory recall focus on strengths of synaptic couplings and how these can be modulated to encode memories. In a previous paper [A. K. Behera, M. Rao, S. Sastry, and S. Vaikuntanathan, Physical Review X 13, 041043 (2023)], we demonstrated how a specific non-equilibrium modification of the dynamics of an associative memory system can lead to increase in storage… ▽ More The classic paradigms for learning and memory recall focus on strengths of synaptic couplings and how these can be modulated to encode memories. In a previous paper [A. K. Behera, M. Rao, S. Sastry, and S. Vaikuntanathan, Physical Review X 13, 041043 (2023)], we demonstrated how a specific non-equilibrium modification of the dynamics of an associative memory system can lead to increase in storage capacity. In this work, using analytical theory and computational inference schemes, we show that the dynamical steady state accessed is in fact similar to those accessed after the operation of a classic unsupervised scheme for improving memory recall, Hebbian unlearning or ``dreaming". Together, our work suggests how nonequilibrium dynamics can provide an alternative route for controlling the memory encoding and recall properties of a variety of synthetic (neuromorphic) and biological systems. △ Less

Submitted 8 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: 15 pages, 13 figures

Active morphodynamics of intracellular organelles in the trafficking pathway

Authors: S. Alex Rautu, Richard G. Morris, Madan Rao

Abstract: From the Golgi apparatus to endosomes, organelles in the endomembrane system exhibit complex and varied morphologies that are often related to their function. Such membrane-bound organelles operate far from equilibrium due to directed fluxes of smaller trafficking vesicles; the physical principles governing the emergence and maintenance of these structures have thus remained elusive. By understand… ▽ More From the Golgi apparatus to endosomes, organelles in the endomembrane system exhibit complex and varied morphologies that are often related to their function. Such membrane-bound organelles operate far from equilibrium due to directed fluxes of smaller trafficking vesicles; the physical principles governing the emergence and maintenance of these structures have thus remained elusive. By understanding individual fission and fusion events in terms of active mechano-chemical cycles, we show how such trafficking manifests at the hydrodynamic scale, resulting not only in fluxes of material -- such as membrane area and encapsulated volume -- but also in active stresses that drive momentum transfer between an organelle and its cytosolic environment. Due to the fluid and deformable nature of the bounding membrane, this gives rise to novel physics, coupling nonequilibrium forces to organelle composition, morphology and hydrodynamic flows. We demonstrate how both stable compartment drift and ramified sac-like morphologies, each reminiscent of Golgi-cisternae, emerge naturally from the same underlying nonequilibrium dynamics of fission and fusion. △ Less

Submitted 25 November, 2024; v1 submitted 27 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Segregation, Finite Time Elastic Singularities and Coarsening in Renewable Active Matter

Authors: Ayan Roychowdhury, Saptarshi Dasgupta, Madan Rao

Abstract: Material renewability in active living systems, such as in cells and tissues, can drive the large-scale patterning of forces, with distinctive phenotypic consequences. This is especially significant in the cell cytoskeleton, where multiple species of myosin bound to actin, apply differential contractile stresses and undergo differential turnover, giving rise to patterned force channeling. Here we… ▽ More Material renewability in active living systems, such as in cells and tissues, can drive the large-scale patterning of forces, with distinctive phenotypic consequences. This is especially significant in the cell cytoskeleton, where multiple species of myosin bound to actin, apply differential contractile stresses and undergo differential turnover, giving rise to patterned force channeling. Here we study the dynamical patterning of stresses that emerge in a hydrodynamic description of a renewable active actomyosin elastomer comprising two myosin species. Our analytical framework also holds for an actomyosin elastomer with a single myosin species. We find that a uniform active contractile elastomer spontaneously segregates into spinodal stress patterns, followed by a finite-time collapse into tension carrying singular structures that display self-similar scaling and caustics. Our numerical analysis carried out in 1D, shows that these singular structures move and merge, and gradually result in a slow coarsening dynamics. We discuss the implications of our findings to the emergence of stress fibers and the spatial patterning of actomyosin. Our study suggests, that with state-dependent turnover of crosslinkers and myosin, the in vivo cytoskeleton can navigate through the space of material parameters to achieve a variety of functional phenotypes. △ Less

Submitted 24 April, 2025; v1 submitted 30 August, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2206.06770

Evidence of 3$d$-4$f$ antiferromagnetic coupling in strain-tuned PrCo$_{0.5}$Ni$_{0.5}$O$_{3-δ}$ epitaxial films

Authors: P. K. Sreejith, H. B. Vasili, W. Li, M. Valvidares, G. Burnell, O. Cespedes, K. Sethupathi, V. Sankaranarayanan, M. S. Ramachandra Rao

Abstract: The strong exchange interaction between 3$d$-4$f$ magnetic sublattice in rare-earth perovskites introduces a variety of complex magnetic states hosting fascinating electronic ground states with exotic properties. Especially when it comes to rare-earth nickelate and cobaltite perovskites, tuning their rich magnetic phase diagram and spin-state transitions make them potential candidates for spintron… ▽ More The strong exchange interaction between 3$d$-4$f$ magnetic sublattice in rare-earth perovskites introduces a variety of complex magnetic states hosting fascinating electronic ground states with exotic properties. Especially when it comes to rare-earth nickelate and cobaltite perovskites, tuning their rich magnetic phase diagram and spin-state transitions make them potential candidates for spintronic applications. Here, we report the observation of antiferromagnetic coupling between Pr 4$f$ and Ni/Co 3$d$ magnetic sublattices and its tunability with strain in PrCo$_{0.5}$Ni$_{0.5}$O$_{3-δ}$ (PCNO) thin films. SQUID magnetization measurements reveal ferromagnetic (FM) ordering around 25 K, followed by a spin glass transition at low temperatures subject to spin reorientation. Competing magnetic interactions arise owing to the 3$d$-4$f$ antiferromagnetic (AFM) coupling between Pr and Co/Ni sublattice as revealed by the X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the Pr $M_{4,5}$ and Co/Ni $L_{2,3}$ absorption edges. Strain dependence on these AFM coupling reveals an increase (decrease) in the AFM exchange interaction for tensile (compressive) strained films, leading to a net decrease (increase) in the magnetization of PCNO films at low temperatures. The relative increase in low-temperature negative magnetoresistance for compressively strained films also reflects the enhanced ferromagnetic ordering in the system. The angle-dependent magnetoresistance measurements reveal a two-fold anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) in tensile strained PCNO films. In contrast, temperature-dependent switching of AMR accompanied by a two- to four-fold symmetry crossover is observed for LaAlO$_3$-grown compressive strained films. △ Less

Submitted 10 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Photoluminescence Mapping over Laser Pulse Fluence and Repetition Rate as a Fingerprint of Charge and Defect Dynamics in Perovskites

Authors: Shraddha M Rao, Alexander Kiligaridis, Aymen Yangui, Qingzhi An, Yana Vaynzof, Ivan G. Scheblykin

Abstract: Defects in metal halide perovskites (MHP) are photosensitive, making the observer effect unavoidable when laser spectroscopy methods are applied. Photoluminescence (PL) bleaching and enhancement under light soaking and recovery in dark are examples of the transient phenomena that are consequent to the creation and healing of defects. Depending on the initial sample composition, environment, and ot… ▽ More Defects in metal halide perovskites (MHP) are photosensitive, making the observer effect unavoidable when laser spectroscopy methods are applied. Photoluminescence (PL) bleaching and enhancement under light soaking and recovery in dark are examples of the transient phenomena that are consequent to the creation and healing of defects. Depending on the initial sample composition, environment, and other factors, the defect nature and evolution can strongly vary, making spectroscopic data analysis prone to misinterpretations. Herein, the use of an automatically acquired dependence of PL quantum yield (PLQY) on the laser pulse repetition rate and pulse fluence as a unique fingerprint of both charge carrier dynamics and defect evolution is demonstrated. A simple visual comparison of such fingerprints allows for assessment of similarities and differences between MHP samples. The study illustrates this by examining methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) films with altered stoichiometry that just after preparation showed very pronounced defect dynamics at time scale from milliseconds to seconds, clearly distorting the PLQY fingerprint. Upon weeks of storage, the sample fingerprints evolve toward the standard stoichiometric MAPbI3 in terms of both charge carrier dynamics and defect stability. Automatic PLQY mapping can be used as a universal method for assessment of perovskite sample quality. △ Less

