Showing 1–50 of 100 results for author: Pan, Z

Observation of hidden altermagnetism in Cs$_{1-δ}$V$_2$Te$_2$O

Authors: Guowei Yang, Ruihan Chen, Changchao Liu, Jing Li, Ze Pan, Liwei Deng, Naifu Zheng, Yu Tang, Hao Zheng, Weifan Zhu, Yifu Xu, Xin Ma, Xiaoping Wang, Shengtao Cui, Zhe Sun, Zhengtai Liu, Mao Ye, Chao Cao, Ming Shi, Lunhui Hu, Qihang Liu, Shan Qiao, Guanghan Cao, Yu Song, Yang Liu

Abstract: Altermagnets are characterized by anisotropic band/spin splittings in momentum space, dictated by their spin-space group symmetries. However, the real-space modulations of altermagnetism are often neglected and have not been explored experimentally. Here we combine neutron diffraction, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), spin-resolved ARPES and density functional theory to demonstra… ▽ More Altermagnets are characterized by anisotropic band/spin splittings in momentum space, dictated by their spin-space group symmetries. However, the real-space modulations of altermagnetism are often neglected and have not been explored experimentally. Here we combine neutron diffraction, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), spin-resolved ARPES and density functional theory to demonstrate that Cs$_{1-δ}$V$_2$Te$_2$O realizes a spatially modulated form of altermagnetism, i.e., hidden altermagnetism. Such a state in Cs$_{1-δ}$V$_2$Te$_2$O results from its G-type antiferromagnetism and two-dimensional electronic states, allowing for the development of spatially alternating altermagnetic layers, whose local spin polarizations are directly verified by spin-resolved ARPES measurements. Our experimental discovery of hidden altermagnetism broadens the scope of unconventional magnetism and opens routes to exploring emergent phenomena from real-space modulations of altermagnetic order. △ Less

Submitted 30 November, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: The manuscript contains 8 pages and 3 figures

Exploring Magnetic Phases in Dual-Species Mott insulating Spinor Lattice Gases

Authors: Rui-Shan Li, Zong-Zhen Pan, Shi-Jie Yang, Yi Zheng

Abstract: We explore the Mott insulating phases of dual-species bosonic spinor lattice gases, emphasizing the intriguing interplay between synthetic flux and inter-species spin exchange interaction. One of the species is subjected to Raman assisted tunneling, which leads to a synthetic flux within the framework of synthetic dimensions. In the deep Mott regime, the low energy physics is governed by an unconv… ▽ More We explore the Mott insulating phases of dual-species bosonic spinor lattice gases, emphasizing the intriguing interplay between synthetic flux and inter-species spin exchange interaction. One of the species is subjected to Raman assisted tunneling, which leads to a synthetic flux within the framework of synthetic dimensions. In the deep Mott regime, the low energy physics is governed by an unconventional and highly tunable spin model, which is characterized by two distinct spin chains. The synthetic flux serves as an effective spin-orbit coupling, inducing Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions in one of the spin chains. The inter-species spin exchange interaction gives rise to the inter-chain coupling embodied as an isotropic XX interaction. Using time-evolving block decimation method for tensor network states, we compute order parameters, correlation functions and structure factors to identify the ground state magnetic phases. The DM interaction in one species, when combined with the inter-species spin-exchange interaction, can induce spiral magnetic order in the second, otherwise non-chiral species. Besides, the interplay of a transverse field applied to one spin chain and the inter-species coupling can drive both spin chains into a paramagnetic phase simultaneously. These results reveal that inter-species coupling serves as a powerful conduit for transmitting magnetic correlations, enabling exotic phases beyond the single-component perspective. △ Less

Submitted 27 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 7 figures

Classification of Magnetism and Altermagnetism in Quasicrystals

Authors: Zhi-Yan Shao, Chen Lu, Zhiming Pan, Yu-Bo Liu, Fan Yang

Abstract: Altermagnetism (AM), an unconventional magnetic phase characterized by zero net magnetism protected by symmetry(s) other than parity-time ($\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$) and a resulting spin-split band, has been studied exclusively in crystalline materials. Here, we extend the framework of AM to quasicrystals (QCs). We start from a comparison between the Néel state on the square lattice and that on a… ▽ More Altermagnetism (AM), an unconventional magnetic phase characterized by zero net magnetism protected by symmetry(s) other than parity-time ($\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$) and a resulting spin-split band, has been studied exclusively in crystalline materials. Here, we extend the framework of AM to quasicrystals (QCs). We start from a comparison between the Néel state on the square lattice and that on a $D_4$-symmetric Thue-Morse QC, with both belonging to the same $d$-wave irreducible representation (IRRP) of the $D_4$ point group. Consequently, while the former is antiferromagnetism (AFM) protected by the combined $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ and translational symmetry, the lack of translational symmetry in the latter breaks the $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ symmetry, and the additional mirror or rotation symmetry protects AM. This example suggests that AM is more common in QCs than in crystals and can be easily explored through a point-group symmetry-based classification. Therefore, we classify magnetic phases in 2D $D_n$-symmetric QCs without spin-orbit coupling, by using IRRPs of $D_n$. Consequently, the identity IRRP represents ferromagnetism, the inversion-odd 1D IRRPs for twice-of-odd $n$ represent AFM, and all the remaining 1D IRRPs represent AM, protected by either mirror or rotation symmetry. We further take the Hubbard model to verify this result in various QCs with different symmetries. Our work highlights the QC as a natural platform where AM is common among magnetic phases. △ Less

Submitted 22 September, 2025; v1 submitted 21 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 4.2pages, with Appendix

Pairing without $γ$-Pocket in the La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ Thin Film

Authors: Zhi-Yan Shao, Chen Lu, Min Liu, Yu-Bo Liu, Zhiming Pan, Congjun Wu, Fan Yang

Abstract: The recent discovery of high-temperature superconductivity (HTSC) in the La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ ultrathin film at ambient pressure has aroused great research interest. The $γ$-pocket formed by the bonding $d_{z^2}$ band, which was previously proposed to be crucial in the pairing mechanism of pressurized bulk La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, is reported to be either present or absent here by different experimental gr… ▽ More The recent discovery of high-temperature superconductivity (HTSC) in the La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ ultrathin film at ambient pressure has aroused great research interest. The $γ$-pocket formed by the bonding $d_{z^2}$ band, which was previously proposed to be crucial in the pairing mechanism of pressurized bulk La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, is reported to be either present or absent here by different experimental groups, giving rise to the problem: what is the pairing mechanism and pairing nature without the $γ$-pocket? Here, we start from a band structure obtained via density-functional-theoretical calculation, which exhibits no $γ$-pocket. Then, equipped with electron interactions, we study the pairing nature via combined weak- and strong- coupling approaches, which provide consistent results. In the weak-coupling study, the nesting between the $α$- and $β$- pockets leads to an $s^\pm$-wave pairing in which the gap signs on the two pockets are opposite, as provided by our random-phase-approximation based calculations. In real-space, the pairing pattern is dominated by the interlayer pairing of the $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital. In the strong-coupling study, as the $d_{z^2}$ orbitals are nearly half-filled and hence localized, the $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbitals carry the HTSC. Driven by the interlayer superexchange transferred from the $d_{z^2}$ orbital through the Hund's rule coupling, the $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital electrons form interlayer $s$-wave pairing, as suggested by our slave-boson-mean-field study on the related two-orbital $t$-$J$ model. Projected onto the Fermi surface, this pairing just gives the $s^\pm$-wave pattern consistent with that obtained in the weak-coupling study. Our result is consistent with that obtained in recent scanning tunneling microscopy experiment. △ Less

Submitted 27 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Large ferromagnetic-like band splitting in ultrathin ${\mathrm{SmC}}_{6}$ films

Authors: Hao Zheng, Yifu Xu, Guowei Yang, Ze Pan, Yi Wu, Yuan Zheng, Tulai Sun, Jiefeng Cao, Yi-feng Yang, Ming Shi, Chao Cao, Yang Liu

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials provide a unique platform for exploring quantum phases from magnetic order in reduced dimensions. While there have been extensive studies on 2D magnetic materials based on 3$d$ electrons, experimental studies on 4$f$-electron counterparts are far fewer, particularly on their electronic structure. In this study, we report the successful synthesis of ultrathin… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials provide a unique platform for exploring quantum phases from magnetic order in reduced dimensions. While there have been extensive studies on 2D magnetic materials based on 3$d$ electrons, experimental studies on 4$f$-electron counterparts are far fewer, particularly on their electronic structure. In this study, we report the successful synthesis of ultrathin ${\mathrm{SmC}}_{6}$ films using molecular beam epitaxy. Utilizing in situ angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we uncover a large band splitting in the valence bands, which we attribute to the ferromagnetic order driven by exchange couplings between Sm 4$f$ moments and conduction electrons. Despite the small magnetic moment of Sm, the observed splitting is comparable to those of Eu- and Gd-based systems with much larger local moments. Interestingly, the surface state also exhibits splitting with similar magnitude and can be eliminated by overannealing, while the valence bands with ferromagnetic-like splittings remain robust. Our work provides spectroscopic insight to understand the electronic origin of magnetic order in Sm-based compounds. Our study also offers a platform to study 2D magnetic materials based on 4$f$ electrons. △ Less

Submitted 15 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 112, 035139 (2025)

Observation of Integer and Fractional Chern insulators in high Chern number flatbands

Authors: Jingwei Dong, Le Liu, Jundong Zhu, Zitian Pan, Yu Hong, Fankun Wang, Zhiyuan Ren, Zhengnan Jia, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Luojun Du, Dongxia Shi, Wei Yang, Guangyu Zhang

Abstract: Moiré flatbands with high Chern numbers (C>1) offer opportunities to study the fractional quantum anomalous Hall effects that go beyond the Landau level paradigm with C=1, which remain unexplored yet. Here, we target the novel topological phases in high Chern number flatbands by designing a new moiré system, i.e., twisted rhombohedral trilayer-bilayer graphene. We observe quantized anomalous Hall… ▽ More Moiré flatbands with high Chern numbers (C>1) offer opportunities to study the fractional quantum anomalous Hall effects that go beyond the Landau level paradigm with C=1, which remain unexplored yet. Here, we target the novel topological phases in high Chern number flatbands by designing a new moiré system, i.e., twisted rhombohedral trilayer-bilayer graphene. We observe quantized anomalous Hall effects (QAH) with C = 3 at v = 1 and v = 3, demonstrating the high Chern number nature of the flat band from continuum calculations. By fractionally filling the flat band, we observe QAH with C = 2 at even-denominator fractional filling v = 3/2, as well as QAH with C = 3 continuously from v = 1 to the even-denominator v = 3/2 at zero magnetic fields. Most importantly, we observe, for the first time, evidence of an FCI with C = -6/5 at v = 12/5, corresponding to 2/5 filling of a high Chern number flat band with C = -3, verified by both Streda formula analysis and a fractionally QAH. It is also worth noting that Streda formula analysis reveals a signature of another FCI with C = -3/2 at v = 5/2 under finite magnetic fields. Our results demonstrate the tRTBG, which can be naturally extended to other twisted graphene moiré superlattices based on rhombohedral graphene multilayers, as a novel platform for hosting unconventional high Chern number correlated topology in the ultra-strong correlated regime that is beyond the paradigm of fractional phases with C < 1. △ Less

Submitted 23 December, 2025; v1 submitted 14 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 29 pages, 4 Figures, and 11 supporting figures. Comments are welcome!

