Showing 1–50 of 159 results for author: Lado, J L

Interaction-driven electronic ferroelectricity in van der Waals heterostructures

Authors: Ziying Wang, Ana Vera Montoto, Mohammad Amini, Yuxiao Ding, Jose L. Lado, Robert Drost, Adolfo O. Fumega, Peter Liljeroth

Abstract: Strong electronic correlations in narrow-band systems provide a promising route to realize emergent quantum phases. While ferroelectricity in van der Waals materials is typically associated with inversion symmetry breaking driven by lattice distortions, interlayer sliding, or moiré reconstruction, the possibility of generating ferroelectricity directly from electronic interactions remains largely… ▽ More Strong electronic correlations in narrow-band systems provide a promising route to realize emergent quantum phases. While ferroelectricity in van der Waals materials is typically associated with inversion symmetry breaking driven by lattice distortions, interlayer sliding, or moiré reconstruction, the possibility of generating ferroelectricity directly from electronic interactions remains largely unexplored. Here, using molecular beam epitaxy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and ab initio calculations, we investigate two stacking geometries of bilayer 1T-TaSe$_2$, A-C and A-C$'$, formed by coupled Star-of-David charge density wave phases. We show that both stackings realize quasi-one-dimensional interacting chains, but are governed by distinct interaction mechanisms. In the A-C stacking, strong interlayer hybridization leads to dimerization and the formation of a band insulating state. In contrast, the A-C$'$ stacking is dominated by interlayer Coulomb interactions, producing a spontaneous charge imbalance between layers that gives rise to an out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ferroelectric and antiferroelectric interchain configurations can be stabilized and electrically switched by an external field. Our results prove that bilayer 1T-TaSe$_2$ is a platform for interaction-driven electronic ferroelectricity, establishing an overlooked family of charge-ordered correlated states in 1T-TaSe$_2$ multilayers. △ Less

Submitted 27 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Emergent ferromagnetism in the NiI$_2$-NbSe$_2$ van der Waals heterostructure

Authors: Büşra Gamze Arslan, Mohammad Amini, Ziying Wang, Alessandro Orsini, Aleš Cahlík, Jose L. Lado, Adolfo O. Fumega, Robert Drost, Peter Liljeroth

Abstract: Multiferroicity arising from non-collinear spin textures and strong spin-orbit interactions offers a route to magnetoelectric functionality in the monolayer limit. Although theory predicts that the properties of monolayer multiferroics can be tuned by strain, gating, or proximity effects, experimental demonstrations of such control remain scarce. Here we show that the magnetic ground state of mono… ▽ More Multiferroicity arising from non-collinear spin textures and strong spin-orbit interactions offers a route to magnetoelectric functionality in the monolayer limit. Although theory predicts that the properties of monolayer multiferroics can be tuned by strain, gating, or proximity effects, experimental demonstrations of such control remain scarce. Here we show that the magnetic ground state of monolayer NiI$_2$, a prototypical two-dimensional multiferroic, is altered by proximity to a superconducting NbSe$_2$ substrate. Using low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS), we show that the metallic substrate renormalizes the exchange interactions within NiI$_2$ and drives it into a ferromagnetic ground state. This can be visualized by probing the Yu-Shiba-Rusinov (YSR) states within the superconducting gap of the NbSe$_2$ substrate. Our results establish YSR states as an in situ probe of two-dimensional magnetism and demonstrate substrate engineering as a means of controlling magnetic order in atomically thin materials. △ Less

Submitted 18 August, 2026; v1 submitted 23 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Electrical Control of Altermagnetism in a Quasi-1D Magnet

Authors: Alberto M. Ruiz, Cuiju Yu, Diego López-Alcalá, Jose L. Lado, Adolfo O. Fumega, José J. Baldoví

Abstract: Altermagnetism is a collinear magnetic state characterized by momentum-dependent spin splitting in fully compensated materials. While widely investigated in systems governed by three- or two-dimensional exchange interactions, its extension to quasi-one-dimensional magnets remains almost unexplored. Focusing on the experimentally established AgCrP$_2$S$_6$ van der Waals magnet, we demonstrate that… ▽ More Altermagnetism is a collinear magnetic state characterized by momentum-dependent spin splitting in fully compensated materials. While widely investigated in systems governed by three- or two-dimensional exchange interactions, its extension to quasi-one-dimensional magnets remains almost unexplored. Focusing on the experimentally established AgCrP$_2$S$_6$ van der Waals magnet, we demonstrate that antiferromagnetic chains embedded in a two-dimensional lattice provide a general route to altermagnetism. Combining first-principles calculations and spin-space-group analysis, we show that out-of-plane symmetry breaking can generate a nonrelativistic d-wave spin splitting. An external out-of-plane electric field validates this mechanism, where the induced splitting increases linearly with field strength and reverses sign with field direction. We rationalize such behaviour by constructing an effective tight-binding model, which links the altermagnetic response to anisotropic third-neighbor interchain hoppings. Additionally, we show that Janus substitution also induces a d-wave spin texture, while ferroelectric interfacing with CuInP$_2$S$_6$ enables polarization-controlled spin-split bands in a fully compensated ferrimagnetic state. Our results establish quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnets as building blocks for altermagnetism. △ Less

Submitted 18 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Tensor network solvers for ultra-large tight-binding Hamiltonians: algorithms and applications

Authors: Tiago V. C. Antão, Anouar Moustaj, Yitao Sun, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Understanding quantum materials at meso and even macroscopic scales requires tight-binding calculations on system sizes where explicit matrix representations become prohibitively costly. This represents a major bottleneck to rationalize phenomena in moiré and super-moiré heterostructures and quasicrystals. Here, we present a unified tensor-network methodology to solve tight-binding problems at exc… ▽ More Understanding quantum materials at meso and even macroscopic scales requires tight-binding calculations on system sizes where explicit matrix representations become prohibitively costly. This represents a major bottleneck to rationalize phenomena in moiré and super-moiré heterostructures and quasicrystals. Here, we present a unified tensor-network methodology to solve tight-binding problems at exceptionally large scales, by mapping a system of $N = 2^L$ sites onto a many-body problem of $L$ pseudospin sites, which is subsequently solved with tensor network algorithms. For Hamiltonians with compressible real-space structure, the tensor network bond dimension remains modest, typically of order a few tens, independent of $N$. Tensor network representations of arbitrary hopping functions including long-range, spatially modulated, and twisted-layer couplings are built with quantics tensor cross interpolation, and all physical observables are evaluated entirely with tensor network algebra without explicit matrix storage or diagonalization. We demonstrate applications to spectral functions, momentum-space spectra via the tensor-network quantum Fourier transform, real-space topological invariants, real-time dynamics, correlation induced symmetry breaking with self-consistent mean-field calculations, non-Hermitian phenomena, and excitonic many-body physics. Our methodology enables routinely solving systems with billions of sites, by leveraging the tensor network compressibility of real-space structures, and establishing a flexible framework to study quantum matter at ultra-large length scales. The methodology is implemented in the open-source Julia package TensorBinding. △ Less

Submitted 8 July, 2026; v1 submitted 1 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Learning Inhomogeneous Heisenberg Hamiltonians in Nanographene Spin Chains

Authors: Greta Lupi, Saketh Ravuri, Chenxiao Zhao, Weidan Zhang, Cesare Roncaglia, Renxiang Liu, Xinliang Feng, Daniele Passerone, Pascal Ruffieux, Roman Fasel, Jose L. Lado, Gonçalo Catarina

Abstract: Inferring microscopic Hamiltonians from experimental data is a central challenge in quantum materials and quantum simulation. In low-dimensional spin systems, exchange interactions are often assumed to be spatially uniform, despite structural and environmental inhomogeneities that can locally modify the coupling. Here, we leverage a local, length-independent machine learning methodology to reconst… ▽ More Inferring microscopic Hamiltonians from experimental data is a central challenge in quantum materials and quantum simulation. In low-dimensional spin systems, exchange interactions are often assumed to be spatially uniform, despite structural and environmental inhomogeneities that can locally modify the coupling. Here, we leverage a local, length-independent machine learning methodology to reconstruct spatially modulated exchange interactions directly from inelastic scanning tunneling spectroscopy maps. We demonstrate this approach with nanographene spin chains, identifying both near-uniform and inhomogeneous regimes across the synthesized magnets. The reconstructed models quantitatively reproduce the experimental spectra and recover the correct scaling of the excitation gap with system size. Our results establish a general strategy to bridge local spectroscopic measurements with effective many-body Hamiltonians. △ Less

Submitted 28 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 22 pages, 34 figures

Real-space spectral functions of three-dimensional billion-size topological non-Hermitian matter with tensor networks

Authors: Yitao Sun, Jose L. Lado, Guangze Chen

Abstract: Non-Hermitian systems host a wide range of unconventional topological phenomena while large-scale simulations in finite three dimensional systems remain challenging because of the rapidly growing number of sites. In particular, higher-order topological corner modes are often studied only in small lattices, where strong finite-size effects can mask their intrinsic behavior. Here, we develop a tenso… ▽ More Non-Hermitian systems host a wide range of unconventional topological phenomena while large-scale simulations in finite three dimensional systems remain challenging because of the rapidly growing number of sites. In particular, higher-order topological corner modes are often studied only in small lattices, where strong finite-size effects can mask their intrinsic behavior. Here, we develop a tensor-network framework that combines quantics tensor cross interpolation with the kernel polynomial method, enabling compact representations of large non-Hermitian tight-binding Hamiltonians and direct calculations of real-space spectral functions for systems exceeding one billion lattice sites. Using this approach, we investigate three-dimensional non-Hermitian higher-order topological insulators with with structured real-space geometries. The unprecedented system size enables direct access to the macroscopic regime and allows corner-mode spectral responses to be resolved in genuinely three-dimensional systems. By tuning the loss strength, we identify distinct in-gap corner modes across weak- and strong-loss regimes. Our results establish tensor-network algorithms as a powerful strategy to perform real-space spectral calculations in exceptionally large non-Hermitian systems. △ Less