Submitted 17 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Active drive towards elastic spinodals

Authors: Ayan Roychowdhury, Madan Rao, Lev Truskinovsky

Abstract: Active matter, exemplified by adaptive living materials such as the actomyosin cytoskeleton, can navigate material parameter space dynamically, leading to unconventional mechanical responses. In particular, it can self-drive toward elastic spinodal regimes, where inhomogeneous floppy modes induce elastic degeneracy and enable a controlled interplay between rigidity loss and recovery. Proximity to… ▽ More Active matter, exemplified by adaptive living materials such as the actomyosin cytoskeleton, can navigate material parameter space dynamically, leading to unconventional mechanical responses. In particular, it can self-drive toward elastic spinodal regimes, where inhomogeneous floppy modes induce elastic degeneracy and enable a controlled interplay between rigidity loss and recovery. Proximity to such marginal states leads to stress localization and the formation of force chains that can be actively assembled and disassembled. Here, we extend the classical notion of spinodal states to active solids and demonstrate how these extreme mechanical regimes can be actively accessed. Moreover, we show that in a nonlinear setting, crossing elastic spinodals generates new energy wells and makes force channeling an intrinsic feature of the emerging microstructure. △ Less

Submitted 20 May, 2025; v1 submitted 26 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Stochastic nanoswimmer: a multistate model for enzyme self-propulsion and enhanced diffusion

Authors: Amit Singh Vishen, Jacques Prost, Madan Rao

Abstract: Several enzymes exhibit enhanced diffusion in the presence of a substrate. One explanation of this enhancement arises from fluctuating dimer models, which suggest that enzymes have a higher diffusion constant when interacting with substrates compared to when they are free. Another possible mechanism, suggested in both experimental and theoretical studies, is that enzymes act as nanoswimmers. Howev… ▽ More Several enzymes exhibit enhanced diffusion in the presence of a substrate. One explanation of this enhancement arises from fluctuating dimer models, which suggest that enzymes have a higher diffusion constant when interacting with substrates compared to when they are free. Another possible mechanism, suggested in both experimental and theoretical studies, is that enzymes act as nanoswimmers. However, existing nanoswimmer models have struggled to account for the exceptionally high self-propulsion speeds observed in experiments, with estimated increases in diffusion due to self-propulsion found to be minimal. In this study, we model enzymes as dimers with fluctuating mobility. We show that even dimers can exhibit run-and-tumble motion when transitioning between states of varying mobility within the enzymatic cycle. By exploring a three-state enzymatic cycle, we identify the conditions under which self-propulsion speeds and increases in diffusion rate consistent with experimental observations can be achieved. △ Less

Submitted 12 May, 2024; v1 submitted 15 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Memlumor: a luminescent memory device for photonic neuromorphic computing

Authors: Alexandr Marunchenko, Jitendra Kumar, Alexander Kiligaridis, Shraddha M. Rao, Dmitry Tatarinov, Ivan Matchenya, Elizaveta Sapozhnikova, Ran Ji, Oscar Telschow, Julius Brunner, Anatoly Pushkarev, Yana Vaynzof, Ivan G. Scheblykin

Abstract: Neuromorphic computing promises to transform the current paradigm of traditional computing towards Non-Von Neumann dynamic energy-efficient problem solving. Thus, dynamic memory devices capable of simultaneously performing nonlinear operations (volatile) similar to neurons and also storing information (non-volatile) alike brain synapses are in the great demand. To satisfy these demands, a neuromor… ▽ More Neuromorphic computing promises to transform the current paradigm of traditional computing towards Non-Von Neumann dynamic energy-efficient problem solving. Thus, dynamic memory devices capable of simultaneously performing nonlinear operations (volatile) similar to neurons and also storing information (non-volatile) alike brain synapses are in the great demand. To satisfy these demands, a neuromorphic platform has to possess intrinsic complexity reflected in the built-in diversity of its physical operation mechanisms. Herein, we propose and demonstrate the novel concept of a memlumor - an all-optical device combining memory and luminophore, and being mathematically a full equivalence of the electrically-driven memristor. By utilizing metal halide perovskites as a memlumor material platform, we demonstrate the synergetic coexistence of both volatile and non-volatile memory effects within a broad timescale from ns to days. We elucidate the origin of such complex response to be related to the phenomena of photodoping and photochemistry activated by a tunable light input and explore several possible realizations of memlumor computing. Leveraging on the existence of a history-dependent photoluminescent quantum yield in various material platforms, the memlumor device concept will trigger multiple new research directions in both material science and optoelectronics. We anticipate that the memlumor, as a new optical dynamic computing element, will add a new dimension to existing optical technologies enabling their transition into application in photonic neuromorphic computing. △ Less

Submitted 14 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Experimental signatures of quantum and topological states in frustrated magnetism

Authors: J. Khatua, B. Sana, A. Zorko, M. Gomilšek, K. Sethupathi M. S. Ramachandra Rao, M. Baenitz, B. Schmidt, P. Khuntia

Abstract: Frustration in magnetic materials arising from competing exchange interactions can prevent the system from adopting long-range magnetic order and can instead lead to a diverse range of novel quantum and topological states with exotic quasiparticle excitations. Here, we review prominent examples of such emergent phenomena, including magnetically-disordered and extensively degenerate spin ices, whic… ▽ More Frustration in magnetic materials arising from competing exchange interactions can prevent the system from adopting long-range magnetic order and can instead lead to a diverse range of novel quantum and topological states with exotic quasiparticle excitations. Here, we review prominent examples of such emergent phenomena, including magnetically-disordered and extensively degenerate spin ices, which feature emergent magnetic monopole excitations, highly-entangled quantum spin liquids with fractional spinon excitations, topological order and emergent gauge fields, as well as complex particle-like topological spin textures known as skyrmions. We provide an overview of recent advances in the search for magnetically-disordered candidate materials on the three-dimensional pyrochlore lattice and two-dimensional triangular, kagome and honeycomb lattices, the latter with bond-dependent Kitaev interactions, and on lattices supporting topological magnetism. We highlight experimental signatures of these often elusive phenomena and single out the most suitable experimental techniques that can be used to detect them. Our review also aims at providing a comprehensive guide for designing and investigating novel frustrated magnetic materials, with the potential of addressing some important open questions in contemporary condensed matter physics. △ Less

Submitted 15 November, 2023; v1 submitted 23 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Journal ref: Physics Reports 1041, 1 (2023)

Single-molecule motion control

Authors: Divyam Neer Verma, KV Chinmaya, Jan Heck, G Mohan Rao, Sonia Contera, Moumita Ghosh, Siddharth Ghosh

Abstract: Achieving dynamic manipulation and control of single molecules at high spatio-temporal resolution is pivotal for advancing atomic-scale computing and nanorobotics. However, this endeavour is critically challenged by complex nature of atomic and molecular interactions, high-dimensional characteristics of nanoscale systems, and scarcity of experimental data. Here, we present a toy model for controll… ▽ More Achieving dynamic manipulation and control of single molecules at high spatio-temporal resolution is pivotal for advancing atomic-scale computing and nanorobotics. However, this endeavour is critically challenged by complex nature of atomic and molecular interactions, high-dimensional characteristics of nanoscale systems, and scarcity of experimental data. Here, we present a toy model for controlling single-molecule diffusion by harnessing electrostatic forces arising from elementary surface charges within a lattice structure, mimicking embedded charges on a surface. We investigate the interplay between quantum mechanics and electrostatic interactions in single molecule diffusion processes using a combination of state-dependent diffusion equations and Green's functions. We find that surface charge density critically influences diffusion coefficients, exhibiting linear scaling akin to Coulombic forces. We achieve accurate predictions of experimental diffusion constants and extending the observed range to values reaching up to 6000 $μ\text{m}^2\text{ms}^{-1}$ and 80000 $μ\text{m}^2\text{ms}^{-1}$. The molecular trajectories predicted by our model bear resemblance to planetary motion, particularly in their gravity-assisted acceleration-like behaviour. It holds transformative implications for nanorobotics, motion control at the nanoscale, and computing applications, particularly in the areas of molecular and quantum computing where the trapping of atoms and molecules is essential. Beyond the state-of-the-art optical lattice and scanning tunnelling microscopy for atomic/molecular manipulation, our findings give unambiguous advantage of precise control over single-molecule dynamics through quantum manipulation at the angstrom scale. △ Less