Unconventional magnetism in spin-orbit coupled systems

Authors: Jian-Keng Yuan, Zhiming Pan, Congjun Wu

Abstract: ``Unconventional magnetism" was proposed to describe the exotic states arising from Landau-Pomeranchuk instabilities in the spin channel nearly two decades ago. Its odd-partial-wave-channel (e.g. $p$-wave) states break parity giving rise to the dynamic generation of spin-orbit coupling, while its even-partial-wave-channel (e.g. $d$-wave) states break time-reversal symmetry. Both types of states ca… ▽ More ``Unconventional magnetism" was proposed to describe the exotic states arising from Landau-Pomeranchuk instabilities in the spin channel nearly two decades ago. Its odd-partial-wave-channel (e.g. $p$-wave) states break parity giving rise to the dynamic generation of spin-orbit coupling, while its even-partial-wave-channel (e.g. $d$-wave) states break time-reversal symmetry. Both types of states can exhibit collinear and non-collinear spin configurations over Fermi surfaces with the former and latter termed as the $α$ and $β$-phases, respectively. The collinear states in even partial-wave channels are in the same symmetry class of ``altermagnetism". In this work, we investigate unconventional magnetism in both $p$- and $d$-wave channels within spin-orbit coupled systems with parity and time-reversal symmetries maintained. Based on the Ginzburg-Landau free energy analysis, the $p$-wave channel yields the gyrotropic, Rashba, Dresselhaus-type spin-orbit couplings. They compete and mix evolving from the $β$-phase to the $α$-phase with various types of spin-momentum lockings. Analyses are performed in parallel for the $d$-wave unconventional magnetism. We emphasize that the single-particle dispersion is not sufficient to justify the spin-group type symmetry of the full Hamiltonian. Furthermore, Goldstone manifolds and excitations are examined in each unconventional magnetic phase. △ Less

Submitted 20 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 14 pages, 10 figures

A Strong-Coupling-Limit Study on the Pairing Mechanism in the Pressurized La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$

Authors: Jia-Heng Ji, Chen Lu, Zhi-Yan Shao, Zhiming Pan, Fan Yang, Congjun Wu

Abstract: Recently, the bilayer perovskite nickelate La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ has been reported to exhibit high-temperature superconductivity near $80$ K under a moderate pressure of about $14$GPa. To investigate the underlying pairing mechanism and symmetry in this complex system, we propose and analyze a mixed spin-$1$ and spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ bilayer $t$-$J$ model in the strong coupling regime. This model explici… ▽ More Recently, the bilayer perovskite nickelate La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ has been reported to exhibit high-temperature superconductivity near $80$ K under a moderate pressure of about $14$GPa. To investigate the underlying pairing mechanism and symmetry in this complex system, we propose and analyze a mixed spin-$1$ and spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ bilayer $t$-$J$ model in the strong coupling regime. This model explicitly incorporates the crucial role of strong Hund's coupling, which favors the formation of local spin-triplet states from the two onsite $E_g$ orbital electrons at half-filling. We further investigate the model using both slave-particle mean-field theory and the density matrix renormalization group method. Our simulation results reveal that the dominate pairing channel is the interlayer one in the $3d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital. The Hund's coupling is shown to enhance superconductivity within a reasonable physical range. Moreover, electron doping strengthens superconductivity by increasing carrier density; in contrast, hole doping weakens superconductivity. These findings offer critical insights into the unconventional superconductivity of pressurized La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ and underline the important role of orbital-selective behavior and Hund's rule. △ Less

Submitted 20 May, 2025; v1 submitted 16 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 16 pages, 11 figures

$3d$ flat bands and coupled $4f$ moments in the kagome-honeycomb permanent magnet Sm$_{2}$Co$_{17}$

Authors: Hao Zheng, Zhiguang Xiao, Ze Pan, Guowei Yang, Yonghao Liu, Jianzhou Bian, Yi Wu, Teng Hua, Jiawen Zhang, Jiayi Lu, Jiong Li, Tulai Sun, Yu Song, Ruihua He, J. Larrea Jiménez, Guanghan Cao, Huiqiu Yuan, Yuanfeng Xu, Yi Yin, Ming Shi, Chao Cao, Yang Liu

Abstract: Rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs) with both localized moments and itinerant conduction bands are not only important for fundamental research but also have significant technological applications. In particular, Sm$_{\rm 2}$Co$_{\rm 17}$ is a prototypical high-temperture REPM, where the Co atoms form a kagome-honeycomb stacked lattice. Here we report synthesis of epitaxial Sm$_{\rm 2}$Co… ▽ More Rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs) with both localized moments and itinerant conduction bands are not only important for fundamental research but also have significant technological applications. In particular, Sm$_{\rm 2}$Co$_{\rm 17}$ is a prototypical high-temperture REPM, where the Co atoms form a kagome-honeycomb stacked lattice. Here we report synthesis of epitaxial Sm$_{\rm 2}$Co$_{\rm 17}$ films using molecular beam epitaxy and measurements of their momentum-resolved electronic structure from \textit{in-situ} angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Our results unveil two flat bands from Co $3d$ orbitals near the Fermi level ($E_F$), one at $\sim$\,--300\,meV and another right at $E_F$, which arise from orbital-selective destructive interference and strong electron correlations, respectively. In addition, our results reveal that Sm $4f$ states are far away from $E_F$ (hence mostly localized) and exhibit an anomalous temperature dependence, caused by the $3d$-$4f$ magnetic coupling. Our findings provide direct spectroscopic insights to understand the strong uniaxial ferromagnetism in Sm$_{\rm 2}$Co$_{\rm 17}$ (and REPMs alike). Our work also opens avenues to explore flat-band physics near $E_F$ and emergent phenomena in correlated kagome-honeycomb lattices. △ Less

Submitted 19 May, 2025; v1 submitted 17 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 9 pages, 5 figures

Red Emission from Strain-Relaxed Bulk InGaN Active Region

Authors: Zuojian Pan, Zhizhong Chen, Haodong Zhang, Chuhan Deng, Ling Hu, Fei Huang, Qi Wang, Guoyi Zhang, Xiaohang Li, Bo Shen

Abstract: High-In-content InGaN quantum wells (QWs) in red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are typically grown at low temperatures to ensure effective In incorporation. In this study, red LEDs based on bulk InGaN active region were demonstrated. The growth temperature of bulk InGaN was ~800C, which is over 100C higher than the typical growth temperature of red QWs. By introducing high-density trench structures… ▽ More High-In-content InGaN quantum wells (QWs) in red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are typically grown at low temperatures to ensure effective In incorporation. In this study, red LEDs based on bulk InGaN active region were demonstrated. The growth temperature of bulk InGaN was ~800C, which is over 100C higher than the typical growth temperature of red QWs. By introducing high-density trench structures in the underlying green multi-quantum wells (MQWs), the compressive strain in bulk InGaN was relaxed by ~96%. With strain relaxation, phase separation occurred in the bulk InGaN, forming low-In-content (blue) and high-In-content (red) phases. The red phase acted as carrier localization centers, enabling red light emission under electrical injection. The red LEDs based on bulk InGaN exhibited a peak wavelength of 645 nm at 20 mA, with on-wafer peak external quantum efficiency of 0.32%. This study presents a new epitaxial strategy for red InGaN LEDs. △ Less

Submitted 6 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Journal ref: Opt. Express 33, 27245-27254 (2025)

Impact of Pressure and Apical Oxygen Vacancies on Superconductivity in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$

Authors: Chen Lu, Ming Zhang, Zhiming Pan, Congjun Wu, Fan Yang

Abstract: The bilayer nickelate La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ under pressure has recently emerged as a promising system for high-$T_c$ superconductivity (SC). In this work, we investigate the fate of the SC properties in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_{7}$ under pressure, focusing on the effects of structural deformation and apical oxygen vacancies. Employing a low-energy effective $t$-$J_{\parallel}$-$J_{\perp}$ model for the… ▽ More The bilayer nickelate La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ under pressure has recently emerged as a promising system for high-$T_c$ superconductivity (SC). In this work, we investigate the fate of the SC properties in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_{7}$ under pressure, focusing on the effects of structural deformation and apical oxygen vacancies. Employing a low-energy effective $t$-$J_{\parallel}$-$J_{\perp}$ model for the $3d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbitals within the slave-boson mean-field approach, we demonstrate that the SC pairing strength is significantly enhanced in the high-pressure tetragonal $I4/mmm$ phase compared to the ambient pressure orthorhombic $Amam$ phase. Furthermore, by simulating random configurations of apical oxygen vacancies, we show that oxygen vacancies suppress both pairing strength and superfluid density. These results underscore the critical role of pressure and oxygen stoichiometry in tuning the SC of La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, providing key insights into optimizing its high-$T_c$ behavior. △ Less

Submitted 20 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: 7 pages, 8 figures

Mixed anion control of enhanced negative thermal expansion in the oxysulfide of PbTiO3

Authors: Zhao Pan, Zhengli Liang, Xiao Wang, Yue-Wen Fang, Xubin Ye, Zhehong Liu, Takumi Nishikubo, Yuki Sakai, Xi Shen, Qiumin Liu, Shogo Kawaguchi, Fei Zhan, Longlong Fan, Yong-Yang Wang, Chen-Yan Ma, Xingxing Jiang, Zheshuai Lin, Richeng Yu, Xianran Xing, Masaki Azuma, Youwen Long

Abstract: The rare physical property of negative thermal expansion (NTE) is intriguing because materials with large NTE over a wide temperature range can serve as high-performance thermal expansion compensators. However, applications of NTE are hindered by the fact that most of the available NTE materials show small magnitudes of NTE, and/or NTE occurs only in a narrow temperature range. Herein, for the fir… ▽ More The rare physical property of negative thermal expansion (NTE) is intriguing because materials with large NTE over a wide temperature range can serve as high-performance thermal expansion compensators. However, applications of NTE are hindered by the fact that most of the available NTE materials show small magnitudes of NTE, and/or NTE occurs only in a narrow temperature range. Herein, for the first time, we investigated the effect of anion substitution instead of general Pb/Ti-site substitutions on the thermal expansion properties of a typical ferroelectric NTE material, PbTiO3. Intriguingly, the substitution of S for O in PbTiO3 further increases the tetragonality of PbTiO3. Consequently, an unusually enhanced NTE with an average volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion $\barα_V$ = -2.50 $\times$ 10$^{-5}$/K was achieved over a wide temperature range (300 -- 790 K), which is contrasted to that of pristine PbTiO3 ($\barα_V$ = -1.99 $\times$ 10$^{-5}$/K RT -- 763 K). The intensified NTE is attributed to the enhanced hybridization between Pb/Ti and O/S atoms by the substitution of S, as evidenced by our theoretical investigations. We therefore demonstrate a new technique for introducing mixed anions to achieve large NTE over a wide temperature range in PbTiO3-based ferroelectrics. △ Less