Submitted 16 June, 2026; v1 submitted 15 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 7 pages, 4 figures

Intrinsic i-wave altermagnetism in 2D graphene superlattices

Authors: Cuiju Yu, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Altermagnets feature unconventional magnetism due to their momentum-dependent spin splitting purely driven by magnetic order, for which a variety of transition-metal-based d-wave altermagnets have been proposed. However, carbon-based altermagnets in graphene structures remain elusive, even though magnetism in graphene nanostructures has been widely demonstrated. Here, we establish a symmetry-guide… ▽ More Altermagnets feature unconventional magnetism due to their momentum-dependent spin splitting purely driven by magnetic order, for which a variety of transition-metal-based d-wave altermagnets have been proposed. However, carbon-based altermagnets in graphene structures remain elusive, even though magnetism in graphene nanostructures has been widely demonstrated. Here, we establish a symmetry-guided design principle to engineer i-wave altermagnets in graphene antidot superlattices and demonstrate the emergence of altermagnetic states in specific monolayer and bilayer graphene superlattices. By combining first principles methods and atomistic tight binding models, we show the appearance of an interaction-induced i-wave altermagnetic splitting, stemming from the intrinsic magnetic instability of 2D graphene antidot superlattices. Our work establishes a strategy to engineer i-wave altermagnetism in a graphene platform, putting forward a carbon-based platform for altermagnetic spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 21 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Hamiltonian learning for spin-spiral moiré magnets from electronic magnetotransport

Authors: Fedor Nigmatulin, Greta Lupi, Jose L. Lado, Zhipei Sun

Abstract: Two-dimensional noncollinear magnetic states, such as spin-spiral magnets, offer an excellent platform for investigating fundamental phenomena, with potential for advancing stray-field-free spintronics. However, detection and characterization of noncollinear magnetic states in two-dimensional systems remain challenging, motivating the development of alternative probing methods. Here, we present a… ▽ More Two-dimensional noncollinear magnetic states, such as spin-spiral magnets, offer an excellent platform for investigating fundamental phenomena, with potential for advancing stray-field-free spintronics. However, detection and characterization of noncollinear magnetic states in two-dimensional systems remain challenging, motivating the development of alternative probing methods. Here, we present a methodology for extracting the spin-spiral $\mathbf{q}$ vector from lateral electronic transport measurements. Our approach leverages the magnetic field and bias dependence of the conductance to train a supervised machine learning algorithm, which enables us to extract the $\mathbf{q}$ vectors of arbitrary spin-spiral magnets. We demonstrate that this methodology is robust to the presence of impurities in the system and noise in the conductance data. Our findings show that the conductance pattern reveals a complex dependence on the $\mathbf{q}$ vector of the spin spiral, providing a new strategy to learn magnetic structures directly from transport experiments. △ Less

Submitted 3 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 7 pages, 6 figures

Moiré Mott correlated mosaics in twisted bilayer 1T-TaS$_2$

Authors: Ana Vera Montoto, Jose L. Lado, Adolfo O. Fumega

Abstract: The tunability and twist engineering of van der Waals materials enable the emergence of electronic states not present in individual monolayers. Among them, monolayer 1T-TaS$_2$ is a well-known Mott insulating system, whose star-of-David charge density wave reconstruction realizes an emergent triangular lattice of local magnetic moments. Interestingly, in its bulk form, the insulating gap is not co… ▽ More The tunability and twist engineering of van der Waals materials enable the emergence of electronic states not present in individual monolayers. Among them, monolayer 1T-TaS$_2$ is a well-known Mott insulating system, whose star-of-David charge density wave reconstruction realizes an emergent triangular lattice of local magnetic moments. Interestingly, in its bulk form, the insulating gap is not correlation-driven, but stems from interlayer coupling. Here, we exploit the stacking-dependent nature of the insulating gap to show that in twisted 1T-TaS$_2$ bilayers, the spatially dependent competition between many-body and single-particle gaps creates Mott-trivial mosaic superlattices, featuring regions with local magnetic moments and non-magnetic insulating regions. We further demonstrate the tunability of the mosaic correlated state with an interlayer bias, giving rise to controllable charge transfer and quenching of correlations. Our results establish twisted 1T-TaS$_2$ as a flexible platform to engineer mixed spatially modulated correlated insulating phases, arising from the moiré profile. △ Less

Submitted 2 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 8 pages, 5 figures

Atomically Reconfigurable Single-Molecule Optoelectronics

Authors: Atif Ghafoor, Santeri Neuvonen, Thinh Tran, Oscar Moreno Segura, Yitao Sun, Yaroslav Pavlyukh, Riku Tuovinen, Jose L. Lado, Shawulienu Kezilebieke

Abstract: Deterministic control of excitonic properties is key to advancing nanoscale optoelectronic and quantum technologies and to understanding diverse physical, optical, chemical, and biological phenomena. At the molecular scale, these properties can be tuned through chemical modification, local-environment influence or charge-state manipulation. Yet, direct control of a molecule's transition dipole mom… ▽ More Deterministic control of excitonic properties is key to advancing nanoscale optoelectronic and quantum technologies and to understanding diverse physical, optical, chemical, and biological phenomena. At the molecular scale, these properties can be tuned through chemical modification, local-environment influence or charge-state manipulation. Yet, direct control of a molecule's transition dipole moment and its resulting light emission via atomic-scale structural modification has remained elusive. Here, using scanning tunnelling microscopy-induced luminescence, we show that a single structural parameter-the vertical displacement of the central metal atom in a planar phthalocyanine molecule on a decoupling layer-enables active tuning of the transition dipole, allowing either suppression or enhancement of emission. Exploiting this control, we realized a tunable homodimer switchable among three optical states: non-emissive, single-molecule-like emissive, and coupled states exhibiting subradiant and superradiant modes, directly revealing intermolecular dipole-dipole coupling. We further demonstrate a heterodimer in which resonant energy transfer can be turned on or off simply by controlling the acceptor's transition dipole moment. These findings not only establish atomic-scale displacement as a general strategy for optical molecular switching, but also demonstrate the reconfigurable engineering of excitonic interactions within molecular assemblies. △ Less

Submitted 31 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Tensor-network methodology for real-space super-moiré excitons

Authors: Anouar Moustaj, Yitao Sun, Tiago V. C. Antão, Lumen Eek, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Computing excitonic spectra in quasicrystal and super-moiré systems constitutes a formidable challenge due to the exceptional size of the excitonic Hilbert space. Here, we demonstrate a tensor-network method for the real-space Bethe-Salpeter Hamiltonian, allowing us to access the spectra of an excitonic $10^{18}$-dimensional Hamiltonian, and enabling the direct computation of bound-exciton spectra… ▽ More Computing excitonic spectra in quasicrystal and super-moiré systems constitutes a formidable challenge due to the exceptional size of the excitonic Hilbert space. Here, we demonstrate a tensor-network method for the real-space Bethe-Salpeter Hamiltonian, allowing us to access the spectra of an excitonic $10^{18}$-dimensional Hamiltonian, and enabling the direct computation of bound-exciton spectral functions for systems exceeding one billion lattice sites, several orders of magnitude beyond the capabilities of conventional approaches. Our method combines a tensor-network encoding of the real-space Bethe-Salpeter Hamiltonian with a Chebyshev tensor network algorithm. This strategy bypasses explicit storage of the Hamiltonian while preserving full real-space resolution across widely different length scales. We demonstrate our methodology for one- and two-dimensional super-moiré systems, achieving the simultaneous resolution of atomistic and mesoscopic structures in the excitonic spectra in billion-size systems, showing exciton miniband formation and moiré-induced spatial confinement. Our results establish a real-space methodology enabling the simulation of excitonic physics in large-scale quasicrystal and super-moiré quantum matter. △ Less

Submitted 20 August, 2026; v1 submitted 2 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 16 pages (8 main text, 8 supplementary material), 7 figures (4 main text and 3 supplementary material). Article submitted to SciPost Phys

Parity-dependent double degeneracy and spectral statistics in the projected dice lattice

Authors: Koushik Swaminathan, Anouar Moustaj, Jose L. Lado, Sebastiano Peotta

Abstract: We investigate the spectral statistics of an interacting fermionic system derived by projecting the Hubbard interaction onto the two lowest-energy, degenerate flat bands of the dice lattice subjected to a $π$-flux. Surprisingly, the distributions of level spacings and gap ratios correspond to distinct Gaussian ensembles, depending on the parity of the particle number. For an even number of particl… ▽ More We investigate the spectral statistics of an interacting fermionic system derived by projecting the Hubbard interaction onto the two lowest-energy, degenerate flat bands of the dice lattice subjected to a $π$-flux. Surprisingly, the distributions of level spacings and gap ratios correspond to distinct Gaussian ensembles, depending on the parity of the particle number. For an even number of particles, the spectra conform to the Gaussian Orthogonal Ensemble, as expected for a time-reversal-symmetric Hamiltonian. In stark contrast, the odd-parity sector exhibits exact double degeneracy of all eigenstates even after resolving all known symmetries, and the Gaussian Unitary Ensemble accurately describes the spacing distribution between these doublets. The simultaneous emergence of two different random-matrix ensembles within a single physical system constitutes an unprecedented finding, opening new avenues for both random matrix theory and flat-band physics. △ Less

Submitted 16 July, 2026; v1 submitted 12 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 4.5 pages, 3 figures, 1 table; includes supplemental material (12 pages, 8 figures)

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 114, L051108 (2026)

Fingerprinting superconductors by disentangling Andreev and quasiparticle currents across tunable tunnel junctions