Submitted 17 June, 2024; v1 submitted 26 September, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Synthesis of a mesoscale ordered 2D-conjugated polymer with semiconducting properties

Authors: Gianluca Galeotti, Fabrizio De Marchi, Ehsan Hamzehpoor, Oliver MacLean, Malakalapalli Rajeswara Rao, Yulan Chen, Lucas Vazquez Besteiro, Dominik Dettmann, Luisa Ferrari, Federico Frezza, Polina M. Sheverdyaeva, R. Liu, Asish K. Kundu, Paolo Moras, Maryam Ebrahimi, Mark C. Gallagher, Federico Rosei, Dmytro F. Perepichka, Giorgio Contini

Abstract: 2D materials with high charge carrier mobility and tunable electronic band gaps have attracted intense research effort for their potential use as active components in nanoelectronics. 2D-conjugated polymers (2DCP) constitute a promising sub-class due to the fact that the electronic band structure can be manipulated by varying the molecular building blocks, while at the same time preserving the key… ▽ More 2D materials with high charge carrier mobility and tunable electronic band gaps have attracted intense research effort for their potential use as active components in nanoelectronics. 2D-conjugated polymers (2DCP) constitute a promising sub-class due to the fact that the electronic band structure can be manipulated by varying the molecular building blocks, while at the same time preserving the key features of 2D materials such as Dirac cones and high charge mobility. The major challenge for their use in technological applications is to fabricate mesoscale ordered 2DCP networks since current synthetic routes yield only small domains with a high density of defects. Here we demonstrate the synthesis of a mesoscale ordered 2DCP with semiconducting properties and Dirac cone structures via Ullmann coupling on Au(111). This material has been obtained by combining rigid azatriangulene precursors and a hot dosing approach which favours molecular diffusion and reduces the formation of voids in the network. These results open opportunities for the synthesis of 2DCP Dirac cone materials and their integration into devices. △ Less

Submitted 7 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: 21 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Nature Materials 19, 874-880 (2020)

Possible realization of a randomness-driven quantum disordered state in an S = 1/2 antiferromagnet Sr3CuTa2O9

Authors: B. Sana, M. Barik, S. Lee, U. Jena, M. Baenitz, J. Sichelschmidt, S. Luther, H. Kuehne, K. Sethupathi, M. S. Ramachandra Rao, K. Y. Choi, P. Khuntia

Abstract: Collective behavior of spins, frustration-induced strong quantum fluctuations, and subtle interplay between competing degrees of freedom in quantum materials can lead to correlated quantum states with exotic excitations that are essential ingredients for establishing paradigmatic models and have immense potential for quantum technologies. Disorder is ubiquitous in real materials, and the detailed… ▽ More Collective behavior of spins, frustration-induced strong quantum fluctuations, and subtle interplay between competing degrees of freedom in quantum materials can lead to correlated quantum states with exotic excitations that are essential ingredients for establishing paradigmatic models and have immense potential for quantum technologies. Disorder is ubiquitous in real materials, and the detailed insights into the role of disorder on the intriguing ground state borne out of quenched randomness provide a route toward the design and discovery of functional quantum materials. Herein, we report magnetization, specific heat, electron spin resonance, and muon spin resonance studies on a 3d-electron-based antiferromagnet Sr3CuTa2O9. The negative Curie- Weiss temperature value, obtained from the Curie-Weiss fit of high-temperature magnetic susceptibility data, indicates antiferromagnetic interaction between Cu2+ moments. Specific heat data show the absence of long-range magnetic ordering down to 64 mK despite a reasonably strong exchange interaction between Cu2+ (S =1/2) spins as reflected from a Curie-Weiss temperature of -27 K. The power-law behavior and the data collapse of specific heat and magnetization data evince the emergence of a random-singlet state in Sr3CuTa2O9. The power-law-like spin auto-correlation function and the data collapse of muon polarization asymmetry with longitudinal field dependence of t(μ0H)^γ further support credence to the presence of a randomness-induced quantum disordered state. Our results suggest that randomness induced by disorder is an alternate route to realize a quantum disordered state in this antiferromagnet. △ Less

Submitted 25 September, 2024; v1 submitted 25 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 110, 134412 (2024)

Magnetic properties of a spin-orbit entangled Jeff = 1/2 honeycomb lattice

Authors: J. Khatua, Q. P. Ding, M. S. Ramachandra Rao, K. Y. Choi, A. Zorko, Y. Furukawa, P. Khuntia

Abstract: The interplay between spin-orbit coupling, anisotropic magnetic interaction, frustration-induced quantum fluctuations and spin correlations can lead to novel quantum states with exotic excitations in rare-earth-based quantum magnets. Herein, we present the crystal structure, magnetization, electron spin resonance (ESR), specific heat, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments on the polycry… ▽ More The interplay between spin-orbit coupling, anisotropic magnetic interaction, frustration-induced quantum fluctuations and spin correlations can lead to novel quantum states with exotic excitations in rare-earth-based quantum magnets. Herein, we present the crystal structure, magnetization, electron spin resonance (ESR), specific heat, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments on the polycrystalline samples of Ba9Yb2Si6O24, in which Yb3+ ions form a perfect honeycomb lattice without detectable anti-site disorder. The magnetization data reveal antiferromagnetically coupled spin-orbit entangled Jeff = 1/2 degrees of freedom of Yb3+ ions in the Kramers doublet state. The ESR measurements reveal that the first excited Kramers doublet is 32.3(7) meV above the ground state. The specific heat results suggest the absence of any long-range magnetic order in the measured temperature range. Furthermore, the 29Si NMR results do not indicate any signature of magnetic ordering down to 1.6 K, and the spin-lattice relaxation rate reveals the presence of a field-induced gap that is attributed to the Zeeman splitting of Kramers doublet state in this quantum material. Our experiments detect neither spin freezing nor long-range magnetic ordering down to 1.6 K. The current results suggest the presence of short-range spin correlations in this spin-orbit entangled Jeff =1/2 rare-earth magnet on a honeycomb lattice. △ Less

Submitted 20 August, 2023; v1 submitted 21 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 108, 054442 (2023)

Spin re-orientation induced anisotropic magnetoresistance switching in LaCo$_{0.5}$Ni$_{0.5}$O$_{3-δ}$ thin films

Authors: P. K. Sreejith, T. S. Suraj, Hari Babu Vasili, Suresh Sreya, Pierluigi Gargiani, K. Sethupathi, Oscar Cespedes, V. Sankaranarayanan, M. S. Ramachandra Rao

Abstract: Realization of novel functionalities by tuning magnetic interactions in rare earth perovskite oxide thin films opens up exciting technological prospects. Strain-induced tuning of magnetic interactions in rare earth cobaltates and nickelates is of central importance due to their versatility in electronic transport properties. Here we reported the spin re-orientation induced switching of anisotropic… ▽ More Realization of novel functionalities by tuning magnetic interactions in rare earth perovskite oxide thin films opens up exciting technological prospects. Strain-induced tuning of magnetic interactions in rare earth cobaltates and nickelates is of central importance due to their versatility in electronic transport properties. Here we reported the spin re-orientation induced switching of anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) and its tunability with strain in epitaxial LaCo$_{0.5}$Ni$_{0.5}$O$_{3-δ}$ thin films across the ferromagnetic transition. Moreover, with strain tuning, we could observe a two-fold to four-fold symmetry crossover in AMR across the magnetic transition temperature. The magnetization measurements revealed an onset of ferromagnetic transition around 50 K, and a further reduction in temperature showed a subtle change in the magnetization dynamics, which reduced the ferromagnetic long-range ordering and introduced glassiness in the system. X-ray absorption and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy measurements over Co and Ni L edges revealed the Co spin state transition below the magnetic transition temperature leading to the AMR switching and also the presence of Ni$^{2+}$ and Co$^{4+}$ ions evidencing the charge transfer from Ni to Co ions. Our work demonstrated the tunability of magnetic interactions mediated electronic transport in cobaltate-nickelate thin films, which is relevant in understanding Ni-Co interactions in oxides for their technological applications such as in AMR sensors. △ Less

Submitted 17 April, 2023; v1 submitted 18 October, 2022; originally announced October 2022.