Submitted 16 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: 14 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Materials Horizons, 11, 5394-5401, 2024

Orbital anomalous Hall effect in the few-layer Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4

Authors: An-Qi Wang, Dong Li, Tong-Yang Zhao, Xing-Yu Liu, Jiantian Zhang, Xin Liao, Qing Yin, Zhen-Cun Pan, Peng Yu, Zhi-Min Liao

Abstract: We report on the observation of the linear anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in the nonmagnetic Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4. This is achieved by applying a direct current Idc and an alternating current Iac (Iac<<Idc) in TaIrTe4, where the former induces time-reversal symmetry breaking and the latter probes the triggered AHE. The anomalous Hall resistance VacH/Iac shows a linear dependence on Idc and changes… ▽ More We report on the observation of the linear anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in the nonmagnetic Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4. This is achieved by applying a direct current Idc and an alternating current Iac (Iac<<Idc) in TaIrTe4, where the former induces time-reversal symmetry breaking and the latter probes the triggered AHE. The anomalous Hall resistance VacH/Iac shows a linear dependence on Idc and changes sign with the polarity of Idc. In temperature-dependent measurements, VacH/Iac also experiences a sign reversal at 100 K, consistent with the temperature-dependent nonlinear Hall effect (NLHE). Furthermore, in measurements involving only dc transport, the dc Hall voltage exhibits a quadratic relationship with Idc. When the Idc direction is reversed, the Hall resistance changes sign, demonstrating a colossal nonreciprocal Hall effect (NRHE). Our theoretical calculations suggest that the observed linear AHE, NLHE, and NRHE all dominantly originate from the current-induced orbital magnetization compared to the minor spin contribution. This work provides deep insights into the orbital magnetoelectric effect and nonlinear Hall response, promising precise electric control of out-of-plane polarized orbit flow. △ Less

Submitted 3 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 14 pages

Journal ref: Physical Review B 110, 155434 (2024)

Facilitating field-free perpendicular magnetization switching with a Berry curvature dipole in a Weyl semimetal

Authors: Dong Li, Xing-Yu Liu, Xing-Guo Ye, Zhen-Cun Pan, Wen-Zheng Xu, Peng-Fei Zhu, An-Qi Wang, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Zhi-Min Liao

Abstract: We report the synergy between orbital and spin-orbit torques in WTe2/Fe3GeTe2 heterostructures characterized by a Berry curvature dipole. By applying a current along the a axis in WTe2, we detect an out-of-plane magnetization in the system, which we attribute to nonequilibrium orbital magnetization linked to the Berry curvature dipole based on first-principles calculations, manifesting as the orbi… ▽ More We report the synergy between orbital and spin-orbit torques in WTe2/Fe3GeTe2 heterostructures characterized by a Berry curvature dipole. By applying a current along the a axis in WTe2, we detect an out-of-plane magnetization in the system, which we attribute to nonequilibrium orbital magnetization linked to the Berry curvature dipole based on first-principles calculations, manifesting as the orbital Edelstein effect. This effect generates orbital torques that enable field-free perpendicular magnetization switching. Furthermore, by applying a relatively small current along the a axis and a pulsed current along the b axis in WTe2, we demonstrate controllable field-free magnetization switching of the adjacent Fe3GeTe2 layer, independently manipulating the orbital and spin-orbit torques. Our findings not only enhance the understanding of the collaborative dynamics between these torques but also suggest potential applications in magnetoresistive random-access memory. △ Less

Submitted 3 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 29 pages

Journal ref: Physical Review B 110, L100409 (2024)

Room-temperature van der Waals magnetoresistive memories with data writing by orbital current in the Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4

Authors: Dong Li, Xing-Yu Liu, Zhen-Cun Pan, An-Qi Wang, Jiantian Zhang, Peng Yu, Zhi-Min Liao

Abstract: Current-induced out of plane magnetization has been utilized for field-free switching of ferromagnets with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Identifying systems capable of energy-efficiently converting charge currents into out of plane orbit- or spin-polarized currents is crucial for advancing magnetic memory technologies. Here we introduce the Berry curvature dipole as a key evaluation factor, d… ▽ More Current-induced out of plane magnetization has been utilized for field-free switching of ferromagnets with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Identifying systems capable of energy-efficiently converting charge currents into out of plane orbit- or spin-polarized currents is crucial for advancing magnetic memory technologies. Here we introduce the Berry curvature dipole as a key evaluation factor, directly measurable through nonlinear Hall effects. In the Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4 used in our experiments, applying a current parallel to the Berry curvature dipole results in out of plane orbital magnetization, which governs the field-free perpendicular magnetization switching in TaIrTe4/Fe3GaTe2 heterostructures. Notably, all-electric control of van der Waals magnetoresistive memory at room temperature has been achieved with a low critical current density 2x10^6A/cm2 for data writing. Our findings reveal the connection between nonlinear Hall effects and field-free magnetization switching, highlighting the potential of the Berry curvature dipole in advancing orbitronics. △ Less

Submitted 3 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 12 pages

Journal ref: Physical Review B 110, 035423 (2024)

A Sinking Approach to Explore Arbitrary Areas in Free Energy Landscapes

Authors: Zhijun Pan, Maodong Li, Dechin Chen, Yi Isaac Yang

Abstract: To address the time-scale limitations in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, numerous enhanced sampling methods have been developed to expedite the exploration of complex free energy landscapes. A commonly employed approach accelerates the sampling of degrees of freedom associated with pre-defined collective variables (CVs), which typically tends to traverse the entire CV range. However, in many… ▽ More To address the time-scale limitations in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, numerous enhanced sampling methods have been developed to expedite the exploration of complex free energy landscapes. A commonly employed approach accelerates the sampling of degrees of freedom associated with pre-defined collective variables (CVs), which typically tends to traverse the entire CV range. However, in many scenarios, the focus of interest is on specific regions within the CV space. This paper introduces a novel "sinking" approach that enables enhanced sampling of arbitrary areas within the CV space. We begin by proposing a gridded convolutional approximation that productively replicates the effects of metadynamics, a powerful CV-based enhanced sampling technique. Building on this, we present the SinkMeta method, which "sinks" the interior bias potential to create restraining potential "cliffs" at the grid edges. This technique can confine the exploration of CVs in MD simulations to a preset area. Our experimental results demonstrate that SinkMeta requires minimal sampling steps to estimate the free energy landscape for CV subspaces of various shapes and dimensions, including irregular two-dimensional regions and one-dimensional pathways between metastable states. We believe that SinkMeta will pioneer a new paradigm for sampling partial phase spaces, especially offering an efficient and flexible solution for sampling minimum free energy paths in high-dimensional spaces. △ Less

Submitted 8 January, 2025; v1 submitted 14 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 29 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: JACS Au 5 (2025) 2898-2908

Octupolar Weyl Superconductivity from Electron-electron Interaction

Authors: Zhiming Pan, Chen Lu, Fan Yang, Congjun Wu

Abstract: Unconventional superconductivity arising from electron-electron interaction can manifest exotic symmetry and topological properties. We investigate the superconducting pairing symmetry problem based on the 3D cubic $O_h$ symmetry with both weak- and strong-coupling approaches. The dominant pairing symmetries belong to the two-dimensional $E_g$ representation at low and intermediate doping levels,… ▽ More Unconventional superconductivity arising from electron-electron interaction can manifest exotic symmetry and topological properties. We investigate the superconducting pairing symmetry problem based on the 3D cubic $O_h$ symmetry with both weak- and strong-coupling approaches. The dominant pairing symmetries belong to the two-dimensional $E_g$ representation at low and intermediate doping levels, and the complex mixing gap function of the $d_{3z^2-r^2}+id_{x^2-y^2}$-type is energetically favored in the ground state. Cooper pairs with such a symmetry do not possess orbital angular momentum (OAM) moments, which is different from other time-reversal symmetry breaking pairings such as $p_x+ip_y$ (e.g $^3$He-A) and $d_{x^2-y^2}+id_{xy}$ under the planar hexagonal symmetry. Instead, they develop the octupolar $O_{xyz}$ component of OAM, which results in 8 nodal points along the body diagonal directions exhibiting an alternating distribution of monopole charges $\pm 1$. This leads to an intriguing 3D Weyl topological SC, which accommodates nontrivial surface states of Majorana arcs. Our results appeal for material realizations and experimental tests in optical lattices. △ Less

Submitted 18 June, 2025; v1 submitted 11 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 7+9 pages, 3+3 figures

Kagome bands and magnetism in MoTe$_{2-x}$ kagome monolayers

Authors: Jiaqi Dai, Zhongqin Zhang, Zemin Pan, Cong Wang, Chendong Zhang, Zhihai Cheng, Wei Ji

Abstract: Kagome lattices facilitate various quantum phases, yet in bulk materials, their kagome flat-bands often interact with bulk bands, suppressing kagome electronic characteristics for hosting these phases. Here, we use density-functional-theory calculations to predict the geometric and electronic structures, as well as the topological and magnetic properties, of a series of MoTe$_{2-x}$ kagome monolay… ▽ More Kagome lattices facilitate various quantum phases, yet in bulk materials, their kagome flat-bands often interact with bulk bands, suppressing kagome electronic characteristics for hosting these phases. Here, we use density-functional-theory calculations to predict the geometric and electronic structures, as well as the topological and magnetic properties, of a series of MoTe$_{2-x}$ kagome monolayers formed by mirror-twin-boundary (MTB) loops. We analyze ten MTB-loop configurations of varying sizes and arrangements to assess their impact on various properties. Within the intrinsic bandgap of MoTe$_{2}$, we identify two sets of kagome bands, primarily originating from in-plane and out-of-plane Mo d-orbitals at MTB-loop edges and -vertices, respectively. Three configurations exhibit superior stability, while three others show comparable stability. Among these, four display bandgaps and potentially non-zero Z$_{2}$ topological invariants, suggesting possible topological phases, while the remaining two are metallic and feature Stoner magnetization. These findings guide the design of kagome-based two-dimensional materials with tunable electronic, topological, and magnetic properties. △ Less

Submitted 28 August, 2024; v1 submitted 26 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 18 pages, 5 figures

Observation of electrical high-harmonic generation

Authors: Xiaozhou Zan, Ming Gong, Zitian Pan, Haiwen Liu, Jingwei Dong, Jundong Zhu, Le Liu, Yanbang Chu, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Dongxia Shi, Wei Yang, Luojun Du, Xin-Cheng Xie, Guangyu Zhang