Authors: Petro Maksymovych, Sang Yong Song, Benjamin Lawrie, Wonhee Ko, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Tunneling Andreev reflection (TAR) spectroscopy offers a powerful new approach to fingerprint superconducting pairing symmetry at the atomic scale. By leveraging the exponential sensitivity of excess tunneling decay rate to Andreev reflection, TAR robustly distinguishes between s-wave, d-wave, and more complex order parameters, overcoming limitations of traditional conductance-based techniques. He… ▽ More Tunneling Andreev reflection (TAR) spectroscopy offers a powerful new approach to fingerprint superconducting pairing symmetry at the atomic scale. By leveraging the exponential sensitivity of excess tunneling decay rate to Andreev reflection, TAR robustly distinguishes between s-wave, d-wave, and more complex order parameters, overcoming limitations of traditional conductance-based techniques. Here, using atomistic superconducting transport simulations, we show that the additivity of excess decay rate enables clear separation of Andreev and quasiparticle currents. In particular, we reveal how their competition as well as higher-order scattering processes shape both the decay rate spectra and their dependence on the coupling strength. We show that this phenomenology stems from the fact that Andreev reflection dominates mid-gap conductance for s-wave superconductors, it is suppressed for the d-wave, and it coexists with quasiparticle tunneling in sign-changing symmetries if the expectation value for the superconducting gap remains finite. These distinct spectral fingerprints pave the way for atomically resolved identification of unconventional superconducting states. △ Less

Submitted 28 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Molecular Hamiltonian learning from setpoint-dependent scanning tunneling spectroscopy

Authors: Greta Lupi, Adolfo O. Fumega, Mohammad Amini, Robert Drost, Peter Liljeroth, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Molecular quantum magnets adsorbed on surfaces exhibit rich spin and orbital excitations that can be probed by scanning tunneling microscopy with inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (STM-IETS). However, the quantitative extraction of the underlying multiorbital Hamiltonian from experimental spectra remains a fundamental challenge. Here, we introduce molecular Hamiltonian learning, a machine… ▽ More Molecular quantum magnets adsorbed on surfaces exhibit rich spin and orbital excitations that can be probed by scanning tunneling microscopy with inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (STM-IETS). However, the quantitative extraction of the underlying multiorbital Hamiltonian from experimental spectra remains a fundamental challenge. Here, we introduce molecular Hamiltonian learning, a machine learning strategy that infers the microscopic Hamiltonian parameters of a single adsorbed molecule directly from the setpoint-dependence of STM-IETS data. The method leverages the systematic evolution of spectral features as the STM tip tunes the local electrostatic environment for different tip-sample distances. We demonstrate this approach on iron phthalocyanine on ferroelectric SnTe, training our algorithm on theory spectra from a realistic multiorbital model, including spin-orbit coupling, electrostatic interactions, local crystal field, and substrate effects. The algorithm, trained solely on theoretical many-body simulations, allows reconstructing Hamiltonian parameters directly from experimental spectra. Our manuscript establishes a flexible and automated strategy for Hamiltonian reconstruction from STM-IETS, transforming setpoint-dependent spectroscopy into quantitative characterization of quantum materials at the atomic scale. △ Less

Submitted 27 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures

Machine-learning-enabled characterization of individual ring resonators in integrated photonic lattices

Authors: Elizabeth Louis Pereira, Amin Hashemi, Faluke Aikebaier, Hongwei Li, Jose L. Lado, Andrea Blanco-Redondo

Abstract: Accurately determining the underlying physical parameters of individual elements in integrated photonics is increasingly difficult as device architectures become more complex. Inferring these parameters directly from spectral measurements of the system as a whole provides a practical alternative to traditional calibration, allowing characterization of photonic systems without relying on detailed d… ▽ More Accurately determining the underlying physical parameters of individual elements in integrated photonics is increasingly difficult as device architectures become more complex. Inferring these parameters directly from spectral measurements of the system as a whole provides a practical alternative to traditional calibration, allowing characterization of photonic systems without relying on detailed device-specific models. Here, we introduce a supervised machine-learning strategy to learn the onsite losses and resonant frequency shifts of each individual ring in an array of coupled ring resonators from measured spectral power distributions of the whole array. The neural network infers these parameters with high accuracy across multiple experimental configurations. Our methodology provides a scalable and non-invasive method for extracting intrinsic parameters in coupled photonic platforms, paving the way for future development of automated calibration and control methods. △ Less

Submitted 18 August, 2026; v1 submitted 14 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Coupling of Klein-Andreev Resonant States in Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_{8+x}$-graphene-Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_{8+x}$ Devices

Authors: Sharadh Jois, Jose L. Lado, Genda Gu, Qiang Li, Ji Ung Lee

Abstract: Quantum devices require coherent coupling over macroscopic distances. Recently, resonances due to Klein tunneling and Andreev reflection states (KARS) have been observed in a naturally occurring p-n junction at the interface between Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_{8+x}$ (BSCCO), a high-Tc superconductor (HTS), and graphene. The resonances appear as conductance oscillations with gating. Here, we show coupl… ▽ More Quantum devices require coherent coupling over macroscopic distances. Recently, resonances due to Klein tunneling and Andreev reflection states (KARS) have been observed in a naturally occurring p-n junction at the interface between Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_{8+x}$ (BSCCO), a high-Tc superconductor (HTS), and graphene. The resonances appear as conductance oscillations with gating. Here, we show coupling between the KARS in BSCCO-graphene-BSCCO devices of varying separation (L). The coupling is evidenced by a power-law decay of resonance period as L increases from tens of nanometers to single microns. These results demonstrate the long-distance coupling of KARS cavities in graphene-HTS junctions. The length dependence seen in experiments is supported by single-particle spectral functions which show KARS are coupled by transport modes in graphene. The strong coupling between KARS in BSCCO-graphene-BSCCO junctions showcases the novelty of HTS-graphene junctions for quantum circuits and unconventional Josephson junctions. △ Less

Submitted 13 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 113, 035410 (2026)

Quantum circuit algorithm for topological invariants of second order topological many-body quantum magnets

Authors: Sebastián Domínguez-Calderón, Marcel Niedermeier, Jose L. Lado, Pascal M. Vecsei

Abstract: Topological quantum matter represents a flexible playground to engineer unconventional excitations. While non-interacting topological single-particle systems have been studied in detail, topology in quantum many-body systems remains an open problem. Specifically, in the quantum many-body limit, one of the challenges lies in the computational complexity of obtaining the many-body ground state and i… ▽ More Topological quantum matter represents a flexible playground to engineer unconventional excitations. While non-interacting topological single-particle systems have been studied in detail, topology in quantum many-body systems remains an open problem. Specifically, in the quantum many-body limit, one of the challenges lies in the computational complexity of obtaining the many-body ground state and its many-body topological invariant. While algorithms to compute ground states with quantum computers have been heavily investigated, algorithms to compute topological invariants in a quantum computer are still under active development. Here we demonstrate a quantum circuit to compute the many-body topological invariant of a second-order topological quantum magnet encoded in qubits. Our algorithm relies on a quantum circuit adiabatic evolution in transverse paths in parameter space, and we uncover hidden topological invariants depending on the traversed path. Our work puts forward an algorithm to leverage quantum computers to characterize many-body topological quantum matter. △ Less

Submitted 14 July, 2026; v1 submitted 22 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 9 pages, 6 figures

Tensor network approach to momentum-resolved spectroscopy in non-periodic super-moiré systems

Authors: Anouar Moustaj, Yitao Sun, Tiago V. C. Antão, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Computing spectral functions in large, non-periodic super-moiré systems remains an open problem due to the exceptionally large system size that must be considered. Here, we establish a tensor network methodology that allows computing momentum-resolved spectral functions of non-interacting and interacting super-moiré systems at an atomistic level. Our methodology relies on encoding an exponentially… ▽ More Computing spectral functions in large, non-periodic super-moiré systems remains an open problem due to the exceptionally large system size that must be considered. Here, we establish a tensor network methodology that allows computing momentum-resolved spectral functions of non-interacting and interacting super-moiré systems at an atomistic level. Our methodology relies on encoding an exponentially large tight-binding problem as an auxiliary quantum many-body problem, solved with a many-body kernel polynomial tensor network algorithm combined with a quantum Fourier transform tensor network. We demonstrate the method for one and two-dimensional super-moiré systems, including super-moiré with non-uniform strain, interactions treated at the mean-field level, and quasicrystalline super-moiré patterns. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our methodology allows us to compute momentum-resolved spectral functions restricted to selected regions of a super-moiré, enabling direct imaging of position-dependent electronic structure and minigaps in super-moiré systems with non-uniform strain. Our results establish a powerful methodology to compute momentum-resolved spectral functions in exceptionally large super-moiré systems, providing a tool to directly model quantum twisting microscope experiments in twisted van der Waals heterostructures. △ Less

Submitted 11 May, 2026; v1 submitted 20 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 12 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review Research

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023282 (2026)

Atomic-scale probe of molecular magneto-electric coupling

Authors: Mohammad Amini, Linghao Yan, Orlando J. Silveira, Adolfo O. Fumega, Viliam Vaňo, Jose L. Lado, Shawulienu Kezilebieke, Peter Liljeroth, and Robert Drost

Abstract: Van der Waals heterostructures are a core tool in quantum material design. The recent addition of monolayer ferroelectrics expands the possibilities of designer materials. Ferroelectric domains can be manipulated using electric fields, thus opening a route for external control over material properties. In this paper we explore the possibility of engineering magneto-electric coupling in ferroelectr… ▽ More Van der Waals heterostructures are a core tool in quantum material design. The recent addition of monolayer ferroelectrics expands the possibilities of designer materials. Ferroelectric domains can be manipulated using electric fields, thus opening a route for external control over material properties. In this paper we explore the possibility of engineering magneto-electric coupling in ferroelectric heterostructures by studying the interface of bilayer SnTe with iron phthalocyanine molecules as a model system. The molecules act as sensor spins, allowing us to sample the magneto-electric coupling with nanometer precision through scanning tunneling microscopy. Our measurements uncover a structural, and therefore material-independent and intrinsic, mechanism to couple electric and magnetic degrees of freedom at the nanoscale. △ Less