Emergence of Tension Chains and Active Force Patterning

Authors: Ayan Roychowdhury, Saptarshi Dasgupta, Madan Rao

Abstract: Viewed under a fluorescence microscope, the actomyosin cytoskeleton presents vivid streaks of lines together with persistent oscillatory waves. Using an active hydrodynamic approach, we show how a uniform distribution of single or mixture of contractile stresslets spontaneously segregate, followed by the formation of singular structures of high contractility (tension chains) in finite time. Simult… ▽ More Viewed under a fluorescence microscope, the actomyosin cytoskeleton presents vivid streaks of lines together with persistent oscillatory waves. Using an active hydrodynamic approach, we show how a uniform distribution of single or mixture of contractile stresslets spontaneously segregate, followed by the formation of singular structures of high contractility (tension chains) in finite time. Simultaneously, the collection of stresslets exhibit travelling waves and swapping as a consequence of nonreciprocity. In the finite geometry of the cell, the collection of active tension chains can form an active web held together by specific anchoring at the cell boundary. On the other hand, preferential wetting at the cell boundary can reinforce active segregation in a mixture of stresslets leading to stratification. △ Less

Submitted 24 April, 2025; v1 submitted 14 June, 2022; originally announced June 2022.

Thermal Transport in Turbostratic Multilayer Graphene

Authors: A. Mohapatra, M. S. Ramachandra Rao, M. Jaiswal

Abstract: The presence of twist angles between layers of two-dimensional materials has a profound impact on their physical properties. Turbostratic multilayer graphene is a system containing a distribution of rotational stacking faults, and these interfaces also have variable twist angles. In this work, we examine the influence of turbostratic single-layer graphene content on the in-plane thermal conductivi… ▽ More The presence of twist angles between layers of two-dimensional materials has a profound impact on their physical properties. Turbostratic multilayer graphene is a system containing a distribution of rotational stacking faults, and these interfaces also have variable twist angles. In this work, we examine the influence of turbostratic single-layer graphene content on the in-plane thermal conductivity of a defect free multilayer graphene system with low defect density. Detailed Raman mode analysis is used to quantify the content of turbostratic single-layer graphene in the system while complementing insight is obtained from selected area electron diffraction studies. Thermal transport in these systems is investigated with Raman optothermal technique supported with finite element analysis simulations. Thermal conductivity of AB-stacked graphene diminishes by a factor of 2.59 for 1% of turbostratic single-layer graphene content, while the decrease at 19% turbostratic content is by an order in magnitude. Thermal conductivity broadly obeys the relation, $κ$ $\propto$ exp(-F), where F is the fraction of turbostratic single-layer graphene content in the system △ Less

Submitted 4 October, 2022; v1 submitted 9 June, 2022; originally announced June 2022.

Comments: 41 pages, 14 Figures

Journal ref: Carbon, 201, 120-128, 2023

Spin liquid state in a rare-earth hyperkagome lattice

Authors: J. Khatua, S. Bhattacharya, Q. P. Ding, S. Vrtnik, A. M. Strydom, N. P. Butch, H. Luetkens, E. Kermarrec, M. S. Ramachandra Rao, A. Zorko, Y. Furukawa, P. Khuntia

Abstract: Quantum fluctuations enhanced by frustration and subtle interplay between competing degrees of freedom offer an ideal ground to realize novel states with fractional quantum numbers in quantum materials that defy standard theoretical paradigms. Quantum spin liquid (QSL) is a highly entangled state wherein frustration induced strong quantum fluctuations preclude symmetry breaking phase transitions d… ▽ More Quantum fluctuations enhanced by frustration and subtle interplay between competing degrees of freedom offer an ideal ground to realize novel states with fractional quantum numbers in quantum materials that defy standard theoretical paradigms. Quantum spin liquid (QSL) is a highly entangled state wherein frustration induced strong quantum fluctuations preclude symmetry breaking phase transitions down to zero temperature without any order parameter. Experimental realizations of QSL in quantum materials with spin dimensionality greater than one is very rare. Here, we present our thermodynamic, nuclear magnetic resonance, muon spin relaxation and inelastic neutron scattering studies of a new rare-earth hyperkagome compound Li3Yb3Te2O12 in which Yb3+ ions constitute a three dimensional spin-lattice without any detectable disorder. Our comprehensive experiments evince neither signature of magnetic ordering nor spin freezing down to 38 mK that suggest the realization of dynamic liquid-like ground state in this antiferromagnet. The ground state of this material is interpreted by a low energy Jeff = 1/2 degrees of freedom with short range spin correlations. The present results demonstrate a viable basis to explore spin-orbit driven enigmatic correlated quantum states in a new class of rare-earth based three dimensional frustrated magnets that may open new avenues in theoretical and experimental search for spin liquids. △ Less

Submitted 27 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Journal ref: Physical Review B 106, 104404 ( 2022)

Robust Molecular Computation by Active Mechanics

Authors: Kabir Husain, Sriram Ramaswamy, Madan Rao

Abstract: The living cell expends energetic and material resources to reliably process information from its environment. To do so, it utilises unreliable molecular circuitry that is subject to thermal and other fluctuations. Here, we argue that active, physical processes can provide error correcting mechanisms for information processing. We analyse a model in which fluctuating receptor activation induces co… ▽ More The living cell expends energetic and material resources to reliably process information from its environment. To do so, it utilises unreliable molecular circuitry that is subject to thermal and other fluctuations. Here, we argue that active, physical processes can provide error correcting mechanisms for information processing. We analyse a model in which fluctuating receptor activation induces contractile stresses that recruit further receptors, dynamically controlling resource usage and accuracy. We show that this active scheme can outperform passive, static clusters (as formed, for instance, by protein crosslinking). We consider simple binary environments, informative decision trees, and chemical computations; in each case, active stresses serve to contextually build signalling platforms that dynamically suppress error and allows for robust cellular computation. △ Less

Submitted 10 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Comments: 5 pages, 4 figures

Active emulsions in living cell membranes driven by contractile stresses and transbilayer coupling

Authors: Suvrajit Saha, Amit Das, Chandrima Patra, Anupama Ambika Anilkumar, Parijat Sil, Satyajit Mayor, Madan Rao

Abstract: The spatiotemporal organisation of proteins and lipids on the cell surface has direct functional consequences for signaling, sorting and endocytosis. Earlier studies have shown that multiple types of membrane proteins including transmembrane proteins that have cytoplasmic actin binding capacity and lipid-tethered GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) form nanoscale clusters driven by active contractile… ▽ More The spatiotemporal organisation of proteins and lipids on the cell surface has direct functional consequences for signaling, sorting and endocytosis. Earlier studies have shown that multiple types of membrane proteins including transmembrane proteins that have cytoplasmic actin binding capacity and lipid-tethered GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) form nanoscale clusters driven by active contractile flows generated by the actin cortex. To gain insight into the role of lipids in organizing membrane domains in living cells, we study the molecular interactions that promote the actively generated nanoclusters of GPI-APs and transmembrane proteins. This motivates a theoretical description, wherein a combination of active contractile stresses and transbilayer coupling drive the creation of active emulsions, mesoscale liquid ordered (lo) domains of the GPI-APs and lipids, at temperatures greater than equilibrium lipid-phase segregation. To test these ideas we use spatial imaging of homo-FRET combined with local membrane order and demonstrate that mesoscopic domains enriched in nanoclusters of GPI-APs are maintained by cortical actin activity and transbilayer interactions, and exhibit significant lipid order, consistent with predictions of the active composite model. △ Less

Submitted 2 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Enhancing associative memory recall in non-equilibrium materials through activity

Authors: Agnish Kumar Behera, Madan Rao, Srikanth Sastry, Suriyanarayanan Vaikuntanathan