Abstract: High-harmonic generation (HHG), an extreme nonlinear effect, introduces an unprecedented paradigm to detect emergent quantum phases and electron dynamics inconceivable in the framework of linear and low-order nonlinear processes. As an important manifestation, the optical HHG (o-HHG) enables extraordinary opportunities to underpin attosecond physics. In addition to nonlinear optics, emerging nonli… ▽ More High-harmonic generation (HHG), an extreme nonlinear effect, introduces an unprecedented paradigm to detect emergent quantum phases and electron dynamics inconceivable in the framework of linear and low-order nonlinear processes. As an important manifestation, the optical HHG (o-HHG) enables extraordinary opportunities to underpin attosecond physics. In addition to nonlinear optics, emerging nonlinear electric transport has been demonstrated recently and opens new paradigms to probe quantum phase transition, symmetry breaking, band geometrical and topological properties. Thus far, only electrical second-/third-harmonic generation in perturbative regime has been elucidated, while the electrical HHG (e-HHG) that can advance to extreme non-perturbative physics remains elusive. Here we report the observation of e-HHG up to 300th-order. Remarkably, the e-HHG shows a clear non-perturbative character and exhibits periodic oscillations with the reciprocal of driving current. Further, theoretical simulations corroborate the experiments, suggesting the contribution of singular distribution of Berry curvature near band edges. Our results demonstrate e-HHG in extreme nonlinear regime and may shed light on a plethora of exotic physics and applications, such as extreme non-equilibrium quantum phenomena, ultra-fast and coherent electrical signal generations and detections. △ Less

Submitted 19 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 15 pages, 4 figures

Unraveling the multistage phase transformations in monolayer Mo-Te compounds

Authors: Zemin Pan, Tao Jian, Hui Zhang, Xiaoyu Lin, Chao Zhu, Jinghao Deng, Zhengbo Cheng, Chuansheng Liu, Chendong Zhang

Abstract: Monolayer MoTe2 exhibits a variety of derivative structural phases and associated novel electronic properties that enable a wealth of potential applications in future electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, a comprehensive study focusing on the complexities of the controllable phase evolution in this atomically thin film has yet to be performed. This work aims to address this issue by syst… ▽ More Monolayer MoTe2 exhibits a variety of derivative structural phases and associated novel electronic properties that enable a wealth of potential applications in future electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, a comprehensive study focusing on the complexities of the controllable phase evolution in this atomically thin film has yet to be performed. This work aims to address this issue by systematically investigating molecular beam epitaxial growth of monolayer Mo-Te compounds on bilayer graphene substrates. By utilizing scanning tunnelling microscopy, we explored a series of thermally driven structural phase evolutions including distinct T'-MoTe2, H-MoTe2, Mo6Te6 nanowires, and multistoichiometric MoTe2-x. Furthermore, we carefully investigated the critical effects of the growth parameters-annealing temperature and time and tellurium concentration-on the controllable and reversible phase transformation within monolayer MoTe2-x. The findings have significant implications for understanding the thin film synthesis and phase transformation engineering inherent to two-dimensional crystals, which can foster further development of high-performance devices. △ Less

Submitted 19 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 17 pages, 5 figures

Alternating-Chiral Charge Density Waves and Hybrid Ferrimagnetism in Monolayered NbTe2

Authors: Yusong Bai, Guohua Cao, Jinghao Deng, Haomin Fei, Xiaoyu Lin, Leiqiang Li, Chao Zhu, Zemin Pan, Tao Jian, Da Huo, Zhengbo Cheng, Chih-Kang Shih, Ping Cui, Chendong Zhang, Zhenyu Zhang

Abstract: Intertwining of different quantum degrees of freedom manifests exotic quantum phenomena in many-body systems, especially in reduced dimensionality. Here we show that monolayered NbTe2 serves as an ideal platform where lattice, charge, and spin degrees of freedom manifest cooperatively, leading to a new and threading order of chirality. By using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy/spectros… ▽ More Intertwining of different quantum degrees of freedom manifests exotic quantum phenomena in many-body systems, especially in reduced dimensionality. Here we show that monolayered NbTe2 serves as an ideal platform where lattice, charge, and spin degrees of freedom manifest cooperatively, leading to a new and threading order of chirality. By using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, we reveal that the root19 * root19 phase of NbTe2 is encoded with both alternating-chiral atomic displacements and charge density waves, characterized by two chiral units of opposite handedness within the reconstructed cell. We show unambiguous evidence for emergent spin polarizations spreading over the primitive cell, with the magnetization orientation synchronized with alternating handedness of chiral order. Our first-principles studies identify the origin of intertwined orders being correlation driven, with the threading order of chirality emerging when the on-site Coulomb repulsion exceeds a critical value. The spin ordering is further shown to be of hybrid ferrimagnetic nature, contributed by the itinerant electrons and localized d-orbitals. Collectively, these findings expand the realm of chiral order in correlated electron systems, and facilitate an appealing platform for chiral spintronic and related applications. △ Less

Submitted 22 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Three-dimensional mapping of the altermagnetic spin splitting in CrSb

Authors: Guowei Yang, Zhanghuan Li, Sai Yang, Jiyuan Li, Hao Zheng, Weifan Zhu, Ze Pan, Yifu Xu, Saizheng Cao, Wenxuan Zhao, Anupam Jana, Jiawen Zhang, Mao Ye, Yu Song, Lun-Hui Hu, Lexian Yang, Jun Fujii, Ivana Vobornik, Ming Shi, Huiqiu Yuan, Yongjun Zhang, Yuanfeng Xu, Yang Liu

Abstract: Altermagnetism, a kind of collinear magnetism that is characterized by a momentum-dependent band and spin splitting without net magnetization, has recently attracted considerable interest. Finding altermagnetic materials with large splitting near the Fermi level necessarily requires three-dimensional k-space mapping. While this is crucial for spintronic applications and emergent phenomena, it rema… ▽ More Altermagnetism, a kind of collinear magnetism that is characterized by a momentum-dependent band and spin splitting without net magnetization, has recently attracted considerable interest. Finding altermagnetic materials with large splitting near the Fermi level necessarily requires three-dimensional k-space mapping. While this is crucial for spintronic applications and emergent phenomena, it remains challenging. Here, using synchrotron-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), spin-resolved ARPES and model calculations, we uncover a large altermagnetic splitting, up to ~1.0 eV, near the Fermi level in CrSb. We verify its bulk-type g-wave altermagnetism through systematic three-dimensional k-space mapping, which unambiguously reveals the altermagnetic symmetry and associated nodal planes. Spin-resolved ARPES measurements further verify the spin polarizations of the split bands near Fermi level. Tight-binding model analysis indicates that the large altermagnetic splitting arises from strong third-nearest-neighbor hopping mediated by Sb ions. The large band/spin splitting near Fermi level in metallic CrSb, together with its high TN (up to 705 K) and simple spin configuration, paves the way for exploring emergent phenomena and spintronic applications based on altermagnets. △ Less

Submitted 6 February, 2025; v1 submitted 21 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: Nature Communications (accepted). The manuscript contains 19 pages, 5 figures and 1 table. The supplementary information contains 15 pages, 13 figures and 5 tables

Journal ref: Nature Communications 16, 1442 (2025)

Evidence of Ferroelectricity in an Antiferromagnetic Vanadium Trichloride Monolayer

Authors: Jinghao Deng, Deping Guo, Yao Wen, Shuangzan Lu, Hui Zhang, Zhengbo Cheng, Zemin Pan, Tao Jian, Dongyu Li, Hao Wang, Yusong Bai, Zhilin Li, Wei Ji, Jun He, Chendong Zhang

Abstract: A reduced dimensionality of multiferroic materials is highly desired for device miniaturization, but the coexistence of ferroelectricity and magnetism at the two-dimensional limit is yet to be conclusively demonstrated. Here, we used a NbSe2 substrate to break both the C3 rotational and inversion symmetries in monolayer VCl3 and thus introduced exceptional in-plane ferroelectricity into a two-dime… ▽ More A reduced dimensionality of multiferroic materials is highly desired for device miniaturization, but the coexistence of ferroelectricity and magnetism at the two-dimensional limit is yet to be conclusively demonstrated. Here, we used a NbSe2 substrate to break both the C3 rotational and inversion symmetries in monolayer VCl3 and thus introduced exceptional in-plane ferroelectricity into a two-dimensional magnet. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy directly visualized ferroelectric domains and manipulated their domain boundaries in monolayer VCl3, where coexisting antiferromagnetic order with canted magnetic moments was verified by vibrating sample magnetometer measurements. Our density functional theory calculations highlight the crucial role that highly directional interfacial Cl-Se interactions play in breaking the symmetries and thus in introducing in-plane ferroelectricity, which was further verified by examining an ML-VCl3/graphene sample. Our work demonstrates an approach to manipulate the ferroelectric states in monolayered magnets through van der Waals interfacial interactions. △ Less

Submitted 11 June, 2025; v1 submitted 20 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Journal ref: Sci. Adv.11,eado6538(2025)

CoRMF: Criticality-Ordered Recurrent Mean Field Ising Solver

Authors: Zhenyu Pan, Ammar Gilani, En-Jui Kuo, Zhuo Liu

Abstract: We propose an RNN-based efficient Ising model solver, the Criticality-ordered Recurrent Mean Field (CoRMF), for forward Ising problems. In its core, a criticality-ordered spin sequence of an $N$-spin Ising model is introduced by sorting mission-critical edges with greedy algorithm, such that an autoregressive mean-field factorization can be utilized and optimized with Recurrent Neural Networks (RN… ▽ More We propose an RNN-based efficient Ising model solver, the Criticality-ordered Recurrent Mean Field (CoRMF), for forward Ising problems. In its core, a criticality-ordered spin sequence of an $N$-spin Ising model is introduced by sorting mission-critical edges with greedy algorithm, such that an autoregressive mean-field factorization can be utilized and optimized with Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs). Our method has two notable characteristics: (i) by leveraging the approximated tree structure of the underlying Ising graph, the newly-obtained criticality order enables the unification between variational mean-field and RNN, allowing the generally intractable Ising model to be efficiently probed with probabilistic inference; (ii) it is well-modulized, model-independent while at the same time expressive enough, and hence fully applicable to any forward Ising inference problems with minimal effort. Computationally, by using a variance-reduced Monte Carlo gradient estimator, CoRFM solves the Ising problems in a self-train fashion without data/evidence, and the inference tasks can be executed by directly sampling from RNN. Theoretically, we establish a provably tighter error bound than naive mean-field by using the matrix cut decomposition machineries. Numerically, we demonstrate the utility of this framework on a series of Ising datasets. △ Less

Submitted 7 March, 2024; v1 submitted 5 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Superconductivity in La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ Under Pressure