Submitted 8 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Moiré modulated quantum spin liquid candidate 1T-TaSe$_2$

Authors: Ziying Wang, Adolfo O. Fumega, Ana Vera Montoto, Mohammad Amini, Büşra Gamze Arslan, Aleš Cahlík, Yuxiao Ding, Jose L. Lado, Robert Drost, Peter Liljeroth

Abstract: Quantum spin liquids are quantum phases of matter featuring collectively entangled states and emergent fractional many-body excitations. While methods exist to probe three-dimensional quantum spin liquids experimentally, these techniques lack the sensitivity to probe two-dimensional quantum spin liquids. This seriously hampers the study of potential monolayer quantum spin liquid candidates such as… ▽ More Quantum spin liquids are quantum phases of matter featuring collectively entangled states and emergent fractional many-body excitations. While methods exist to probe three-dimensional quantum spin liquids experimentally, these techniques lack the sensitivity to probe two-dimensional quantum spin liquids. This seriously hampers the study of potential monolayer quantum spin liquid candidates such as $α$-RuCl$_3$ and 1T-TaSe$_2$. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) have recently been suggested as promising probes of the quantum spin liquid state, as they can access the spinon spectrum through inelastic tunneling spectroscopy (IETS). In this work, we employ this approach on the quantum spin liquid candidate material 1T-TaSe$_2$ and directly measure its low-energy inelastic excitations. We observe the emergence of a $\sqrt{3}\times\sqrt{3}$ reconstruction driven by the substrate, equivalent spectroscopy across all spin sites and coexistence of zero and finite energy excitations. We show that these observations are consistent with a modulated $\sqrt{3}\times\sqrt{3}$ spin liquid ground state. Our results demonstrate that IETS provides a powerful route to obtain atomic-scale insight into the magnetic excitations of two-dimensional materials, allowing to explore the effects of moiré modulations on potential quantum liquid phases. △ Less

Submitted 5 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Hamiltonian learning quantum magnets with dynamical impurity tomography

Authors: Netta Karjalainen, Greta Lupi, Rouven Koch, Adolfo O. Fumega, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Nanoscale engineered spin systems, ranging from spins on surfaces to nanographenes, provide flexible platforms to realize entangled quantum magnets from a bottom up approach. However, assessing the quantum many-body Hamiltonian realized in a specific experiment remains an exceptional open challenge, due to the difficulty of disentangling competing terms accounting for the many-body excitations. He… ▽ More Nanoscale engineered spin systems, ranging from spins on surfaces to nanographenes, provide flexible platforms to realize entangled quantum magnets from a bottom up approach. However, assessing the quantum many-body Hamiltonian realized in a specific experiment remains an exceptional open challenge, due to the difficulty of disentangling competing terms accounting for the many-body excitations. Here, we demonstrate a machine learning strategy to learn a quantum many-body spin Hamiltonian from scanning spectroscopy measurements of spin excitations. Our methodology leverages the spatially-resolved reconstruction of the many-body excitations induced by depositing quantum impurities next to the quantum magnet. We demonstrate that our algorithm allows us to predict long-range Heisenberg exchange interactions, anisotropic exchange, as well as antisymmetric Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, including in the presence of sizable noise. Our methodology establishes defect-induced spatially-resolved dynamical excitations in quantum magnets as a powerful strategy to understand the nature of quantum spin many-body models. △ Less

Submitted 21 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 10 pages, 5 figures

Observation of electromagnons in a monolayer multiferroic

Authors: Mohammad Amini, Tiago V. C. Antão, Liwei Jing, Ziying Wang, Antti Karjasilta, Robert Drost, Shawulienu Kezilebieke, Jose L. Lado, Adolfo O. Fumega, Peter Liljeroth

Abstract: Van der Waals multiferroics have emerged as a promising platform to explore novel magnetoelectric phenomena. Recently, it has been shown that monolayer NiI$_2$ hosts robust type-II multiferroicity down to the two-dimensional limit, a giant dynamical magnetoelectric coupling at terahertz frequencies, and an electrically switchable spin polarization. These developments present the possibility of eng… ▽ More Van der Waals multiferroics have emerged as a promising platform to explore novel magnetoelectric phenomena. Recently, it has been shown that monolayer NiI$_2$ hosts robust type-II multiferroicity down to the two-dimensional limit, a giant dynamical magnetoelectric coupling at terahertz frequencies, and an electrically switchable spin polarization. These developments present the possibility of engineering ultrafast, low-energy-consumption, and electrically-tunable spintronic devices based on the collective excitations of the multiferroic order, electromagnons. However, the direct visualization of these bosonic modes in real space and within the monolayer limit remains elusive. Here, we report the atomic-scale observation of electromagnons in monolayer NiI$_2$ using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. By tracking the thermal evolution of the multiferroic phase, we establish the energy scale and resolve coherent in-gap excitations of the symmetry-broken multiferroic state. Comparison with first-principles and spin-model calculations reveals that the low-energy modes originate from electromagnon excitations. Spatially resolved inelastic tunneling spectroscopy maps show a stripe-like modulation of the local spectral function at electromagnon energies, matching theoretical predictions. These results provide direct evidence of the internal structure of electromagnons and establish a methodology to probe these modes at the atomic scale, opening avenues for electrically tunable spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 31 July, 2026; v1 submitted 9 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Observation of tunable chiral spin textures with nonlinear optics

Authors: Youqiang Huang, Tiago V. C. Antao, Adolfo O. Fumega, Mikko Turunen, Yi Zhang, Hanlin Fang, Nianze Shang, Juan C. Arias-Munoz, Fedor Nigmatulin, Hao Hong, Andrew S. Kim, Faisal Ahmed, Hyunyong Choi, Sanshui Xiao, Kaihui Liu, Jose L. Lado, Zhipei Sun

Abstract: Chiral spin textures, such as spin spirals and skyrmions, are key to advancing spintronics by enabling ultrathin, energy-efficient memory, and high-density data storage and processing. However, their realization remains hindered by the scarcity of suitable host materials and the formidable experimental challenges associated with the characterization of these intricate chiral magnetic states. Here,… ▽ More Chiral spin textures, such as spin spirals and skyrmions, are key to advancing spintronics by enabling ultrathin, energy-efficient memory, and high-density data storage and processing. However, their realization remains hindered by the scarcity of suitable host materials and the formidable experimental challenges associated with the characterization of these intricate chiral magnetic states. Here, we report the observation of tunable chiral magnetic textures in van der Waals magnet CrPS$_4$ with nonlinear optics. These tunable textures exhibit strong chiral third-order nonlinear optical responses, driven by interlayer and intralayer spin couplings under varying magnetic fields and temperatures. These pronounced chiral nonlinear optical responses highlight the potency and high sensitivity of the nonlinear optical readout for probing non-collinear magnetic orders. Moreover, our findings position van der Waals magnets and their heterostructures as an exceptional platform for reconfigurable spin-photonics and spintronics, unifying optical, electrical, and magnetic properties through unique intralayer and interlayer spin coupling properties and effective spin interaction between photons and electrons. △ Less

Submitted 10 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Topology and criticality in non-Hermitian multimodal optical resonators through engineered losses

Authors: Elizabeth Louis Pereira, Hongwei Li, Andrea Blanco-Redondo, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Non-Hermitian topological matter provides a platform for engineering phenomena that go beyond the capabilities of Hermitian systems, enabling the use of losses to engineer topological phenomena. Non-Hermitian models often rely on artificial platforms made of engineered lattices because controlling losses in natural compounds is challenging. Although typical models for non-Hermitian photonic matter… ▽ More Non-Hermitian topological matter provides a platform for engineering phenomena that go beyond the capabilities of Hermitian systems, enabling the use of losses to engineer topological phenomena. Non-Hermitian models often rely on artificial platforms made of engineered lattices because controlling losses in natural compounds is challenging. Although typical models for non-Hermitian photonic matter are often single mode, photonic systems are often multimodal, producing mixing between different normal modes in each site. In this work, we explore a generalized family of multimodal non-Hermitian lattices, featuring multiple resonant modes. We show that these multimodal models are capable of featuring topological modes and criticality, similar to the artificial single-mode models often considered. We analyze the robustness of these non-Hermitian topological modes to fluctuation of local losses, disorder, and artificial gauge field. We show that these effects can be captured via both a full microscopic model and effective multiorbital models. Specifically, we show that due to their multiorbital nature, the localization properties of non-Hermitian multiorbital models can be controlled by an external gauge field. Our results demonstrate that internal orbital degrees of freedom provide a promising strategy to engineer controllable non-Hermitian topology and criticality. △ Less

Submitted 18 August, 2026; v1 submitted 5 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Tensor network method for real-space topology in quasicrystal Chern mosaics

Authors: Tiago V. C. Antão, Yitao Sun, Adolfo O. Fumega, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Computing topological invariants in two-dimensional quasicrystals and super-moire matter is a remarkable open challenge, due to the absence of translational symmetry and the colossal number of sites inherent to these systems. Here, we establish a method to compute local topological invariants of exceptionally large systems using tensor networks, enabling the computation of invariants for Hamiltoni… ▽ More Computing topological invariants in two-dimensional quasicrystals and super-moire matter is a remarkable open challenge, due to the absence of translational symmetry and the colossal number of sites inherent to these systems. Here, we establish a method to compute local topological invariants of exceptionally large systems using tensor networks, enabling the computation of invariants for Hamiltonians with hundreds of millions of sites, several orders of magnitude above the capabilities of conventional methodologies. Our approach leverages a tensor-network representation of the density matrix using a Chebyshev tensor network algorithm, enabling large-scale calculations of topological markers in quasicrystalline and moire systems. We demonstrate our methodology with two-dimensional quasicrystals featuring $C_8$ and $C_{10}$ rotational symmetries and mosaics of Chern phases. Our work establishes a powerful method to compute topological phases in exceptionally large-scale topological systems, providing the required tool to rationalize generic supe-moire and quasicrystalline topological matter. △ Less