Abstract: Associative memory, a form of content-addressable memory, facilitates information storage and retrieval in many biological and physical systems. In statistical mechanics models, associative memory at equilibrium is represented through attractor basins in the free energy landscape. Here, we use the Hopfield model, a paradigmatic model to describe associate memory, to investigate the effect of non-e… ▽ More Associative memory, a form of content-addressable memory, facilitates information storage and retrieval in many biological and physical systems. In statistical mechanics models, associative memory at equilibrium is represented through attractor basins in the free energy landscape. Here, we use the Hopfield model, a paradigmatic model to describe associate memory, to investigate the effect of non-equilibrium activity on memory retention and recall. We introduce activity into the system as gaussian-colored noise which breaks detailed balance and forces the system out of equilibrium. We observe that, under these non-equilibrium conditions, the Hopfield network has a higher storage capacity than that allowed at equilibrium. Using analytical and numerical techniques, we show that the rate of entropy production modifies the energy landscape and helps the system to access memory regions which were previously inaccessible. △ Less

Submitted 6 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: 19 pages, 4 figures

Direct observation of Jahn-Teller critical dynamics at a charge-order Verwey transition

Authors: Vinícius Pascotto Gastaldo, Mala N. Rao, Alexey Bosak, Matteo d'Astuto, Andrea Prodi, Marine Verseils, Yannick Klein, Christophe Bellin, Luigi Paolasini, Adilson J. A. de Oliveira, Edmondo Gilioli, Samrath Lal Chaplot, Andrea Gauzzi

Abstract: By means of diffuse and inelastic x-ray scattering (DS,IXS), we probe directly the charge-ordering (CO) dynamics in the Verwey system (NaMn$_3$)Mn$_4$O$_{12}$, where a peculiar quadruple perovskite structure with no oxygen disorder stabilizes a nearly full Mn$^{3+}$/Mn$^{4+}$ static charge order at $T_{\rm CO}$=175 K concomitant to a commensurate structural modulation with propagation vector… ▽ More By means of diffuse and inelastic x-ray scattering (DS,IXS), we probe directly the charge-ordering (CO) dynamics in the Verwey system (NaMn$_3$)Mn$_4$O$_{12}$, where a peculiar quadruple perovskite structure with no oxygen disorder stabilizes a nearly full Mn$^{3+}$/Mn$^{4+}$ static charge order at $T_{\rm CO}$=175 K concomitant to a commensurate structural modulation with propagation vector ${\bf q}_{\rm CO}=(\frac{1}{2},\frac{1}{2},0)$. At $T_{\rm CO}$, the IXS spectra unveil a softening of a 35.3 meV phonon at ${\bf q}_{\rm CO}$. Lattice dynamical calculations enable us to attribute this soft phonon to a A$_g$ mode whose polarization matches the Jahn-Teller-like distortion pattern of the structural modulation. This result demonstrates that the Jahn-Teller instability is the driving force of the CO Verwey transition in (NaMn$_3$)Mn$_4$O$_{12}$, thus elucidating a long-standing controversy regarding the mechanism of this transition observed in other mixed-valence systems like magnetite. △ Less

Submitted 8 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 104, 235114 (2021)

Towards real-time oxygen sensing: From nanomaterials to plasma

Authors: Vinitha Johny, KV Chinmaya, Muhammed Nihal CV, Varghese Kurian, G Mohan Rao, Moumita Ghosh, Siddharth Ghosh

Abstract: A significantly large scope is available for the scientific and engineering developments of high-throughput ultra-high sensitive oxygen sensors. We give a perspective of oxygen sensing for two physical states of matters - solid-state nanomaterials and plasma. From single-molecule experiments to material selection, we reviewed various aspects of sensing, such as capacitance, photophysics, electron… ▽ More A significantly large scope is available for the scientific and engineering developments of high-throughput ultra-high sensitive oxygen sensors. We give a perspective of oxygen sensing for two physical states of matters - solid-state nanomaterials and plasma. From single-molecule experiments to material selection, we reviewed various aspects of sensing, such as capacitance, photophysics, electron mobility, response time, and a yearly progress. Towards miniaturisation, we have highlighted the benefit of lab-on-chip-based devices and showed exemplary measurements of fast real-time oxygen sensing. From the physical-chemistry perspective, plasma holds a strong potential in the application of oxygen sensing. We investigated the current state-of-the-art of electron density, temperature, and design issues of plasma systems. We also show a numerical aspects of low-cost approach towards developing plasma-based oxygen sensor from household candle flame. In this perspective, we give an opinion about a diverse range of scientific insight together, identifies the short comings, and opens the path for new physical-chemistry device developments of oxygen sensor along with providing a guideline for innovators in oxygen sensing. △ Less

Submitted 6 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Active Segregation Dynamics in the Living Cell

Authors: Ajay Bansal, Amit Das, Madan Rao

Abstract: In this paper, we bring together our efforts in identifying and understanding nonequilibrium phase segregation driven by active processes in the living cell, with special focus on the segregation of cell membrane components driven by active contractile stresses arising from cortical actomyosin. This also has implications for active segregation dynamics in membraneless regions within the cytoplasm… ▽ More In this paper, we bring together our efforts in identifying and understanding nonequilibrium phase segregation driven by active processes in the living cell, with special focus on the segregation of cell membrane components driven by active contractile stresses arising from cortical actomyosin. This also has implications for active segregation dynamics in membraneless regions within the cytoplasm and nucleus (3d). We formulate an active version of the Flory-Huggins theory that incorporates a contribution from fluctuating active stresses. Apart from knitting together some of our past theoretical work in a comprehensive narrative, we highlight some new results, and establish a correspondence with recent studies on Active Model B/B+. We point to the many unusual aspects of the dynamics of active phase segregation, such as (i) anomalous growth dynamics, (ii) coarsening accompanied by propulsion and coalescence of domains that exhibit nonreciprocal effects, (iii) segregation into mesoscale domains, (iv) emergence of a nonequilibrium phase segregated steady state characterised by strong macroscopic fluctuations (fluctuation dominated phase ordering (FDPO)), and (v) mesoscale segregation even above the equilibrium Tc. Apart from its implications for actively driven segregation of binary fluids, these ideas are at the heart of an Active Emulsion description of the lateral organisation of molecules on the plasma membrane of living cells, whose full molecular elaboration appears elsewhere. △ Less

Submitted 22 November, 2021; originally announced November 2021.

Active ploughing through a compressible viscoelastic fluid: Unjamming and emergent nonreciprocity

Authors: Jyoti Prasad Banerjee, Rituparno Mandal, Deb Sankar Banerjee, Shashi Thutupalli, Madan Rao

Abstract: A dilute suspension of active Brownian particles in a dense compressible viscoelastic fluid, forms a natural setting to study the emergence of nonreciprocity during a dynamical phase transition. At these densities, the transport of active particles is strongly influenced by the passive medium and shows a dynamical jamming transition as a function of activity and medium density. In the process, the… ▽ More A dilute suspension of active Brownian particles in a dense compressible viscoelastic fluid, forms a natural setting to study the emergence of nonreciprocity during a dynamical phase transition. At these densities, the transport of active particles is strongly influenced by the passive medium and shows a dynamical jamming transition as a function of activity and medium density. In the process, the compressible medium is actively churned up -for low activity, the active particle gets self-trapped in a spherical cavity of its own making, while for large activity, the active particle ploughs through the medium, either accompanied by a moving anisotropic wake, or leaving a porous trail. A hydrodynamic approach makes it evident that the active particle generates a long range density wake which breaks fore-aft symmetry, consistent with the simulations. Accounting for the back reaction of the compressible medium leads to (i) dynamical jamming of the active particle, and (ii) a dynamical non-reciprocal attraction between two active particles moving along the same direction, with the trailing particle catching up with the leading one in finite time. We emphasize that these nonreciprocal effects appear only when the active particles are moving and so manifest in the vicinity of the jamming-unjamming transition. △ Less

Submitted 12 October, 2021; v1 submitted 21 September, 2021; originally announced September 2021.