Authors: Chen Lu, Zhiming Pan, Fan Yang, Congjun Wu

Abstract: The discovery of superconductivity (SC) in the trilayer nickelate compound La$_{4}$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ under pressure has generated significant interest. In this work, we propose a trilayer two $E_g$-orbital $t$-$J_{\parallel}$-$J_{\perp}$ model to investigate the microscopic origin of SC in this system. In the strong-coupling regime, each layer is governed by a $t$-$J_{\parallel}$ model with intra-lay… ▽ More The discovery of superconductivity (SC) in the trilayer nickelate compound La$_{4}$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ under pressure has generated significant interest. In this work, we propose a trilayer two $E_g$-orbital $t$-$J_{\parallel}$-$J_{\perp}$ model to investigate the microscopic origin of SC in this system. In the strong-coupling regime, each layer is governed by a $t$-$J_{\parallel}$ model with intra-layer antiferromagnetic exchange $J_{\parallel}$, while electrons are allowed to hop between layers, interacting via inter-layer exchange $J_{\perp}$. The inner-layer $3d_{z^2}$-orbital electrons tends to form bonding states with those in the neighboring layers, leading to redistribution of the electron densities. The numerical simulation results indicate that SC is predominantly mediated by the $3d_{z^2}$ orbital, characterized by an intra-layer extended $s$-wave pairing in the outer layers, accompanied by an inter-layer pairing with opposite sign. Furthermore, we find that electron doping enhances SC, while hole doping tends to suppress it. These findings provide new insights into the SC mechanisms of La$_{4}$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ and its sensitivity to charge doping. △ Less

Submitted 22 April, 2025; v1 submitted 9 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 111, 134515 (2025)

Sliding ferroelectric memories and synapses

Authors: Xiuzhen Li, Biao Qin, Yaxian Wang, Yue Xi, Zhiheng Huang, Mengze Zhao, Yalin Peng, Zitao Chen, Zitian Pan, Jundong Zhu, Chenyang Cui, Rong Yang, Wei Yang, Sheng Meng, Dongxia Shi, Xuedong Bai, Can Liu, Na Li, Jianshi Tang, Kaihui Liu, Luojun Du, Guangyu Zhang

Abstract: Ferroelectric materials with switchable electric polarization hold great promise for a plethora of emergent applications, such as post-Moore's law nanoelectronics, beyond-Boltzmann transistors, non-volatile memories, and above-bandgap photovoltaic devices. Recent advances have uncovered an exotic sliding ferroelectric mechanism, which endows to design atomically thin ferroelectrics from non-ferroe… ▽ More Ferroelectric materials with switchable electric polarization hold great promise for a plethora of emergent applications, such as post-Moore's law nanoelectronics, beyond-Boltzmann transistors, non-volatile memories, and above-bandgap photovoltaic devices. Recent advances have uncovered an exotic sliding ferroelectric mechanism, which endows to design atomically thin ferroelectrics from non-ferroelectric parent monolayers. Although notable progress has been witnessed in understanding its fundamental properties, functional devices based on sliding ferroelectrics, the key touchstone toward applications, remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate the rewritable, non-volatile memory devices at room-temperature utilizing a two-dimensional (2D) sliding ferroelectric semiconductor of rhombohedral-stacked bilayer molybdenum disulfide. The 2D sliding ferroelectric memories (SFeMs) show superior performances with a large memory window of >8V, a high conductance ratio of above 106, a long retention time of >10 years, and a programming endurance greater than 104 cycles. Remarkably, flexible SFeMs are achieved with state-of-the-art performances competitive to their rigid counterparts and maintain their performances post bending over 103 cycles. Furthermore, synapse-specific Hebbian forms of plasticity and image recognition with a high accuracy of 97.81% are demonstrated based on flexible SFeMs. Our work demonstrates the sliding ferroelectric memories and synaptic plasticity on both rigid and flexible substrates, highlighting the great potential of sliding ferroelectrics for emerging technological applications in brain-inspired in-memory computing, edge intelligence and energy-efficient wearable electronics. △ Less

Submitted 29 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Comments: 16 pages, 4 figures

Gate-controlled neuromorphic functional transition in an electrochemical graphene transistor

Authors: Chenglin Yu, Shaorui Li, Zhoujie Pan, Yanming Liu, Yongchao Wang, Siyi Zhou, Zhiting Gao, He Tian, Kaili Jiang, Yayu Wang, Jinsong Zhang

Abstract: Neuromorphic devices have gained significant attention as potential building blocks for the next generation of computing technologies owing to their ability to emulate the functionalities of biological nervous systems. The essential components in artificial neural network such as synapses and neurons are predominantly implemented by dedicated devices with specific functionalities. In this work, we… ▽ More Neuromorphic devices have gained significant attention as potential building blocks for the next generation of computing technologies owing to their ability to emulate the functionalities of biological nervous systems. The essential components in artificial neural network such as synapses and neurons are predominantly implemented by dedicated devices with specific functionalities. In this work, we present a gate-controlled transition of neuromorphic functions between artificial neurons and synapses in monolayer graphene transistors that can be employed as memtransistors or synaptic transistors as required. By harnessing the reliability of reversible electrochemical reactions between C atoms and hydrogen ions, the electric conductivity of graphene transistors can be effectively manipulated, resulting in high on/off resistance ratio, well-defined set/reset voltage, and prolonged retention time. Overall, the on-demand switching of neuromorphic functions in a single graphene transistor provides a promising opportunity to develop adaptive neural networks for the upcoming era of artificial intelligence and machine learning. △ Less

Submitted 31 December, 2023; v1 submitted 8 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Comments: 22 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Nano Lett. 2024, 24, 5, 1620-1628

Room-temperature orbit-transfer torque enabling van der Waals magnetoresistive memories

Authors: Zhen-Cun Pan, Dong Li, Xing-Guo Ye, Zheng Chen, Zhao-Hui Chen, An-Qi Wang, Mingliang Tian, Guangjie Yao, Kaihui Liu, Zhi-Min Liao

Abstract: The nonvolatile magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) is believed to facilitate emerging applications, such as in memory computing, neuromorphic computing and stochastic computing. Two dimensional (2D) materials and their van der Waals heterostructures promote the development of MRAM technology, due to their atomically smooth interfaces and tunable physical properties. Here we report the al… ▽ More The nonvolatile magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) is believed to facilitate emerging applications, such as in memory computing, neuromorphic computing and stochastic computing. Two dimensional (2D) materials and their van der Waals heterostructures promote the development of MRAM technology, due to their atomically smooth interfaces and tunable physical properties. Here we report the all-2D magnetoresistive memories featuring all electrical data reading and writing at room temperature based on WTe2/Fe3GaTe2/BN/Fe3GaTe2 heterostructures. The data reading process relies on the tunnel magnetoresistance of Fe3GaTe2/BN/Fe3GaTe2. The data writing is achieved through current induced polarization of orbital magnetic moments in WTe2, which exert torques on Fe3GaTe2, known as the orbit transfer torque (OTT) effect. In contrast to the conventional reliance on spin moments in spin transfer torque and spin orbit torque, the OTT effect leverages the natural out of plane orbital moments, facilitating field-free perpendicular magnetization switching through interface currents. Our results indicate that the emerging OTT MRAM is promising for low power, high performance memory applications. △ Less

Submitted 2 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Journal ref: Science Bulletin 68, 2743 (2023)

Interplay of two $E_g$ orbitals in Superconducting La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ Under Pressure

Authors: Chen Lu, Zhiming Pan, Fan Yang, Congjun Wu

Abstract: The discovery of high-$T_c$ superconductivity (SC) in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ (LNO) has aroused a great deal of interests. Previously, it was proposed that the Ni-$3d_{z^2}$ orbital is crucial to realize the high-$T_c$ SC in LNO: The preformed Cooper pairs therein acquire coherence via hybridization with the $3d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital to form the SC. However, we held a different viewpoint that the interlaye… ▽ More The discovery of high-$T_c$ superconductivity (SC) in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ (LNO) has aroused a great deal of interests. Previously, it was proposed that the Ni-$3d_{z^2}$ orbital is crucial to realize the high-$T_c$ SC in LNO: The preformed Cooper pairs therein acquire coherence via hybridization with the $3d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital to form the SC. However, we held a different viewpoint that the interlayer pairing $s$-wave SC is induced by the $3d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital, driven by the strong interlayer superexchange interaction. To include effects from both $E_g$-orbitals , we establish a two-orbital bilayer $t$-$J$ model. Our calculations reveal that due to the no-double-occupancy constraint, the $3d_{x^2-y^2}$ band and the $3d_{z^2}$ bonding band are flattened by a factor of about 2 and 10, respectively, which is consistent with recent angle-resolved-photo-emission-spectroscopy measurements. Consequently, a high temperature SC can be hardly induced in the $3d_{z^2}$-orbital due to the difficulty to develop phase coherence. However, it can be easily achieved by the $3d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital under realistic interaction strength. With electron doping, the $3d_{z^2}$-band gradually dives below the Fermi level, but $T_c$ continues to enhance, suggesting that it is not necessary for the high-$T_c$ SC in LNO. With hole doping, $T_c$ initially drops and then rises, accompanied by the crossover from the BCS to BEC-type superconducting transitions. △ Less

Submitted 11 December, 2023; v1 submitted 4 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Comments: 9.3 pages, 6 figures, with Appendix

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 110, 094509 (2024)

Effect of Rare-earth Element Substitution in Superconducting R$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ Under Pressure

Authors: Zhiming Pan, Chen Lu, Fan Yang, Congjun Wu

Abstract: Recently, high temperature ($T_c\approx 80$K) superconductivity (SC) has been discovered in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ (LNO) under pressure. Question arises whether the transition temperature $T_c$ could be further enhanced under suitable conditions. A possible route for realizing higher $T_c$ is element substitution. Similar SC could appear in rare-earth (RE) R$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ (RNO, R=RE element) material… ▽ More Recently, high temperature ($T_c\approx 80$K) superconductivity (SC) has been discovered in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ (LNO) under pressure. Question arises whether the transition temperature $T_c$ could be further enhanced under suitable conditions. A possible route for realizing higher $T_c$ is element substitution. Similar SC could appear in rare-earth (RE) R$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ (RNO, R=RE element) material series under pressure. The electronic properties in the RNO materials are dominated by the Ni $3d$ orbitals in the bilayer NiO$_2$ plane. In the strong coupling limit, the SC could be fully characterized by a bilayer single $3d_{x^2-y^2}$-orbital $t$-$J_{\parallel}$-$J_{\perp}$ model. Under RE element substitution from La to RE element, the lattice constant decreases and the electronic hopping increases, leading to stronger superexchanges between the $3d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbitals. Based on the slave-boson mean-field theory, we explore the pairing nature and the evolution of $T_c$ in RNO materials. Consequently, it is found that the element substitution does not alter the pairing nature, i.e. the inter-layer $s$-wave pairing is always favored in RNO. However, the $T_c$ increases from La to Sm and a nearly doubled $T_c$ is achieved for SmNO. This work provides evidence for possible higher $T_c$ R$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ materials, which may be realized in further experiments. △ Less

Submitted 12 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: 4 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Chinese Phys. Lett., 41, 087401 (2024)

Emergent self-duality in long range critical spin chain: from deconfined criticality to first order transition