Submitted 1 September, 2025; v1 submitted 5 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: 7 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 156601 (2026)

Hamiltonian Learning of Triplon Excitations in an Artificial Nanoscale Molecular Quantum Magnet

Authors: Rouven Koch, Robert Drost, Peter Liljeroth, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Extracting the Hamiltonian parameters of nanoscale quantum magnets from experimental measurements is a significant challenge in quantum matter. Here we establish a machine learning strategy to extract the parameters of a spin Hamiltonian from inelastic spectroscopy with scanning tunneling microscopy, and we demonstrate this methodology experimentally with an artificial nanoscale molecular magnet b… ▽ More Extracting the Hamiltonian parameters of nanoscale quantum magnets from experimental measurements is a significant challenge in quantum matter. Here we establish a machine learning strategy to extract the parameters of a spin Hamiltonian from inelastic spectroscopy with scanning tunneling microscopy, and we demonstrate this methodology experimentally with an artificial nanoscale molecular magnet based on cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC) molecules on NbSe$_2$. We show that this technique allows us to extract the Hamiltonian parameters of a quantum magnet from the differential conductance, including the substrate-induced spatial variation of the exchange couplings. Our methodology leverages a machine learning algorithm trained on exact quantum many-body simulations with tensor networks of finite quantum magnets, leading to a methodology that predicts the Hamiltonian parameters of CoPC quantum magnets of arbitrary size. Our results demonstrate how quantum many-body methods and machine learning enable us to learn a microscopic description of nanoscale quantum many-body systems with scanning tunneling spectroscopy. △ Less

Submitted 27 August, 2025; v1 submitted 29 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 5 pages, 5 figures, supplementary information

Journal ref: Nano Letters 25, 36, 13435-13440 (2025)

Control of Andreev Reflection via a Single-Molecule Orbital

Authors: Lorenz Meyer, Jose L. Lado, Nicolas Néel, Jörg Kröger

Abstract: Charge transport across a single-molecule junction fabricated from a normal-metal tip, a phthalocyanine, and a conventional superconductor in a scanning tunneling microscope is explored as a function of the gradually closed vacuum gap. The phthalocyanine (2H-Pc) molecule and its pyrrolichydrogen-abstracted derivative (Pc) exhibit vastly different behavior. Andreev reflection across the 2H-Pc conta… ▽ More Charge transport across a single-molecule junction fabricated from a normal-metal tip, a phthalocyanine, and a conventional superconductor in a scanning tunneling microscope is explored as a function of the gradually closed vacuum gap. The phthalocyanine (2H-Pc) molecule and its pyrrolichydrogen-abstracted derivative (Pc) exhibit vastly different behavior. Andreev reflection across the 2H-Pc contact exhibits a temporary enhancement that diminishes with increasing conductance. The hybridization of 2H-Pc with the tip at contact formation gives rise to a Kondo-screened molecular magnetic moment. In contrast, the single-Pc junction lacks Andreev reflection in the same conductance range. Spectroscopies and supporting nonequilibrium Green function calculations highlight the importance of a molecular orbital close to the Fermi energy for Andreev reflection. △ Less

Submitted 2 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 146201 (2025)

Multiferroic nematic d-wave altermagnetism driven by orbital-order on the honeycomb lattice

Authors: Luigi Camerano, Adolfo O. Fumega, Jose L. Lado, Alessandro Stroppa, Gianni Profeta

Abstract: Altermagnets provide promising platforms for unconventional magnetism, whose controllability would enable a whole new generation of spintronic devices. While a variety of bulk altermagnets have been discovered, altermagnetism in two-dimensional van der Waals materials has remained elusive. Here we demonstrate that the strained honeycomb monolayer VCl$_{3}$ is an orbital-order-driven ferroelectric… ▽ More Altermagnets provide promising platforms for unconventional magnetism, whose controllability would enable a whole new generation of spintronic devices. While a variety of bulk altermagnets have been discovered, altermagnetism in two-dimensional van der Waals materials has remained elusive. Here we demonstrate that the strained honeycomb monolayer VCl$_{3}$ is an orbital-order-driven ferroelectric altermagnet, exhibiting a significant and switchable spin-splitting. By using low-energy Hamiltonian and first-principles methods in combination with symmetry analysis, we reveal a unique anti-ferro-orbital-antiferromagnetic phase characterized by a 2D nematic $d$-wave altermagnetic spin splitting, tightly coupled with an orbital-ordered induced ferroelectric polarization. Finally, through symmetry mode analysis, we investigate how structural distortions favor the intricate interplay between orbital, altermagnetic, and ferroelectric degrees of freedom. Our study identifies VCl$_3$ as a prototypical 2D orbital-order-driven multiferroic altermagnet on the honeycomb lattice, establishing a van der Waals monolayer featuring altermagnetic ferroelectricity. △ Less

Submitted 25 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: main + SI

Journal ref: npj 2d materials and applications (2025)

Self-consistent tensor network method for correlated super-moiré matter beyond one billion sites

Authors: Yitao Sun, Marcel Niedermeier, Tiago V. C. Antão, Adolfo O. Fumega, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Moiré and super-moiré materials provide exceptional platforms to engineer exotic correlated quantum matter. The vast number of sites required to model moiré systems in real space remains a formidable challenge due to the immense computational resources required. Super-moiré materials push this requirement to the limit, where millions or even billions of sites need to be considered, a requirement b… ▽ More Moiré and super-moiré materials provide exceptional platforms to engineer exotic correlated quantum matter. The vast number of sites required to model moiré systems in real space remains a formidable challenge due to the immense computational resources required. Super-moiré materials push this requirement to the limit, where millions or even billions of sites need to be considered, a requirement beyond the capabilities of conventional methods for interacting systems. Here, we establish a methodology that allows solving correlated states in systems reaching a billion sites, that exploits tensor-network representations of real-space Hamiltonians and self-consistent real-space mean-field equations. Our method combines a tensor-network kernel polynomial method with quantics tensor cross interpolation algorithm, enabling us to solve exponentially large models, including those whose single particle Hamiltonian is too large to be stored explicitly. We demonstrate our methodology with super-moiré systems featuring spatially modulated hoppings, many-body interactions and domain walls, showing that it allows access to self-consistent symmetry broken states and spectral functions of real-space models reaching a billion sites. Our methodology provides a strategy to solve exceptionally large interacting problems, providing a widely applicable strategy to compute correlated super-moiré quantum matter. △ Less

Submitted 15 December, 2025; v1 submitted 6 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 16 pages, 9 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043288 (2025)

Electrical probe of spin-spiral order in quantum spin Hall/spin-spiral magnet van der Waals heterostructures

Authors: Fedor Nigmatulin, Jose L. Lado, Zhipei Sun

Abstract: Two-dimensional spin-spiral magnets provide promising building blocks for van der Waals heterostructures due to their tunable spin textures and potential for novel functionalities for quantum devices. However, due to its vanishing magnetization and two-dimensional nature, it is challenging to detect the existence of its noncollinear magnetization. Here, we show that a van der Waals junction based… ▽ More Two-dimensional spin-spiral magnets provide promising building blocks for van der Waals heterostructures due to their tunable spin textures and potential for novel functionalities for quantum devices. However, due to its vanishing magnetization and two-dimensional nature, it is challenging to detect the existence of its noncollinear magnetization. Here, we show that a van der Waals junction based on a spin-spiral magnet and a quantum spin Hall insulator enables obtaining signatures of noncollinear magnetization directly from electrical measurements. Our strategy exploits the sensitivity of helical states to local breaking of time-reversal symmetry, potentially enabling the detection of local magnetic orders even in the absence of net magnetization. We show that the combination of spin-spiral order and nonmagnetic disorder gives rise to scattering in the helical channels that can be directly associated with the spiral exchange coupling and residual nonmagnetic disorder strength. Our results show how electrical transport measurement may offer a way to detect spin-spiral magnets by leveraging helical states in van der Waals heterostructures. △ Less

Submitted 23 July, 2025; v1 submitted 4 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 112, 024430 (2025)

Transfer learning of many-body electronic correlation entropy from local measurements

Authors: Faluke Aikebaier, Teemu Ojanen, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: The characterization of quantum correlations in many-body systems is instrumental to understanding the nature of emergent phenomena in quantum materials. The correlation entropy serves as a key metric for assessing the complexity of a quantum many-body state in interacting electronic systems. However, its determination requires the measurement of all single-particle correlators across a macroscopi… ▽ More The characterization of quantum correlations in many-body systems is instrumental to understanding the nature of emergent phenomena in quantum materials. The correlation entropy serves as a key metric for assessing the complexity of a quantum many-body state in interacting electronic systems. However, its determination requires the measurement of all single-particle correlators across a macroscopic sample, which can be impractical. Machine learning methods have been shown to allow learning the correlation entropy from a reduced set of measurements, yet these methods assume that the targeted system is contained in the set of training Hamiltonians. Here we show that a transfer learning strategy enables correlation entropy learning from a reduced set of measurements in families of Hamiltonians never considered in the training set. We demonstrate this transfer learning methodology in a wide variety of interacting models including local and non-local attractive and repulsive many-body interactions, long-range hopping, doping, magnetic field, and spin-orbit coupling. Furthermore, we show how this transfer learning methodology allows detecting quantum many-body phases never observed during their training set without prior knowledge about them. Our results demonstrate that correlation entropy learning can be potentially performed experimentally without requiring training in the experimentally realized Hamiltonian. △ Less