Comments: 11 pages, 6 figures

Signature of a randomness-driven spin-liquid state in a frustrated magnet

Authors: J. Khatua, M. Gomilsek, J. C. Orain, A. M. Strydom, Z. Jaglicic, C. V. Colin, S. Petit, A. Ozarowski, L. Mangin-Thro, K. Sethupathi, M. S. Ramachandra Rao, A. Zorko, P. Khuntia

Abstract: Collective behaviour of electrons, frustration induced quantum fluctuations and entanglement in quantum materials underlie some of the emergent quantum phenomena with exotic quasi-particle excitations that are highly relevant for technological applications. Herein, we present our thermodynamic and muon spin relaxation measurements, complemented by ab initio density functional theory and exact diag… ▽ More Collective behaviour of electrons, frustration induced quantum fluctuations and entanglement in quantum materials underlie some of the emergent quantum phenomena with exotic quasi-particle excitations that are highly relevant for technological applications. Herein, we present our thermodynamic and muon spin relaxation measurements, complemented by ab initio density functional theory and exact diagonalization results, on the recently synthesized frustrated antiferromagnet Li4CuTeO6, in which Cu2+ ions (S = 1/2) constitute disordered spin chains and ladders along the crystallographic [101] direction with weak random inter-chain couplings. Our thermodynamic experiments detect neither long-range magnetic ordering nor spin freezing down to 45 mK despite the presence of strong antiferromagnetic interaction between Cu2+ moments leading to a large effective Curie-Weiss temperature of -154 K. Muon spin relaxation results are consistent with thermodynamic results. The temperature and magnetic field scaling of magnetization and specific heat reveal a data collapse pointing towards the presence of random-singlets within a disorder-driven correlated and dynamic ground-state in this frustrated antiferromagnet. △ Less

Submitted 3 March, 2022; v1 submitted 19 July, 2021; originally announced July 2021.

Journal ref: Communications Physics (2022)

Stratification, multivalency and turnover of the active cortical machinery are required for steady active contractile flows at the cell surface

Authors: Sk Raj Hossein, Rituparno Mandal, Madan Rao

Abstract: Many cell membrane proteins that bind to actin form dynamic clusters driven by contractile flows generated by the actomyosin machinery at the cell cortex. Recent evidence suggests that a necessary condition for the generation of these protein clusters on the membrane is the stratified organization of the active agents -formin-nucleated actin, myosin-II minifilaments, and ARP2/3-nucleated actin mes… ▽ More Many cell membrane proteins that bind to actin form dynamic clusters driven by contractile flows generated by the actomyosin machinery at the cell cortex. Recent evidence suggests that a necessary condition for the generation of these protein clusters on the membrane is the stratified organization of the active agents -formin-nucleated actin, myosin-II minifilaments, and ARP2/3-nucleated actin mesh -within the cortex. Further, the observation that these clusters dynamically remodel, requires that the components of this active machinery undergo turnover. Here we develop a coarse-grained agent-based Brownian dynamics simulation that incorporates the effects of stratification, binding of myosin minifilaments to multiple actin filaments and their turnover. We show that these three features of the active cortical machinery -stratification, multivalency and turnover -are critical for the realisation of a nonequilibrium steady state characterised by contractile flows and dynamic orientational patterning. We show that this nonequilibrium steady state enabled by the above features of the cortex, can facilitate multi-particle encounters of membrane proteins that profoundly influence the kinetics of bimolecular reactions at the cell surface. △ Less

Submitted 24 May, 2021; originally announced May 2021.

Comments: 12 pages, 6 figures

Large Microwave Inductance of Granular Boron-Doped Diamond Superconducting Films

Authors: Bakhrom Oripov, Dinesh Kumar, Cougar Garcia, Patrick Hemmer, Thirumalai Venkatesan, M. S. Ramachandra Rao, Steven M. Anlage

Abstract: Boron-doped diamond granular thin films are known to exhibit superconductivity with an optimal critical temperature of Tc = 7.2K. Here we report the measured complex surface impedance of Boron-doped diamond films in the microwave frequency range using a resonant technique. Experimentally measured inductance values are in good agreement with estimates obtained from the normal state sheet resistance… ▽ More Boron-doped diamond granular thin films are known to exhibit superconductivity with an optimal critical temperature of Tc = 7.2K. Here we report the measured complex surface impedance of Boron-doped diamond films in the microwave frequency range using a resonant technique. Experimentally measured inductance values are in good agreement with estimates obtained from the normal state sheet resistance of the material. The magnetic penetration depth temperature dependence is consistent with that of a fully-gapped s-wave superconductor. Boron-doped diamond films should find application where high kinetic inductance is needed, such as microwave kinetic inductance detectors and quantum impedance devices. △ Less

Submitted 16 June, 2021; v1 submitted 26 March, 2021; originally announced March 2021.

Journal ref: Appl. Phys. Lett. 118, 242601 (2021)

Development of short and long-range magnetic order in the double perovskite based frustrated triangular lattice antiferromagnet Ba2MnTeO6

Authors: J. Khatua, T. Arh, Shashi B. Mishra, H. Luetkens, A. Zorko, B. Sana, M. S. Ramachandra Rao, B. R. K. Nanda, P. Khuntia

Abstract: Oxide double perovskites wherein octahedra formed by both 3d elements and sp-based heavy elements give rise to unconventional magnetic ordering and correlated quantum phenomena crucial for futuristic applications. Here, by carrying out experimental and first principles investigations, we present the electronic structure and magnetic phases of Ba2MnTeO6, where Mn^2+ ions with S = 5/2 spins constitu… ▽ More Oxide double perovskites wherein octahedra formed by both 3d elements and sp-based heavy elements give rise to unconventional magnetic ordering and correlated quantum phenomena crucial for futuristic applications. Here, by carrying out experimental and first principles investigations, we present the electronic structure and magnetic phases of Ba2MnTeO6, where Mn^2+ ions with S = 5/2 spins constitute a perfect triangular lattice. The magnetic susceptibility reveals a large Curie- Weiss temperature -152 K suggesting the presence of strong antiferromagnetic interactions between Mn^2+ moments in the spin lattice. A phase transition at 20 K is revealed by magnetic susceptibility and specific heat which is attributed to the presence of a sizeable inter-plane interactions. Below the transition temperature, the specific heat data show antiferromagnetic magnon excitations with a gap of 1.4 K. Furthermore, muon spin-relaxation reveals the presence of static internal fields in the ordered state and provides strong evidence of short-range spin correlations for T > TN. The DFT+U calculations and spin-dimer analysis infer that Heisenberg interactions govern the inter and intra-layer spin-frustrations in this perovskite. The inter and intra-layer exchange interactions are of comparable strengths (J1 = 4.6 K, J2 = 0.92 J1). However, a weak third nearest-neighbor ferromagnetic inter-layer interaction exists (J3=-0.04 J1) due to double-exchange interaction via the linear path Mn-O-Te-O-Mn. The combined effect of J2 and J3 interactions stabilizes a three dimensional long-range magnetic ordering in this frustrated magnet. △ Less

Submitted 21 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Journal ref: Scientific Reports 11, 6959 (2021)

Study of involution domain based interfaces in Ni-Ti-Cu Shape Memory Alloy

Authors: Atharva Pagare, V Sashi Mohan Rao, K Naga Chaithanya Kumar, K S Suresh

Abstract: An algorithm was made to study the lattice correspondence involved in phase transformation from cubic B2 to monoclinic B19'. The method is based on studying the orientation matrices generated from EBSD data. Starting from the very fundamental, coordinate transformation matrices as well as the vector transformation matrices have been walked through for a general non-orthogonal to the orthogonal sys… ▽ More An algorithm was made to study the lattice correspondence involved in phase transformation from cubic B2 to monoclinic B19'. The method is based on studying the orientation matrices generated from EBSD data. Starting from the very fundamental, coordinate transformation matrices as well as the vector transformation matrices have been walked through for a general non-orthogonal to the orthogonal system. Further, using the defined formulas, orientation matrices will be used to identify a new, non-generic Involution Domain and the already accepted Bain Domain. △ Less

Submitted 25 December, 2020; v1 submitted 1 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Comments: 14 pages, 6 Figures, 3 Tables

Phonon-based partition of (ZnSe-like) semiconductor mixed crystals on approach to their pressure-induced structural transition

Authors: M. B. Shoker, O. Pagès, V. J. B. Torres, A. Polian, J. -P. Itié, G. K. Pradhan, C. Narayana, M. N. Rao, R. Rao, C. Gardiennet, G. Kervern, K. Strzałkowski, F. Firszt