Authors: Sheng Yang, Zhiming Pan, Da-Chuan Lu, Xue-Jia Yu

Abstract: Over the past few decades, tremendous efforts have been devoted to understanding self-duality at the quantum critical point, which enlarges the global symmetry and constrains the dynamics. In this letter, we employ large-scale density matrix renormalization group simulations to investigate the critical spin chain with long-range interaction $V(r) \sim 1/r^α$. Remarkably, we reveal that the long-ra… ▽ More Over the past few decades, tremendous efforts have been devoted to understanding self-duality at the quantum critical point, which enlarges the global symmetry and constrains the dynamics. In this letter, we employ large-scale density matrix renormalization group simulations to investigate the critical spin chain with long-range interaction $V(r) \sim 1/r^α$. Remarkably, we reveal that the long-range interaction drives the deconfined criticality towards a first-order phase transition as $α$ decreases. More strikingly, the emergent self-duality leads to an emergent symmetry and manifests at these first-order critical points. This discovery is reminiscent of self-duality protected multicritical points and provides the example of the critical line with generalized symmetry. Our work has far-reaching implications for ongoing experimental efforts in Rydberg atom quantum simulators. △ Less

Submitted 6 December, 2023; v1 submitted 4 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: Accepted by Phys. Rev. B

Superconducting diode effect and interference patterns in Kagome CsV3Sb5

Authors: Tian Le, Zhiming Pan, Zhuokai Xu, Jinjin Liu, Jialu Wang, Zhefeng Lou, Xiaohui Yang, Zhiwei Wang, Yugui Yao, Congjun Wu, Xiao Lin

Abstract: The interplay among frustrated lattice geometry, nontrivial band topology and correlation yields rich quantum states of matter in Kagome systems. A series of recent members in this family, AV3Sb5 (A= K, Rb, Cs), exhibit a cascade of symmetry-breaking transitions, involving the 3Q chiral charge ordering, electronic nematicity, roton pair-density-wave and superconductivity. The nature of the superco… ▽ More The interplay among frustrated lattice geometry, nontrivial band topology and correlation yields rich quantum states of matter in Kagome systems. A series of recent members in this family, AV3Sb5 (A= K, Rb, Cs), exhibit a cascade of symmetry-breaking transitions, involving the 3Q chiral charge ordering, electronic nematicity, roton pair-density-wave and superconductivity. The nature of the superconducting order is yet to be resolved. Here, we report an indication of chiral superconducting domains with boundary supercurrents in intrinsic CsV3Sb5 flakes. Magnetic field-free superconducting diode effect is observed with polarity modulated by thermal histories, suggesting dynamical superconducting order domains in a spontaneous time-reversal symmetry breaking background. Strikingly, the critical current exhibits the double-slit superconducting interference patterns when subjected to an external magnetic field. Characteristics of the patterns are modulated by thermal cycling. These phenomena are proposed as a consequence of periodically modulated supercurrents flowing along certain domain boundaries constrained by fluxoid quantization. Our results imply a chiral superconducting order, opening a potential for exploring exotic physics, e.g. Majorana zero modes, in this intriguing topological Kagome system. △ Less

Submitted 15 May, 2024; v1 submitted 1 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: 17 pages,13 figures

Journal ref: Nature(2024)

Effect of Grain Coalescence on Dislocation and Stress Evolution of GaN Films Grown on Nanoscale Patterned Sapphire Substrates

Authors: Zuojian Pan, Zhizhong Chen, Yiyong Chen, Haodong Zhang, Han Yang, Jingxin Nie, Chuhan Deng, Boyan Dong, Daqi Wang, Yuchen Li, Weihua Chen, Fei Jiao, Xiangning Kang, Chuanyu Jia, Zhiwen Liang, Qi Wang, Guoyi Zhang, Bo Shen

Abstract: Two types of nucleation layers (NLs), including in-situ low-temperature grown GaN (LT-GaN) and ex-situ sputtered physical vapor deposition AlN (PVD-AlN), are applied on cone-shaped nanoscale patterned sapphire substrate (NPSS). The initial growth process of GaN on these two NLs is comparably investigated by a series of growth interruptions. The coalescence process of GaN grains is modulated by adj… ▽ More Two types of nucleation layers (NLs), including in-situ low-temperature grown GaN (LT-GaN) and ex-situ sputtered physical vapor deposition AlN (PVD-AlN), are applied on cone-shaped nanoscale patterned sapphire substrate (NPSS). The initial growth process of GaN on these two NLs is comparably investigated by a series of growth interruptions. The coalescence process of GaN grains is modulated by adjusting the three-dimensional (3D) temperatures. The results indicate that higher 3D temperatures reduce the edge dislocation density while increasing the residual compressive stress in GaN films. Compared to the LT-GaN NLs, the PVD-AlN NLs effectively resist Ostwald ripening and facilitate the uniform growth of GaN grains on NPSS. Furthermore, GaN films grown on NPSS with PVD-AlN NLs exhibit a reduction of over 50% in both screw and edge dislocation densities compared to those grown on LT-GaN NLs. Additionally, PVD-AlN NLs result in an increase of about 0.5 GPa in the residual compressive stress observed in GaN films. △ Less

Submitted 21 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Efficient InGaN-based Red Light-Emitting Diodes by Modulating Trench Defects

Authors: Z. Pan, Z. Chen, H. Zhang, H. Yang, Y. Chen, J. Nie, C. Deng, B. Dong, D. Wang, Y. Li, H. Lin, W. Chen, F. Jiao, X. Kang, C. Jia, Z. Liang, Q. Wang, G. Zhang, B. Shen

Abstract: Trench defects in multi-quantum wells (MQWs) have been considered as flawed structures that severely degrade the internal quantum efficiency of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the past. In this research, trench defects are innovatively modulated into the structure to enhance the efficiency of red InGaN LEDs. Specifically, dual-color MQWs structures are grown with green MQWs at the bottom and red M… ▽ More Trench defects in multi-quantum wells (MQWs) have been considered as flawed structures that severely degrade the internal quantum efficiency of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the past. In this research, trench defects are innovatively modulated into the structure to enhance the efficiency of red InGaN LEDs. Specifically, dual-color MQWs structures are grown with green MQWs at the bottom and red MQWs at the top. When high-density trench defects are introduced into the green MQWs, the upper red MQWs exhibit a significant wavelength redshift of 68 nm and approximately 6-fold luminescence enhancement compared to those without trench defects. The wavelength redshift is attributed to the increased indium incorporation due to the strain relaxation effect of trench defects. Moreover, the luminescence enhancement originates from the strong emission of the red MQWs inside trench defects. The mechanisms behind the superior luminescent properties of red MQWs within trench defects are explored in detail. Red InGaN LEDs with an internal quantum efficiency of 16.4% are achieved by modulating the trench defects. The method of achieving InGaN-based red emission by introducing trench defects is simple and reproducible, requiring no additional substrate designs. This research provides a novel pathway toward achieving high-efficiency red InGaN LEDs. △ Less

Submitted 28 December, 2023; v1 submitted 30 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Interlayer Coupling Driven High-Temperature Superconductivity in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ Under Pressure

Authors: Chen Lu, Zhiming Pan, Fan Yang, Congjun Wu

Abstract: The newly discovered high-temperature superconductivity in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ under pressure has attracted a great deal of attentions. The essential ingredient characterizing the electronic properties is the bilayer NiO$_2$ planes coupled by the interlayer bonding of $3d_{z^2}$ orbitals through the intermediate oxygen-atoms. In the strong coupling limit, the low energy physics is described by an in… ▽ More The newly discovered high-temperature superconductivity in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ under pressure has attracted a great deal of attentions. The essential ingredient characterizing the electronic properties is the bilayer NiO$_2$ planes coupled by the interlayer bonding of $3d_{z^2}$ orbitals through the intermediate oxygen-atoms. In the strong coupling limit, the low energy physics is described by an intralayer antiferromagnetic spin-exchange interaction $J_{\parallel}$ between $3d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbitals and an interlayer one $J_{\perp}$ between $3d_{z^2}$ orbitals. Taking into account Hund's rule on each site and integrating out the $3d_{z^2}$ spin degree of freedom, the system reduces to a single-orbital bilayer $t$-$J$ model based on the $3d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital. By employing the slave-boson approach, the self-consistent equations for the bonding and pairing order parameters are solved. Near the physically relevant $\frac{1}{4}$-filling regime (doping $δ=0.3\sim 0.5$), the interlayer coupling $J_{\perp}$ tunes the conventional single-layer $d$-wave superconducting state to the $s$-wave one. A strong $J_{\perp}$ could enhance the inter-layer superconducting order, leading to a dramatically increased $T_c$. Interestingly, there could exist a finite regime in which an $s+id$ state emerges. △ Less

Submitted 19 March, 2024; v1 submitted 27 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: Version accepted by Phys. Rev. Lett

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 146002 (2024)

Weyl phonons in chiral crystals

Authors: Tiantian Zhang, Zhiheng Huang, Zitian Pan, Luojun Du, Guangyu Zhang, Shuichi Murakami

Abstract: Chirality is an indispensable concept that pervades fundamental science and nature, manifesting itself in diverse forms such as chiral quasiparticles and chiral structures. Of particular interest are Weyl phonons carrying specific Chern numbers and chiral phonons doing circular motions in crystals. Up to now, Weyl and chiral phonons have been studied independently and the interpretations of chiral… ▽ More Chirality is an indispensable concept that pervades fundamental science and nature, manifesting itself in diverse forms such as chiral quasiparticles and chiral structures. Of particular interest are Weyl phonons carrying specific Chern numbers and chiral phonons doing circular motions in crystals. Up to now, Weyl and chiral phonons have been studied independently and the interpretations of chirality seem to be different in these two concepts, impeding our understanding. Here, we demonstrate that Weyl and chiral phonons are entangled in chiral crystals. Employing a typical chiral crystal of elementary tellurium (Te) as a case study, we expound on the intrinsic relationship between Chern number of Weyl phonons and pseudo-angular momentum (PAM) of chiral phonons. In light of the mutual coupling, we propose Raman scattering as a new technique to demonstrate the existence of Weyl phonons in Te, by detecting the chirality-induced energy splitting between the two constituent chiral phonon branches for Weyl phonons. By using the same experimental approach, we also observe the obstructed phonon surface states for the first time. △ Less

Submitted 2 August, 2023; v1 submitted 25 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: 7 pages, 5 figures (to appear in NanoLetters)

Journal ref: Nano Lett. 23 (2023) 7561-7567

Ferromagnetism and correlated insulating states in monolayer Mo33Te56

Authors: Zemin Pan, Wenqi Xiong, Jiaqi Dai, Yunhua Wang, Tao Jian, Xingxia Cui, Jinghao Deng, Xiaoyu Lin, Zhengbo Cheng, Yusong Bai, Chao Zhu, Da Huo, Geng Li, Min Feng, Jun He, Wei Ji, Shengjun Yuan, Fengcheng Wu, Chendong Zhang, Hong-Jun Gao