Submitted 7 November, 2025; v1 submitted 16 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: 7 Pages, 5 Figures

Hamiltonian-learning quantum magnets with non-local impurity tomography

Authors: Greta Lupi, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Impurities in quantum materials have provided successful strategies for learning properties of complex states, ranging from unconventional superconductors to topological insulators. In quantum magnetism, inferring the Hamiltonian of an engineered system becomes a challenging open problem in the presence of complex interactions. Here we show how a supervised machine-learning technique can be used t… ▽ More Impurities in quantum materials have provided successful strategies for learning properties of complex states, ranging from unconventional superconductors to topological insulators. In quantum magnetism, inferring the Hamiltonian of an engineered system becomes a challenging open problem in the presence of complex interactions. Here we show how a supervised machine-learning technique can be used to infer Hamiltonian parameters from atomically engineered quantum magnets by inferring fluctuations of the ground states due to the presence of impurities. We demonstrate our methodology both with a fermionic model with spin-orbit coupling, as well as with many-body spin models with long-range exchange and anisotropic exchange interactions. We show that our approach enables performing Hamiltonian extraction in the presence of significant noise, providing a strategy to perform Hamiltonian learning with experimental observables in atomic-scale quantum magnets. Our results establish a strategy to perform Hamiltonian learning by exploiting the impact of impurities in complex quantum many-body states. △ Less

Submitted 20 June, 2025; v1 submitted 10 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 14 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Applied 23, 054077 (2025)

Strain-induced two-dimensional topological crystalline insulator

Authors: Liwei Jing, Mohammad Amini, Adolfo O. Fumega, Orlando J. Silveira, Jose L. Lado, Peter Liljeroth, Shawulienu Kezilebieke

Abstract: Topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) host topological phases of matter protected by crystal symmetries. Topological surface states in three-dimensional TCIs have been predicted and observed in IV-VI SnTe-class semiconductors. Despite the prediction of a two-dimensional (2D) TCI characterized by two pairs of edge states inside the bulk gap, materials challenges have thus far prevented its expe… ▽ More Topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) host topological phases of matter protected by crystal symmetries. Topological surface states in three-dimensional TCIs have been predicted and observed in IV-VI SnTe-class semiconductors. Despite the prediction of a two-dimensional (2D) TCI characterized by two pairs of edge states inside the bulk gap, materials challenges have thus far prevented its experimental realization. Here we report the growth and characterization of bilayer SnTe on the 2$H$-NbSe$_2$ substrate by molecular beam epitaxy and scanning tunneling microscopy. We experimentally observe two anticorrelated, periodically modulated pairs of conducting edge states along the perimeters of the sample with a large band gap exceeding $0.2$ eV. We identify these states with a 2D TCI through first principles calculations. Finally, we probe the coupling of adjacent topological edge states and demonstrate the resulting energy shift driven by a combination of electrostatic interactions and tunneling coupling. Our work opens the door to investigations of tunable topological states in 2D TCIs, of potential impact for spintronics and nanoelectronics applications at room temperature. △ Less

Submitted 9 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Journal ref: Nat Commun 17, 817 (2026)

Correlated states in super-moiré materials with a kernel polynomial quantics tensor cross interpolation algorithm

Authors: Adolfo O. Fumega, Marcel Niedermeier, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Super-moiré materials represent a novel playground to engineer states of matter beyond the possibilities of conventional moiré materials. However, from the computational point of view, understanding correlated matter in these systems requires solving models with several millions of atoms, a formidable task for state-of-the-art methods. Conventional wavefunction methods for correlated matter scale… ▽ More Super-moiré materials represent a novel playground to engineer states of matter beyond the possibilities of conventional moiré materials. However, from the computational point of view, understanding correlated matter in these systems requires solving models with several millions of atoms, a formidable task for state-of-the-art methods. Conventional wavefunction methods for correlated matter scale with a cubic power with the number of sites, a major challenge for super-moiré materials. Here, we introduce a methodology capable of solving correlated states in super-moiré materials by combining a kernel polynomial method with a quantics tensor cross interpolation matrix product state algorithm. This strategy leverages a mapping of the super-moiré structure to a many-body Hilbert space, that is efficiently sampled with tensor cross interpolation with matrix product states, where individual evaluations are performed with a Chebyshev kernel polynomial algorithm. We demonstrate this approach with interacting super-moiré systems with up to several millions of atoms, showing its ability to capture correlated states in moiré-of-moiré systems and domain walls between different moiré systems. Our manuscript puts forward a widely applicable methodology to study correlated matter in ultra-long length scales, enabling rationalizing correlated super-moiré phenomena. △ Less

Submitted 24 December, 2024; v1 submitted 27 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: 13 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: 2D Materials 12 015018 (2024)

Topological zero modes and correlation pumping in an engineered Kondo lattice

Authors: Zina Lippo, Elizabeth Louis Pereira, Jose L. Lado, Guangze Chen

Abstract: Topological phases of matter provide a flexible platform to engineer unconventional quantum excitations in quantum materials. Beyond single particle topological matter, in systems with strong quantum many-body correlations, many-body effects can be the driving force for non-trivial topology. Here, we propose a one-dimensional engineered Kondo lattice where the emergence of topological excitations… ▽ More Topological phases of matter provide a flexible platform to engineer unconventional quantum excitations in quantum materials. Beyond single particle topological matter, in systems with strong quantum many-body correlations, many-body effects can be the driving force for non-trivial topology. Here, we propose a one-dimensional engineered Kondo lattice where the emergence of topological excitations is driven by collective many-body Kondo physics. We first show the existence of topological zero modes in this system by solving the interacting model with tensor networks, and demonstrate their robustness against disorder. To unveil the origin of the topological zero modes, we analyze the associated periodic Anderson model showing that it can be mapped to a topological non-Hermitian model, enabling rationalizing the origin of the topological zero modes. We finally show that the topological invariant of the many-body Kondo lattice can be computed with a correlation matrix pumping method directly with the exact quantum many-body wavefunction. Our results provide a strategy to engineer topological Kondo insulators, highlighting quantum magnetism as a driving force in engineering topological matter. △ Less

Submitted 25 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: 7+2 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 116605 (2025)

Multicomponent magneto-orbital order and magneto-orbitons in monolayer VCl3

Authors: Luigi Camerano, Adolfo O. Fumega, Gianni Profeta, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Van der Waals monolayers featuring magnetic states provide a fundamental building block for artificial quantum matter. Here, we establish the emergence of a multicomponent ground state featuring magneto-orbital excitations of the 3d2-transition metal trihalide VCl3 monolayer. We show that monolayer VCl3 realizes a ground state with simultaneous magnetic and orbital ordering using density functiona… ▽ More Van der Waals monolayers featuring magnetic states provide a fundamental building block for artificial quantum matter. Here, we establish the emergence of a multicomponent ground state featuring magneto-orbital excitations of the 3d2-transition metal trihalide VCl3 monolayer. We show that monolayer VCl3 realizes a ground state with simultaneous magnetic and orbital ordering using density functional theory. Using first-principles methods we derive an effective Hamiltonian with intertwined spin and orbital degree of freedom, which we demonstrate can be tuned by strain. We show that magneto-orbitons appear as the collective modes of this complex order, and arise from coupled orbiton magnon excitations due to the magneto-orbital coupling in the system. Our results establish VCl3 as a promising 2D material to observe emergent magneto-orbital excitations and provide a platform for multicomponent symmetry breaking. △ Less

Submitted 8 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: 7 pages, 3 figures

Lee-Yang formalism for phase transitions of interacting fermions using tensor networks

Authors: Pascal M. Vecsei, Jose L. Lado, Christian Flindt

Abstract: Predicting the phase diagram of interacting quantum many-body systems is a challenging problem in condensed matter physics. Strong interactions and correlation effects may lead to exotic states of matter, such as quantum spin liquids and unconventional superconductors, that often compete with other symmetry broken states including ordered magnets and charge density waves. Here, we put forward a fo… ▽ More Predicting the phase diagram of interacting quantum many-body systems is a challenging problem in condensed matter physics. Strong interactions and correlation effects may lead to exotic states of matter, such as quantum spin liquids and unconventional superconductors, that often compete with other symmetry broken states including ordered magnets and charge density waves. Here, we put forward a formalism for determining the phase diagram of fermionic systems that combines recent progress in the field of Lee-Yang theory of phase transitions with many-body tensor-network methods. Using this strategy, we map out the phase diagram of a fermionic chain, where charge density waves form owing to strong repulsion. Specifically, from the high cumulants of the order parameter, we extract the dominant zeros of the moment-generating function in chains of finite size. By extrapolating their positions to the thermodynamic limit, we determine the boundaries between competing phases. Our formalism provides a strategy for determining critical points in fermionic systems, and it is based on fluctuations of the order parameter, which are measurable quantities. △ Less

Submitted 16 February, 2025; v1 submitted 2 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: 9 pages, 7 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 111, 075134 (2025)

Electric field control of moiré skyrmion phases in twisted multiferroic NiI$_2$ bilayers