Abstract: The generic 1-bond:2-mode percolation type Raman signal inherent to the short bond of common (A,B)C semiconductor mixed crystals with zincblende (cubic) structure is exploited as a sensitive mesoscope to explore how various ZnSe-based systems engage their pressure-induced structural transition (to rock-salt) at the sub-macroscopic scale with a focus on ZnCdSe. The Raman doublet, that distinguishes… ▽ More The generic 1-bond:2-mode percolation type Raman signal inherent to the short bond of common (A,B)C semiconductor mixed crystals with zincblende (cubic) structure is exploited as a sensitive mesoscope to explore how various ZnSe-based systems engage their pressure-induced structural transition (to rock-salt) at the sub-macroscopic scale with a focus on ZnCdSe. The Raman doublet, that distinguishes between the AC- and BC-like environments of the short bond, is reactive to pressure: either it closes (ZnBeSe, ZnSeS) or it opens (ZnCdSe), depending on the hardening rates of the two environments under pressure. A partition of II-VI and III-V mixed crystals is accordingly outlined. Of special interest is the closure case, in which the system resonantly stabilizes ante transition at its exceptional point corresponding to a virtual decoupling, by overdamping, of the two oscillators forming the Raman doublet. At this limit, the chain-connected bonds of the short species (taken as the minor one) freeze along the chain into a rigid backbone. This reveals a capacity behind alloying to reduce the thermal conductivity. △ Less

Submitted 17 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Wohlleben Effect and Emergent Pi junctions in superconducting Boron doped Diamond thin films

Authors: L. Govindaraj, S. Arumugam, R. Thiyagarajan, Dinesh Kumar, M. Kannan, Dhrubha Das, T. S. Suraj, V. Sankaranarayanan, K. Sethupathi, G. Baskaran, Raman Sankar, M. S. Ramachandra Rao

Abstract: Diamond is an excellent band insulator. However, boron (B) doping is known to induce superconductivity. We present two interesting effects in superconducting B doped diamond (BDD) thin films: i) Wohlleben effect (paramagnetic Meissner effect, PME) and ii) a low field spin glass like susceptibility anomaly. We have performed electrical and magnetic measurements (under pressure in one sample) at dop… ▽ More Diamond is an excellent band insulator. However, boron (B) doping is known to induce superconductivity. We present two interesting effects in superconducting B doped diamond (BDD) thin films: i) Wohlleben effect (paramagnetic Meissner effect, PME) and ii) a low field spin glass like susceptibility anomaly. We have performed electrical and magnetic measurements (under pressure in one sample) at dopings (1.4 , 2.6 and 3.6) X 1021 cm-3, in a temperature range 2 - 10 K. PME, a low field anomaly in inhomogeneous superconductors could arise from flux trapping, flux compression, or for non-trivial reason such as emergent Josephson Pi junctions. Joint occurrence of PME and spin glass type anomalies points to possible emergence of Pi junctions. BDD is a disordered s-wave superconductor; and Pi junctions could be produced by spin flip scattering of spin half moments when present at weak superconducting regions (Bulaevski et al. 1978). A frustrated network of 0 and Pi junctions will result (Kusmartsev et al. 1992) in a distribution of spontaneous equilibrium supercurrents, a phase glass state. Anderson localized spin half spinons embedded in a metallic fluid (two fluid model of Bhatt et al.) could create Pi junction by spin flip scattering. Our findings are consistent with presence of Pi junctions, invoked to explain their (Bhattacharyya et al.) observation of certain resistance anomaly in BDD. △ Less

Submitted 23 June, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Comments: 21 Pages, 7 Figures

Glycan processing in the Golgi -- optimal information coding and constraints on cisternal number and enzyme specificity

Authors: Alkesh Yadav, Quentin Vagne, Pierre Sens, Garud Iyengar, Madan Rao

Abstract: Many proteins that undergo sequential enzymatic modification in the Golgi cisternae are displayed at the plasma membrane as cell identity markers. The modified proteins, called glycans, represent a molecular code. The fidelity of this glycan code is measured by how accurately the glycan synthesis machinery realises the desired target glycan distribution for a particular cell type and niche. In thi… ▽ More Many proteins that undergo sequential enzymatic modification in the Golgi cisternae are displayed at the plasma membrane as cell identity markers. The modified proteins, called glycans, represent a molecular code. The fidelity of this glycan code is measured by how accurately the glycan synthesis machinery realises the desired target glycan distribution for a particular cell type and niche. In this paper, we quantitatively analyse the tradeoffs between the number of cisternae and the number and specificity of enzymes, in order to synthesize a prescribed target glycan distribution of a certain complexity. We find that to synthesize complex distributions, such as those observed in real cells, one needs to have multiple cisternae and precise enzyme partitioning in the Golgi. Additionally, for fixed number of enzymes and cisternae, there is an optimal level of specificity of enzymes that achieves the target distribution with high fidelity. Our results show how the complexity of the target glycan distribution places functional constraints on the Golgi cisternal number and enzyme specificity. △ Less

Submitted 18 May, 2020; originally announced May 2020.

Comments: 30 pages

Report number: 11:e76757

Journal ref: eLife 2022

Effect of interfacial oxidation layer in spin pumping experiments on Ni$_{80}$Fe$_{20}$/SrIrO$_3$ heterostructures

Authors: T. S. Suraj, Manuel Müller, Sarah Gelder, Stephan Geprägs, Matthias Opel, Mathias Weiler, K. Sethupathi, Hans Huebl, Rudolf Gross, M. S. Ramachandra Rao, Matthias Althammer

Abstract: SrIrO$_3$ with its large spin-orbit coupling and low charge conductivity has emerged as a potential candidate for efficient spin-orbit torque magnetization control in spintronic devices. We here report on the influence of an interfacial oxide layer on spin pumping experiments in Ni$_{80}$Fe$_{20}$ (NiFe)/SrIrO$_3$ bilayer heterostructures. To investigate this scenario we have carried out broadband… ▽ More SrIrO$_3$ with its large spin-orbit coupling and low charge conductivity has emerged as a potential candidate for efficient spin-orbit torque magnetization control in spintronic devices. We here report on the influence of an interfacial oxide layer on spin pumping experiments in Ni$_{80}$Fe$_{20}$ (NiFe)/SrIrO$_3$ bilayer heterostructures. To investigate this scenario we have carried out broadband ferromagnetic resonance (BBFMR) measurements, which indicate the presence of an interfacial antiferromagnetic oxide layer. We performed in-plane BBFMR experiments at cryogenic temperatures, which allowed us to simultaneously study dynamic spin pumping properties (Gilbert damping) and static magnetic properties (such as the effective magnetization and magnetic anisotropy). The results for NiFe/SrIrO$_3$ bilayer thin films were analyzed and compared to those from a NiFe/NbN/SrIrO$_3$ trilayer reference sample, where a spin-transparent, ultra-thin NbN layer was inserted to prevent oxidation of NiFe. At low temperatures, we observe substantial differences in the magnetization dynamics parameters of these samples, which can be explained by an antiferromagnetic interfacial layer in the NiFe/SrIrO$_3$ bilayers. △ Less

Submitted 7 May, 2020; originally announced May 2020.

Comments: 5 pages, 4 figures

Tunable and Enhanced Rashba Spin-Orbit Coupling in Iridate-Manganite Heterostructures

Authors: T. S. Suraj, Ganesh Ji Omar, Hariom Jani, Muhammad Mangattuchali Juvaid, Sonu Hooda, Anindita Chaudhuri, Andrivo Rusydi, Kanikrishnan Sethupathi, Thirumalai Venkatesan, Ariando Ariando, Mamidanna Sri Ramachandra Rao

Abstract: Tailoring spin-orbit interactions and Coulomb repulsion are the key features to observe exotic physical phenomena such as magnetic anisotropy and topological spin texture at oxide interfaces. Our study proposes a novel platform for engineering the magnetism and spin-orbit coupling at LaMnO3/SrIrO3 (3d-5d oxide) interfaces by tuning the LaMnO3 growth conditions which controls the lattice displaceme… ▽ More Tailoring spin-orbit interactions and Coulomb repulsion are the key features to observe exotic physical phenomena such as magnetic anisotropy and topological spin texture at oxide interfaces. Our study proposes a novel platform for engineering the magnetism and spin-orbit coupling at LaMnO3/SrIrO3 (3d-5d oxide) interfaces by tuning the LaMnO3 growth conditions which controls the lattice displacement and spin-correlated interfacial coupling through charge transfer. We report on a tunable and enhanced interface-induced Rashba spin-orbit coupling and Elliot-Yafet spin relaxation mechanism in LaMnO3/SrIrO3 bilayer with change in the underlying magnetic order of LaMnO3. We also observed enhanced spin-orbit coupling strength in LaMnO3/SrIrO3 compared to previously reported SrIrO3 layers. The X-Ray spectroscopy measurement reveals the quantitative valence of Mn and their impact on charge transfer. Further, we performed angle-dependent magnetoresistance measurements, which show signatures of magnetic proximity effect in SrIrO3 while reflecting the magnetic order of LaMnO3. Our work thus demonstrates a new route to engineer the interface induced Rashba spin-orbit coupling and magnetic proximity effect in 3d-5d oxide interfaces which makes SrIrO3 an ideal candidate for spintronics applications. △ Less

Submitted 1 April, 2020; originally announced April 2020.