Abstract: Kagome lattices have an inherent two-dimensional nature. Despite previous realizations in the monolayer limit, their abilities to drive emergent electronic states such as correlated insulators have remained unobserved. Here, we report the experimental realization of a new structural phase of monolayer Mo33Te56, characterized by its virtually global uniformity as a mirror-twin boundary loop superla… ▽ More Kagome lattices have an inherent two-dimensional nature. Despite previous realizations in the monolayer limit, their abilities to drive emergent electronic states such as correlated insulators have remained unobserved. Here, we report the experimental realization of a new structural phase of monolayer Mo33Te56, characterized by its virtually global uniformity as a mirror-twin boundary loop superlattice embedded in an H-MoTe2 monolayer. Through a combination of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and theoretical calculations, we unveil a kagome geometry along with multiple associated sets of kagome flat bands. Crucially, the partial filling of these kagome bands induces ferromagnetism as revealed by spin-polarized STM, and leads to a correlated insulating state exhibiting a hard gap as large as 15 meV. Our findings represent a major advance in kagome materials, offering a framework with clearer band structures and more intrinsic two-dimensional properties for exploring flat-band physics. △ Less

Submitted 14 July, 2024; v1 submitted 12 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: 22 pages, 4 figures

Critical behavior of Anderson transitions in higher dimensional Bogoliubov-de Gennes symmetry classes

Authors: Tong Wang, Zhiming Pan, Keith Slevin, Tomi Ohtsuki

Abstract: Disorder is ubiquitous in solid-state systems, and its crucial influence on transport properties was revealed by the discovery of Anderson localization. Generally speaking, all bulk states will be exponentially localized in the strong disorder limit, but whether an Anderson transition takes place depends on the dimension and symmetries of the system. The scaling theory and symmetry classes are at… ▽ More Disorder is ubiquitous in solid-state systems, and its crucial influence on transport properties was revealed by the discovery of Anderson localization. Generally speaking, all bulk states will be exponentially localized in the strong disorder limit, but whether an Anderson transition takes place depends on the dimension and symmetries of the system. The scaling theory and symmetry classes are at the heart of the study of the Anderson transition, and the critical exponent $ν$ characterizing the power-law divergence of localization length is of particular interest. In contrast with the well-established lower critical dimension $d_l=2$ of the Anderson transition, the upper critical dimension $d_u$, above which the disordered system can be described by mean-field theory, remains uncertain, and precise numerical evaluations of the critical exponent in higher dimensions are needed. In this study, we apply Borel-Padé resummation method to the known perturbative results of the non-linear sigma model (NL$σ$M) to estimate the critical exponents of the Boguliubov-de Gennes (BdG) classes. We also report numerical simulations of class DIII in 3D, and classes C and CI in 4D, and compare the results of the resummation method with these and previously published work. Our results may be experimentally tested in realizations of quantum kicked rotor models in atomic-optic systems, where the critical behavior of dynamical localization in higher dimensions can be measured. △ Less

Submitted 6 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: 11 pages, 6 figures

Non-Hermitian strongly interacting Dirac fermions: a quantum Monte-Carlo study

Authors: Xue-Jia Yu, Zhiming Pan, Limei Xu, Zi-Xiang Li

Abstract: Exotic quantum phases and phase transition in the strongly interacting Dirac systems has attracted tremendous interests. On the other hand, non-Hermitian physics, usually associated with dissipation arising from the coupling to environment, emerges as a frontier of modern physics in recent years. In this letter, we investigate the interplay between non-Hermitian physics and strong correlation in D… ▽ More Exotic quantum phases and phase transition in the strongly interacting Dirac systems has attracted tremendous interests. On the other hand, non-Hermitian physics, usually associated with dissipation arising from the coupling to environment, emerges as a frontier of modern physics in recent years. In this letter, we investigate the interplay between non-Hermitian physics and strong correlation in Dirac-fermion systems. We develop a sign-problem-free projector quantum Monte-Carlo (QMC) algorithm for the non-Hermitian interacting fermionic systems. Employing state-of-the-art projector QMC simulation, we decipher the ground-state phase diagram of the Honeycomb Hubbard model in the presence non-Hermitian asymmetric spin resolved hopping processes. Intriguingly, the antiferromagnetic ordering induced by Hubbard interaction is enhanced by the non-Hermitian asymmetric hopping. More remarkably, our study reveals that critical properties of the quantum phase transition between Dirac semi-metal and AF ordered phases are consistent with the XY universality class in Hermitian system, implying Hermiticity is emergent at the quantum critical point. The numerically-exact QMC approach utilized in this study is easily applied to other non-Hermitian interacting fermionic models, hence paving a new avenue to investigating quantum many-body physics in non-Hermitian systems. △ Less

Submitted 20 February, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

Comments: 5 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 116503 (2024)

Domain Wall-Magnetic Tunnel Junction Analog Content Addressable Memory Using Current and Projected Data

Authors: Harrison Jin, Hanqing Zhu, Keren Zhu, Thomas Leonard, Jaesuk Kwon, Mahshid Alamdar, Kwangseok Kim, Jungsik Park, Naoki Hase, David Z. Pan, Jean Anne C. Incorvia

Abstract: With the rise in in-memory computing architectures to reduce the compute-memory bottleneck, a new bottleneck is present between analog and digital conversion. Analog content-addressable memories (ACAM) are being recently studied for in-memory computing to efficiently convert between analog and digital signals. Magnetic memory elements such as magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) could be useful for AC… ▽ More With the rise in in-memory computing architectures to reduce the compute-memory bottleneck, a new bottleneck is present between analog and digital conversion. Analog content-addressable memories (ACAM) are being recently studied for in-memory computing to efficiently convert between analog and digital signals. Magnetic memory elements such as magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) could be useful for ACAM due to their low read/write energy and high endurance, but MTJs are usually restricted to digital values. The spin orbit torque-driven domain wall-magnetic tunnel junction (DW-MTJ) has been recently shown to have multi-bit function. Here, an ACAM circuit is studied that uses two domain wall-magnetic tunnel junctions (DW-MTJs) as the analog storage elements. Prototype DW-MTJ data is input into the magnetic ACAM (MACAM) circuit simulation, showing ternary CAM function. Device-circuit co-design is carried out, showing that 8-10 weight bits are achievable, and that designing asymmetrical spacing of the available DW positions in the device leads to evenly spaced ACAM search bounds. Analyzing available spin orbit torque materials shows platinum provides the largest MACAM search bound while still allowing spin orbit torque domain wall motion, and that the circuit is optimized with minimized MTJ resistance, minimized spin orbit torque material resistance, and maximized tunnel magnetoresistance. These results show the feasibility of using DW-MTJs for MACAM and provide design parameters. △ Less

Submitted 11 January, 2023; originally announced January 2023.

Comments: 8 pages, 8 figures

Realization of multiple charge density waves in NbTe2 at the monolayer limit

Authors: Yusong Bai, Zemin Pan, Jinghao Deng, Xiaoyu Lin, Tao Jian, Chao Zhu, Da Huo, Zhengbo Cheng, Ping Cui, Zhenyu Zhang, Qiang Zou, Chendong Zhang

Abstract: Abstract: Layered transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) down to the monolayer (ML) limit provide a fertile platform for exploring charge-density waves (CDWs). Though bulk NbTe2 is known to harbor a single axis 3*1 CDW coexisting with non-trivial quantum properties, the scenario in the ML limit is still experimentally unknown. In this study, we unveil the richness of the CDW phases in ML NbTe2,… ▽ More Abstract: Layered transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) down to the monolayer (ML) limit provide a fertile platform for exploring charge-density waves (CDWs). Though bulk NbTe2 is known to harbor a single axis 3*1 CDW coexisting with non-trivial quantum properties, the scenario in the ML limit is still experimentally unknown. In this study, we unveil the richness of the CDW phases in ML NbTe2, where not only the theoretically predicted 4*4 and 4*1 phases, but also two unexpected sqrt(28)*sqrt(28) and sqrt(19)*sqrt(19) phases, can be realized. For such a complex CDW system, we establish an exhaustive growth phase diagram via systematic efforts in the material synthesis and scanning tunneling microscope characterization. Moreover, we report that the energetically stable phase is the larger scale order (sqrt(19)*sqrt(19)), which is surprisingly in contradiction to the prior prediction (4*4). These findings are confirmed using two different kinetic pathways, i.e., direct growth at proper growth temperatures (T), and low-T growth followed by high-T annealing. Our results provide a comprehensive diagram of the "zoo" of CDW orders in ML 1T-NbTe2 for the first time and offer a new material platform for studying novel quantum phases in the 2D limit. △ Less

Submitted 11 January, 2023; originally announced January 2023.

Frustrated superconductivity and sextetting order

Authors: Zhiming Pan, Chen Lu, Fan Yang, Congjun Wu

Abstract: The superconducting state typically favors a uniform spatial distribution akin to ferromagnetism. Nevertheless, the pair-density-wave state exhibits sign changes in the pairing order, leading to potential frustrations in phase coherence.We propose a mechanism to the sextetting order stemming from the frustrations in the phase coherence of a pair-density-wave state, whose spatial modulation manifes… ▽ More The superconducting state typically favors a uniform spatial distribution akin to ferromagnetism. Nevertheless, the pair-density-wave state exhibits sign changes in the pairing order, leading to potential frustrations in phase coherence.We propose a mechanism to the sextetting order stemming from the frustrations in the phase coherence of a pair-density-wave state, whose spatial modulation manifests a vortex-antivortex honeycomb lattice. The classical ground state configurations are mapped to Baxter's three-coloring model, revealing a macroscopic degeneracy accompanied by extensive entropy. The phase coherence problem intertwines the U(1) phases and the vorticity variables. While the resultant color and phase fluctuations suppress the pair-density-wave order, they maintain the sextetting order above the superconducting transition temperature ($T_{\text{c}}$). The $1/3$-fractional vortex emerges as the fundamental topological defect in the sextetting order. This novel mechanism of frustrated superconductivity provides an alternative explanation for the experimental observed fractional oscillations in CsV$_3$Sb$_5$. △ Less

Submitted 14 May, 2024; v1 submitted 27 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 9 pages, 9 figures

Journal ref: Sci. China Phys. Mech. Astron. 67, 287412 (2024)

Proximity-induced superconducting gap in the intrinsic magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4

Authors: Wen-Zheng Xu, Chun-Guang Chu, Zhen-Cun Pan, Jing-Jing Chen, An-Qi Wang, Zhen-Bing Tan, Peng-Fei Zhu, Xing-Guo Ye, Da-Peng Yu, Zhi-Min Liao

Abstract: We report magnetotransport measurements in the NbN/ magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4 (MBT)/ NbN junction at low temperature. At 10 mK, the nonlinear current-voltage characteristic of the junction shows a tunneling behavior, indicating the existence of interfacial potential barriers within the heterostructure. Under an out of plane perpendicular magnetic field, a transition from negative to… ▽ More We report magnetotransport measurements in the NbN/ magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4 (MBT)/ NbN junction at low temperature. At 10 mK, the nonlinear current-voltage characteristic of the junction shows a tunneling behavior, indicating the existence of interfacial potential barriers within the heterostructure. Under an out of plane perpendicular magnetic field, a transition from negative to positive magnetoresistance (MR) is found when increasing the bias voltage. A proximity-induced superconducting gap is estimated to be 0.1meV by a pair of differential resistance dips. Moreover, the induced gap is enhanced by gradually tuning the Fermi level toward the charge neutral point by a back gate voltage, which is ascribed to the increased transport contribution of the topological surface states in MBT. Intriguingly, the induced gap exhibits an anomalous magnetic field assisted enhancement, which may originate from the spin orbit coupling and magnetic order of MBT. Our results reveal the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity in MBT, paving the way for further studies on topological superconductivity and chiral Majorana edge modes in quantum anomalous Hall insulator/superconductor hybrid systems. △ Less

Submitted 9 June, 2022; originally announced June 2022.