Authors: Tiago V. C. Antão, Jose L. Lado, Adolfo O. Fumega

Abstract: Twisted magnetic van der Waals materials provide a flexible platform to engineer new forms of unconventional magnetism. Here we demonstrate the emergence of electrically tunable topological moiré magnetism in twisted bilayers of the spin-spiral multiferroic NiI$_2$. We establish a rich phase diagram featuring uniform spiral phases, a variety of $kπ$-skyrmion lattices, and nematic spin textures ord… ▽ More Twisted magnetic van der Waals materials provide a flexible platform to engineer new forms of unconventional magnetism. Here we demonstrate the emergence of electrically tunable topological moiré magnetism in twisted bilayers of the spin-spiral multiferroic NiI$_2$. We establish a rich phase diagram featuring uniform spiral phases, a variety of $kπ$-skyrmion lattices, and nematic spin textures ordered at the moiré scale. The emergence of these phases is driven by the local stacking and the resulting modulated frustration in the spin spiral stemming from the moiré pattern. Notably, when the spin-spiral wavelength is commensurate with the moiré length scale by an integer $k$, multi-walled skyrmions become pinned to the moiré pattern. We show that the strong magnetoelectric coupling displayed by the moiré multiferroic allows the electric control of the $kπ$-skyrmion lattices by an out-of-plane electric field, which couples to the moiré-induced electric polarization. While adiabatic changes in the electric field preserve the topology of the spin configurations, abrupt variations can trigger transitions between different skyrmion lattice ground states. Our results establish a highly tunable platform for skyrmionics based on twisted van der Waals multiferroics, potentially enabling a new generation of ultrathin topologically-protected spintronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 29 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Nano Lett. 2024, 24, 49, 15767-15773

Phase diagram of the J1-J2 Heisenberg second-order topological quantum magnet

Authors: Pascal M. Vecsei, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Competing interactions in quantum magnets lead to a variety of emergent states, including ordered phases, nematic magnets and quantum spin liquids. Among them, topological quantum magnets represent a promising platform to create topological excitations protected by the bulk many-body excitation gap. Here we establish the phase diagram of a breathing frustrated antiferromagnetic J1-J2-Heisenberg mo… ▽ More Competing interactions in quantum magnets lead to a variety of emergent states, including ordered phases, nematic magnets and quantum spin liquids. Among them, topological quantum magnets represent a promising platform to create topological excitations protected by the bulk many-body excitation gap. Here we establish the phase diagram of a breathing frustrated antiferromagnetic J1-J2-Heisenberg model, featuring both ordered states and a higher-order topological quantum magnet state. Using exact many-body methods based on neural network quantum states and tensor networks, we determine the existence of a first order phase transition between stripe order and the topological quantum magnet and the second order phase transition between the Neel order and quantum magnet phase, further corroborated by calculations of the many-body gap. Using an auxiliary fermion parton formalism, we show the emergence of topological spinon corner modes stemming from the breathing order parameter of the parent Heisenberg model. Our results establish the breathing frustrated square lattice Heisenberg model as a paradigmatic system to engineer topological quantum magnetism, as recently realized in Ti lattices at MgO. △ Less

Submitted 29 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Research 7, 013194 (2025)

Electrical control of magnons in multiferroic NiI$_2$

Authors: Andrey Rybakov, Adolfo O. Fumega, Dorye L. Esteras, Jose L. Lado, José J. Baldoví

Abstract: Layered van der Waals two-dimensional (2D) magnets are a cornerstone of ultrathin spintronic and magnonic devices. The recent discovery of a 2D multiferroic with strong magnetoelectric coupling in NiI$_2$ offers a promising platform for the electrical control of spin-wave transport. In this work, using ab initio calculations, we investigate how the magnonic properties of monolayer NiI$_2$ can be c… ▽ More Layered van der Waals two-dimensional (2D) magnets are a cornerstone of ultrathin spintronic and magnonic devices. The recent discovery of a 2D multiferroic with strong magnetoelectric coupling in NiI$_2$ offers a promising platform for the electrical control of spin-wave transport. In this work, using ab initio calculations, we investigate how the magnonic properties of monolayer NiI$_2$ can be controlled using an external electric field. We show that the emergence of a ferroelectric polarization leads to an energy splitting in the magnon spectrum, thus establishing a way to detect the electric polarization experimentally. We also show the modulation of the magnon splitting and the energy position of the singularities in magnon DOS by an electric field due to the strong magnetoelectric coupling. Our results highlight the interplay between ferroelectricity and magnons in van der Waals multiferroics and pave the way to design electrically tunable magnetic devices at the 2D limit. △ Less

Submitted 31 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Many-body Liouvillian dynamics with a non-Hermitian tensor-network kernel polynomial algorithm

Authors: Guangze Chen, Jose L. Lado, Fei Song

Abstract: Understanding the dynamics of open quantum many-body systems is a major problem in quantum matter. Specifically, efficiently solving the spectrum of the Liouvillian superoperator governing such dynamics remains a critical open challenge. Here, we put forward a method for solving the many-body Liouvillian spectrum and dynamics based on the non-Hermitian kernel polynomial method and tensor-network t… ▽ More Understanding the dynamics of open quantum many-body systems is a major problem in quantum matter. Specifically, efficiently solving the spectrum of the Liouvillian superoperator governing such dynamics remains a critical open challenge. Here, we put forward a method for solving the many-body Liouvillian spectrum and dynamics based on the non-Hermitian kernel polynomial method and tensor-network techniques. We demonstrate the faithfulness of our method by computing the dynamics of the dephasing quantum compass model with a gradient magnetic field and comparing it with exact results. In particular, we show that our method allows us to characterize the quantum Zeno crossover and the reduction of relaxation rate due to Stark localization in this model. We further demonstrate the ability of our method to go beyond exact results by exploring nearest-neighbor interaction effects on the Liouvillian dynamics, elucidating the interplay between Stark localization and many-body interactions. Our method provides an efficient solution to many-body Liouvillian spectrum and dynamics, establishing a methodology to explore large open quantum many-body systems. △ Less

Submitted 24 November, 2024; v1 submitted 8 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 11 pages, 7 figures. Source codes are available at https://github.com/GUANGZECHEN/NHKPM.jl

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Research 6, 043182 (2024)

Heisenberg Spin-1/2 Antiferromagnetic Molecular Chains

Authors: Kewei Sun, Nan Cao, Orlando J. Silveira, Adolfo O. Fumega, Fiona Hanindita, Shingo Ito, Jose L. Lado, Peter Liljeroth, Adam S. Foster, Shigeki Kawai

Abstract: Carbon-based nanostructures possessing π-electron magnetism have attracted tremendous interest due to their great potential for nano spintronics. In particular, quantum chains with magnetic molecular units synthesized by on-surface reactions provide an ideal playground for investigating magnetic exchange interactions between localized spin components. Here, we present an extensive study of antifer… ▽ More Carbon-based nanostructures possessing π-electron magnetism have attracted tremendous interest due to their great potential for nano spintronics. In particular, quantum chains with magnetic molecular units synthesized by on-surface reactions provide an ideal playground for investigating magnetic exchange interactions between localized spin components. Here, we present an extensive study of antiferromagnetic nanographene chains with the diazahexabenzocoronene molecule as the repeating unit. A combination of bond-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy, density functional theory and quantum spin models revealed their detailed structures and electronic and magnetic properties. We found that the antiferromagnetic chains host a collective state featuring gapped excitations for an even number of repeating units and one featuring a Kondo excitation for an odd number. Comparing with exact many-body quantum spin models, our molecular chains provide the realization of an entangled quantum Heisenberg model. Coupled with the tunability of the molecular building blocks, these systems can act as an ideal platform for the experimental realization of topological spin lattices. △ Less

Submitted 2 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Cross-Platform Autonomous Control of Minimal Kitaev Chains

Authors: David van Driel, Rouven Koch, Vincent P. M. Sietses, Sebastiaan L. D. ten Haaf, Chun-Xiao Liu, Francesco Zatelli, Bart Roovers, Alberto Bordin, Nick van Loo, Guanzhong Wang, Jan Cornelis Wolff, Grzegorz P. Mazur, Tom Dvir, Ivan Kulesh, Qingzhen Wang, A. Mert Bozkurt, Sasa Gazibegovic, Ghada Badawy, Erik P. A. M. Bakkers, Michael Wimmer, Srijit Goswami, Jose L. Lado, Leo P. Kouwenhoven, Eliska Greplova

Abstract: Contemporary quantum devices are reaching new limits in size and complexity, allowing for the experimental exploration of emergent quantum modes. However, this increased complexity introduces significant challenges in device tuning and control. Here, we demonstrate autonomous tuning of emergent Poor Man's Majorana zero modes in a minimal realization of a Kitaev chain. We achieve this task using cr… ▽ More Contemporary quantum devices are reaching new limits in size and complexity, allowing for the experimental exploration of emergent quantum modes. However, this increased complexity introduces significant challenges in device tuning and control. Here, we demonstrate autonomous tuning of emergent Poor Man's Majorana zero modes in a minimal realization of a Kitaev chain. We achieve this task using cross-platform transfer learning. First, we train a tuning model on a theory model. Next, we retrain it using a Kitaev chain realization in a two-dimensional electron gas. Finally, we apply this model to tune a Kitaev chain realized in quantum dots coupled through a semiconductor-superconductor section in a one-dimensional nanowire. Utilizing a convolutional neural network, we predict the tunneling and Cooper pair splitting rates from differential conductance measurements, employing these predictions to adjust the electrochemical potential to a Poor Man's Majorana sweet spot. The algorithm successfully converges to an immediate vicinity of a sweet spot (within 1.5 mV in 67.6% of attempts and within 4.5 mV in 80.9% of cases), typically finding a sweet spot in 45 minutes or less. This advancement is a stepping stone towards autonomous tuning of emergent modes in interacting systems, and towards foundational tuning machine learning models that can be deployed across a range of experimental platforms. △ Less

Submitted 24 June, 2026; v1 submitted 7 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Quantum computing topological invariants of two-dimensional quantum matter