Comments: 10 Pages, 4 Figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 102, 125145 (2020)

Magnetic Entropy in a Non-Collinear Weak Ferromagnetic YCrO3

Authors: Brajesh Tiwari, Ambesh Dixit, M. S. Ramachandra Rao

Abstract: We carried out temperature and field dependent magnetic measurements to understand the evolution of magnetic non-collinearity near antiferromagnetic phase in conjunction with the evolution of magnetic entropy near phase transition. We observed the maximum change in entropy just before magnetic ordering of Cr3+ in YCrO3 with the maximum change in magnetic entropy of -0.38 Jkg-1K-1 at 8 Tesla extern… ▽ More We carried out temperature and field dependent magnetic measurements to understand the evolution of magnetic non-collinearity near antiferromagnetic phase in conjunction with the evolution of magnetic entropy near phase transition. We observed the maximum change in entropy just before magnetic ordering of Cr3+ in YCrO3 with the maximum change in magnetic entropy of -0.38 Jkg-1K-1 at 8 Tesla external field. The data is linear in higher fields 3 T - 8 T , whereas it showed deviations in the lower field region. The maximum entropy change fits well with mean field approximation at higher fields, while the observed deviation in lower field substantiates the onset of weak ferromagnetism in YCrO3. △ Less

Submitted 18 August, 2019; originally announced August 2019.

Comments: 6 pages, 2 figures

Anomalous magnetic behavior and complex magnetic structure of proximate LaCrO3 LaFeO3 system

Authors: Brajesh Tiwari, Ambesh Dixit, M. S. Ramachandra Rao

Abstract: We investigated complex magnetic properties of multifunctional LaCrO3-LaFeO3 system. The magnetic measurements substantiate the presence of competing complex magnetic ordering against temperature, showing paramagnetic to ferrimagnetic transition at 300 K, followed by antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition near 250 K superimposed on ferrimagnetic phase. The onset of weak ferrimagnetic ordering is attri… ▽ More We investigated complex magnetic properties of multifunctional LaCrO3-LaFeO3 system. The magnetic measurements substantiate the presence of competing complex magnetic ordering against temperature, showing paramagnetic to ferrimagnetic transition at 300 K, followed by antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition near 250 K superimposed on ferrimagnetic phase. The onset of weak ferrimagnetic ordering is attributed to the competing complex interaction between two AFM LaCrO3-LaFeO3 sublattices. The low-temperature AFM ordering is also substantiated by temperature-dependent Raman measurements, where the intensity ratio of 700 cm-1 Raman active mode showed the clear enhancement with lowering the temperature. The non-saturating nature of magnetic moments in LaCrO3-LaFeO6 suggests the predominating AFM ordering in conjunction with ferrimagnetic ordering between 250 K to 300 K up to 5 T magnetic field. A complex magnetic structure of LaCrO3-LaFeO3 is constructed, emphasizing the metastable magnetic phase near room temperature and low temperature antiferromagnetic state. △ Less

Submitted 18 August, 2019; originally announced August 2019.

Comments: 16 pages, 5 figures

Extreme active matter at high densities

Authors: Rituparno Mandal, Pranab Jyoti Bhuyan, Pinaki Chaudhuri, Chandan Dasgupta, Madan Rao

Abstract: Extreme active matter, an assembly of self-propelled particles with large persistence time $τ_p$ and high Péclet number, exhibits remarkable behaviour at high densities. As $τ_p\to 0$, the assembly undergoes a gradual slowing down of density relaxations, as one reduces the active propulsion force $f$, until at the glass transition, the relaxation times diverge. In the other limit,… ▽ More Extreme active matter, an assembly of self-propelled particles with large persistence time $τ_p$ and high Péclet number, exhibits remarkable behaviour at high densities. As $τ_p\to 0$, the assembly undergoes a gradual slowing down of density relaxations, as one reduces the active propulsion force $f$, until at the glass transition, the relaxation times diverge. In the other limit, $τ_p \to \infty$, the fluid jams on lowering $f$, at a critical threshold $f^*(\infty)$, with stresses concentrated along force-chains. As one moves away from this jamming threshold, the force-chains dynamically remodel, and the lifetime of the force-balanced configurations diverges as one approaches $f^*(\infty)$, by tuning $τ_p$. In between these limits, the approach to dynamical arrest at low $f$, goes through a phase characterised by intermittency in the kinetic energy. This intermittency is a consequence of long periods of jamming followed by bursts of plastic yielding associated with Eshelby deformations, akin to the response of dense amorphous solids to an externally imposed shear. The frequency of these plastic bursts increases as one moves towards the intermittent phase-fluid boundary, where the correlated plastic events result in large scale vorticity and turbulence. Dense extreme active matter brings together the physics of glass, jamming, plasticity and turbulence, in a new state of driven classical matter. △ Less

Submitted 14 February, 2019; originally announced February 2019.

Comments: 17 pages; movies available on request

Breakdown of effective temperature, power law interactions and self-propulsion in a momentum conserving active fluid

Authors: Amit Singh Vishen, Jacques Prost, Madan Rao

Abstract: Simplest extensions of single particle dynamics in momentum conserving active fluid - that of an active suspension of two colloidal particles or a single particle confined by a wall - exhibit strong departures from Boltzmann behavior, resulting in either a breakdown of an effective temperature description or a steady state with nonzero entropy production rate. This is a consequence of hydrodynamic… ▽ More Simplest extensions of single particle dynamics in momentum conserving active fluid - that of an active suspension of two colloidal particles or a single particle confined by a wall - exhibit strong departures from Boltzmann behavior, resulting in either a breakdown of an effective temperature description or a steady state with nonzero entropy production rate. This is a consequence of hydrodynamic interactions that introduce multiplicative noise in the stochastic description of the particle positions. This results in fluctuation induced interactions that depend on distance as a power law. We find that the dynamics of activated colloids in a passive fluid, with stochastic forcing localized on the particle, is different from that of passive colloids in an active fluctuating fluid. △ Less

Submitted 27 November, 2019; v1 submitted 9 August, 2018; originally announced August 2018.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. E 100, 062602 (2019)

Kitaev chain with a quantum dot

Authors: Chuanchang Zeng, Christopher Moore, Apparao M. Rao, Tudor D. Stanescu, Sumanta Tewari

Abstract: We solve analytically the problem of a finite length Kitaev chain coupled to a quantum dot (QD), which extends the standard Kitaev chain problem making it more closely related to the quantum dot-semiconductor-superconductor (QD-SM-SC) nanowire heterostructure that is currently under intense investigation for possible occurrence of Majorana zero modes (MZMs). Our analytical solution reveals the eme… ▽ More We solve analytically the problem of a finite length Kitaev chain coupled to a quantum dot (QD), which extends the standard Kitaev chain problem making it more closely related to the quantum dot-semiconductor-superconductor (QD-SM-SC) nanowire heterostructure that is currently under intense investigation for possible occurrence of Majorana zero modes (MZMs). Our analytical solution reveals the emergence of a robust Andreev bound state (ABSs) localized in the quantum dot region as the generic lowest energy solution in the topologically trivial phase. By contrast, in the bare Kitaev chain problem such a solution does not exist. The robustness of the ABS in the topologically trivial phase is due to a partial decoupling of the component Majorana bound states (MBSs) over the length of the dot potential. As a result, the signatures of the ABS in measurements that couple locally to the quantum dot, e.g., tunneling measurements, are identical to the signatures of topologically-protected MZMs, which arise only in the topological superconducting (TS) phase of the Kitaev chain. △ Less

Submitted 7 August, 2018; originally announced August 2018.

Comments: 11 pages, 8 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 99, 094523 (2019)