Comments: 9 pages, 8 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 105, 184515 (2022)

Infinite critical boson induced non-Fermi liquid in $d=3-ε$ dimensions

Authors: Zhiming Pan, Xiao-Tian Zhang

Abstract: We study the fermion-boson coupled system in $d=3-ε$ space dimensions near the quantum phase transition; infinite many boson modes located on a sphere become critical simultaneously, which is dubbed "critical boson sphere" (CBS). The fermions on the Fermi surface can be scattered to nearby points located on a boson ring in the low-energy limit. The number of boson scattering channel $N_{B}$ is als… ▽ More We study the fermion-boson coupled system in $d=3-ε$ space dimensions near the quantum phase transition; infinite many boson modes located on a sphere become critical simultaneously, which is dubbed "critical boson sphere" (CBS). The fermions on the Fermi surface can be scattered to nearby points located on a boson ring in the low-energy limit. The number of boson scattering channel $N_{B}$ is also infinite, which renders the well-known Landau damping effect largely suppressed. The one-loop renormalization group analysis is performed with asymptotic $ε$-expansion. We find that the fermion self-energy and Yukawa interaction vertex are dressed with $ε$ poles; in addition, there emerges an enhancement due to the curvature effect of CBS. In certain perturbative regimes, we identify a marginal non-Fermi liquid (NFL) fixed point that exists intrinsically in the large-$N_B$ limit. The infinite critical bosons comprise a physical realization of the flavor degrees of freedom which has been proposed for matrix large-$N_B$ bosons. △ Less

Submitted 8 May, 2022; originally announced May 2022.

Comments: 13 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Nuclear Physics B 999, 116451 (2024)

Molecular rotors to probe the local viscosity of a polymer glass

Authors: Elham Mirzahossein, Marion Grzelka, Zhongcheng Pan, Begüm Demirkurt, Mehdi Habibi, Albert M. Brouwer, Daniel Bonn

Abstract: We investigate the local viscosity of a polymer glass around its glass transition temperature using environment-sensitive fluorescent molecular rotors embedded in the polymer matrix. The rotors' fluorescence depends on the local viscosity, and measuring the fluorescence intensity and lifetime of the probe therefore allows to measure the local free volume in the polymer glass when going through the… ▽ More We investigate the local viscosity of a polymer glass around its glass transition temperature using environment-sensitive fluorescent molecular rotors embedded in the polymer matrix. The rotors' fluorescence depends on the local viscosity, and measuring the fluorescence intensity and lifetime of the probe therefore allows to measure the local free volume in the polymer glass when going through the glass transition. This also allows us to study the local viscosity and free volume when the polymer film is put under an external stress. We find that the film does not flow homogeneously, but undergoes shear banding that is visible as a spatially varying free volume and viscosity. △ Less

Submitted 19 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Comments: 8 pages, 7 figures

Strategies for reducing frequency scatter in large arrays of superconducting resonators

Authors: J. Li, P. S. Barry, Z. Pan, C. Albert, T. Cecil, C. L. Chang, K. Dibert, M. Lisovenko, V. Yefremenko

Abstract: Superconducting resonators are now found in a broad range of applications that require high-fidelity measurement of low-energy signals. A common feature across almost all of these applications is the need for increased numbers of resonators to further improve sensitivity, and the ability to read out large numbers of resonators without the need for additional cryogenic complexity is a primary motiv… ▽ More Superconducting resonators are now found in a broad range of applications that require high-fidelity measurement of low-energy signals. A common feature across almost all of these applications is the need for increased numbers of resonators to further improve sensitivity, and the ability to read out large numbers of resonators without the need for additional cryogenic complexity is a primary motivation. One of the major limitations of current resonator arrays is the observed scatter in the resonator frequencies when compared to the initial design. Here we present recent progress toward identifying one of the dominant underlying causes of resonator scatter, inductor line width fluctuation. We designed and fabricated an array of lumped-element resonators with inductor line width changing from 1.8um to 2.2um in step of 0.1um defined with electron-beam lithography to probe and quantify the systematic variation of resonance frequency across a 6-inch wafer. The resonators showed a linear frequency shift of 20MHz (140FWHM) and 30MHz (214FWHM), respectively, as they are connected to two different capacitors. This linear relationship matches our theoretical prediction. The widely used MLA photon lithography facility for MKID fabrication has a resolution on the order of 600nm, which could cause frequency fluctuation on the order of 100MHz or 710FWHM. △ Less

Submitted 21 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Emergent space-time supersymmetry at disorder quantum critical point

Authors: Xue-Jia Yu, Peng-Lu Zhao, Shao-Kai Jian, Zhiming Pan

Abstract: We study the effect of disorder on the spacetime supersymmetry that is proposed to emerge at the quantum critical point of pair density wave transition in (2+1)D Dirac semimetals and (3+1)D Weyl semimetals. In the (2+1)D Dirac semimetal, we consider three types of disorder, including random scalar potential, random vector potential and random mass potential, while the random mass disorder is absen… ▽ More We study the effect of disorder on the spacetime supersymmetry that is proposed to emerge at the quantum critical point of pair density wave transition in (2+1)D Dirac semimetals and (3+1)D Weyl semimetals. In the (2+1)D Dirac semimetal, we consider three types of disorder, including random scalar potential, random vector potential and random mass potential, while the random mass disorder is absent in the (3+1)D Weyl semimetal. Via a systematic renormalization group analysis, we find that any type of weak random disorder is irrelevant due to the couplings between the disorder potential and the Yukawa vertex. The emergent supersymmetry is thus stable for weak random potentials. Our work will pave the way for exploration supersymmetry in realistic condensed matter systems. △ Less

Submitted 31 May, 2022; v1 submitted 3 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 105, 205140 (2022)

Multicriticality of Two-dimensional Class D Disordered Topological Superconductors

Authors: Tong Wang, Zhiming Pan, Tomi Ohtsuki, Ilya A. Gruzberg, Ryuichi Shindou

Abstract: A generic two-dimensional disordered topological superconductor in symmetry class D exhibits rich phenomenology and multiple phases: diffusive thermal metal (DTM), Anderson insulator (AI), and thermal quantum Hall (TQH) phase (a topological superconductor). We numerically investigate the phase diagram of a lattice model of such class D superconductor, specifically focusing on transitions between t… ▽ More A generic two-dimensional disordered topological superconductor in symmetry class D exhibits rich phenomenology and multiple phases: diffusive thermal metal (DTM), Anderson insulator (AI), and thermal quantum Hall (TQH) phase (a topological superconductor). We numerically investigate the phase diagram of a lattice model of such class D superconductor, specifically focusing on transitions between the phases and the associated universal critical behaviors. We confirm the existence of a tricritical point and its repulsive nature at the point on the phase diagram where the three phases meet. We characterize the critical behaviors at various critical points and the tricritical point using numerical evaluation of the localization length, the conductance (or conductivity), and the density of states. We conclude that the two metal-insulator transitions (DTM-TQH and DTM-AI) belong to the same universality class, whereas the tricritical point (TCP) represents a distinct universality class. △ Less

Submitted 27 August, 2021; originally announced August 2021.

Comments: 14 pages, 13 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 104, 184201 (2021)

Renormalization group analysis of Dirac fermions with random mass

Authors: Zhiming Pan, Tong Wang, Tomi Ohtsuki, Ryuichi Shindou

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) disordered superconductor (SC) in class D exhibits a disorder-induced quantum multicritical phenomenon among diffusive thermal metal (DTM), topological superconductor (TS), and conventional localized (AI) phases. To characterize the quantum tricritical point where these three phases meet, we carry out a two-loop renormalization group (RG) analysis for 2D Dirac fermion with ran… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) disordered superconductor (SC) in class D exhibits a disorder-induced quantum multicritical phenomenon among diffusive thermal metal (DTM), topological superconductor (TS), and conventional localized (AI) phases. To characterize the quantum tricritical point where these three phases meet, we carry out a two-loop renormalization group (RG) analysis for 2D Dirac fermion with random mass in terms of the $ε$-expansion in the spatial dimension $d=2-ε$. In 2D ($ε=0$), the random mass is marginally irrelevant around a clean-limit fixed point of the gapless Dirac fermion, while there exists an IR unstable fixed point at finite disorder strength that corresponds to the tricritical point. The critical exponent, dynamical exponent, and scaling dimension of the (uniform) mass term are evaluated around the tricritical point by the two-loop RG analysis. Using a mapping between an effective theory for the 2D random-mass Dirac fermion and the (1+1)-dimensional Gross-Neveu model, we further deduce the four-loop evaluation of the critical exponent, and the scaling dimension of the uniform mass around the tricritical point. Both the two-loop and four-loop results suggest that criticalities of a AI-DTM transition line as well as TS-DTM transition line are controlled by other saddle-point fixed point(s) at finite uniform mass. △ Less

Submitted 19 August, 2021; originally announced August 2021.

Comments: 21 pages, 14 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 104, 174205 (2021)

Segregation competition and complexion coexistence within a polycrystalline grain boundary network

Authors: P Garg, Z Pan, V Turlo, TJ Rupert

Abstract: Interfacial segregation can stabilize grain structures and even lead to grain boundary complexion transitions. However, understanding of the complexity of such phenomena in polycrystalline materials is limited, as most studies focus on bicrystal geometries. In this work, we investigate interfacial segregation and subsequent complexion transitions in polycrystalline Cu-Zr alloys using hybrid Monte… ▽ More Interfacial segregation can stabilize grain structures and even lead to grain boundary complexion transitions. However, understanding of the complexity of such phenomena in polycrystalline materials is limited, as most studies focus on bicrystal geometries. In this work, we investigate interfacial segregation and subsequent complexion transitions in polycrystalline Cu-Zr alloys using hybrid Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics simulations. No significant change in the grain size or structure is observed upon Zr dopant addition to a pure Cu polycrystal at moderate temperature, where grain boundary segregation is the dominant behavior. Segregation within the boundary network is inhomogeneous, with some boundaries having local concentrations that are an order of magnitude larger than the global value and others having almost no segregation, and changes to physical parameters such as boundary free volume and energy are found to correlate with dopant concentration. Further, another alloy sample is investigated at a higher temperature to probe the occurrence of widespread transitions in interfacial structure, where a significant fraction of the originally ordered boundaries transition to amorphous complexions, demonstrating the coexistence of multiple complexion types, each with their own distribution of boundary chemical composition. Overall, this work highlights that interfacial segregation and complexion structure can be diverse in a polycrystalline network. The findings shown here complement existing computational and experimental studies of individual interfaces and help pave the way for unraveling the complexity of interfacial structure in realistic microstructures. △ Less

Submitted 30 June, 2021; v1 submitted 30 March, 2021; originally announced March 2021.