Authors: Marcel Niedermeier, Marc Nairn, Christian Flindt, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Quantum algorithms provide a potential strategy for solving computational problems that are intractable by classical means. Computing the topological invariants of topological matter is one central problem in research on quantum materials, and a variety of numerical approaches for this purpose have been developed. However, the complexity of quantum many-body Hamiltonians makes calculations of topo… ▽ More Quantum algorithms provide a potential strategy for solving computational problems that are intractable by classical means. Computing the topological invariants of topological matter is one central problem in research on quantum materials, and a variety of numerical approaches for this purpose have been developed. However, the complexity of quantum many-body Hamiltonians makes calculations of topological invariants challenging for interacting systems. Here, we present two quantum circuits for calculating Chern numbers of two-dimensional quantum matter on quantum computers. Both circuits combine a gate-based adiabatic time-evolution over the discretized Brillouin zone with particular phase estimation techniques. The first algorithm uses many qubits, and we analyze it using a tensor-network simulator of quantum circuits. The second circuit uses fewer qubits, and we implement it experimentally on a quantum computer based on superconducting qubits. Our results establish a method for computing topological invariants with quantum circuits, taking a step towards characterizing interacting topological quantum matter using quantum computers. △ Less

Submitted 17 December, 2024; v1 submitted 9 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: 11 pages, 7 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Research 6, 043288 (2024)

Construction of topological quantum magnets from atomic spins on surfaces

Authors: Hao Wang, Peng Fan, Jing Chen, Lili Jiang, Hong-Jun Gao, Jose L. Lado, Kai Yang

Abstract: Artificial quantum systems have emerged as indispensable platforms to realize exotic topological matter in a well-controlled manner. Here, we demonstrate topological quantum Heisenberg spin lattices, engineered with spin chains and two-dimensional spin arrays using spin 1/2 atoms on insulating films in a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). We engineered with atomic precision both topological and… ▽ More Artificial quantum systems have emerged as indispensable platforms to realize exotic topological matter in a well-controlled manner. Here, we demonstrate topological quantum Heisenberg spin lattices, engineered with spin chains and two-dimensional spin arrays using spin 1/2 atoms on insulating films in a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). We engineered with atomic precision both topological and trivial phases of the quantum spin model, realizing first- and second-order topological quantum magnets. Their many-body excitations were probed by single-atom electron spin resonance with ultrahigh energy resolution. The atomically-localized magnetic field of the STM tip allows us to directly visualize various topological bound modes including topological edge states, topological defects, and higher-order corner modes. Our results provide an important bottom-up approach to simulating exotic quantum many-body phases of interacting spins. △ Less

Submitted 3 September, 2024; v1 submitted 21 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: Nature Nanotechnology (2024)

Journal ref: Nature Nanotechnology 19, 1782 (2024)

Non-Hermitian Fermi-Dirac Distribution in Persistent Current Transport

Authors: Pei-Xin Shen, Zhide Lu, Jose L. Lado, Mircea Trif

Abstract: Persistent currents circulate continuously without requiring external power sources. Here, we extend their theory to include dissipation within the framework of non-Hermitian quantum Hamiltonians. Using Green's function formalism, we introduce a non-Hermitian Fermi-Dirac distribution and derive an analytical expression for the persistent current that relies solely on the complex spectrum. We apply… ▽ More Persistent currents circulate continuously without requiring external power sources. Here, we extend their theory to include dissipation within the framework of non-Hermitian quantum Hamiltonians. Using Green's function formalism, we introduce a non-Hermitian Fermi-Dirac distribution and derive an analytical expression for the persistent current that relies solely on the complex spectrum. We apply our formula to two dissipative models supporting persistent currents: (i) a phase-biased superconducting-normal-superconducting junction; (ii) a normal ring threaded by a magnetic flux. We show that the persistent currents in both systems exhibit no anomalies at any emergent exceptional points, whose signatures are only discernible in the current susceptibility. We validate our findings by exact diagonalization and extend them to account for finite temperatures and interaction effects. Our formalism offers a general framework for computing quantum many-body observables of non-Hermitian systems in equilibrium, with potential extensions to non-equilibrium scenarios. △ Less

Submitted 24 August, 2024; v1 submitted 14 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 5+9 pages, 4+5 figures, published in Phys. Rev. Lett. with Editors' Suggestion

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 133, 086301 (2024)

Nature of the unconventional heavy fermion Kondo state in monolayer CeSiI

Authors: Adolfo O. Fumega, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: CeSiI has been recently isolated in the ultrathin limit, establishing CeSiI as the first intrinsic two-dimensional van der Waals heavy-fermion material up to 85 K. We show that, due to the strong Ce spin-orbit coupling, the local moments develop a multipolar real-space magnetic texture, leading to local pseudospins with a nearly vanishing net moment. To elucidate its Kondo-screened regime, we extr… ▽ More CeSiI has been recently isolated in the ultrathin limit, establishing CeSiI as the first intrinsic two-dimensional van der Waals heavy-fermion material up to 85 K. We show that, due to the strong Ce spin-orbit coupling, the local moments develop a multipolar real-space magnetic texture, leading to local pseudospins with a nearly vanishing net moment. To elucidate its Kondo-screened regime, we extract from first principles the parameters of the Kondo lattice model describing this material. We develop a fractional pseudofermion methodology in combination with ab initio calculations to reveal the nature of the Kondo-screened heavy fermion state in CeSiI. Using this formalism, we analyze the competing magnetic interactions leading to a heavy-fermion order as a function of the magnetic exchange between the localized f-electrons and the strength of the Kondo coupling. Our results show that the magnetic exchange interactions promote an unconventional momentum-dependent heavy-fermion Kondo screened phase, establishing the nature of the heavy-fermion behavior of ultrathin CeSiI observed experimentally. △ Less

Submitted 19 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Nano Letters 24, 14, 4272-4278 (2024)

Doped Mott phase and charge correlations in monolayer 1T-NbSe$_2$

Authors: Xin Huang, Jose L. Lado, Jani Sainio, Peter Liljeroth, Somesh Chandra Ganguli

Abstract: The doped Hubbard model is one of the paradigmatic platforms to engineer exotic quantum many-body states, including charge-ordered states, strange metals and unconventional superconductors. While undoped and doped correlated phases have been experimentally realized in a variety twisted van der Waals materials, experiments in monolayer materials, and in particular 1T transition metal dichalcogenide… ▽ More The doped Hubbard model is one of the paradigmatic platforms to engineer exotic quantum many-body states, including charge-ordered states, strange metals and unconventional superconductors. While undoped and doped correlated phases have been experimentally realized in a variety twisted van der Waals materials, experiments in monolayer materials, and in particular 1T transition metal dichalcogenides, have solely reached the conventional insulating undoped regime. Correlated phases in monolayer two-dimensional materials have much higher associated energy scales than their twisted counterparts, making doped correlated monolayers an attractive platform for high temperature correlated quantum matter. Here, we demonstrate the realization of a doped Mott phase in a van der Waals dichalcogenide 1T-NbSe$_2$ monolayer. The system is electron doped due to electron transfer to a monolayer van der Waals substrate via proximity, leading to a correlated triangular lattice with both half-filled and fully-filled sites. We analyze the distribution of the half-filled and filled sites and show the arrangement is unlikely to be controlled by disorder alone, and we show that the presence of competing non-local many-body correlations would account for the charge correlations found experimentally. Our results establish 1T-NbSe$_2$ as a potential monolayer platform to explore correlated doped Mott physics in a frustrated lattice. △ Less

Submitted 5 March, 2024; v1 submitted 16 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett.134, 046504 (2025)

Tuning spinaron and Kondo resonances via quantum confinement

Authors: Markus Aapro, Abraham Kipnis, Jose L. Lado, Shawulienu Kezilebieke, Peter Liljeroth

Abstract: Controlling zero bias anomalies in magnetic atoms provides a promising strategy to engineer tunable quantum many-body excitations. Here we show how two different quantum impurities featuring spinaron and Kondo excitations can be controlled via quantum confinement engineering by using circular quantum corrals on a Ag(111) surface. In corrals built from both Ag and Co adatoms, the width of the zero… ▽ More Controlling zero bias anomalies in magnetic atoms provides a promising strategy to engineer tunable quantum many-body excitations. Here we show how two different quantum impurities featuring spinaron and Kondo excitations can be controlled via quantum confinement engineering by using circular quantum corrals on a Ag(111) surface. In corrals built from both Ag and Co adatoms, the width of the zero bias anomaly in the central Co adatom oscillates as a function of corral radius with a period of half of the Ag(111) surface state wavelength. Parameters extracted for Co/Ag(111) show only small differences in extracted spinaron zero-bias anomaly between corral walls built from Ag or Co adatoms. In quantum corrals occupied with metal-free phthalocyanine, a $S=1/2$ Kondo system, we observe notable changes in the zero bias anomaly lineshape as a function of corral radius. Our results offer insight into many-body Kondo and spinaron resonances where the electronic density is controlled by confinement engineering. △ Less

Submitted 17 April, 2024; v1 submitted 6 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 109, 195415 (2024)

Non-Hermitian topology and criticality in photonic arrays with engineered losses

Authors: Elizabeth Louis Pereira, Hongwei Li, Andrea Blanco-Redondo, Jose L. Lado

Abstract: Integrated photonic systems provide a flexible platform where artificial lattices can be engineered in a reconfigurable fashion. Here, we show that one-dimensional photonic arrays with engineered losses allow the realization of topological excitations stemming from non-Hermiticity and bulk mode criticality. We show that a generalized modulation of the local photonic losses allows the creation of t… ▽ More Integrated photonic systems provide a flexible platform where artificial lattices can be engineered in a reconfigurable fashion. Here, we show that one-dimensional photonic arrays with engineered losses allow the realization of topological excitations stemming from non-Hermiticity and bulk mode criticality. We show that a generalized modulation of the local photonic losses allows the creation of topological modes both in the presence of periodicity and even in the quasiperiodic regime. We demonstrate that a localization transition of all the bulk photonic modes can be engineered in the presence of a quasiperiodic loss modulation, and we further demonstrate that such a transition can be created in the presence of both resonance frequency modulation and loss modulation. We finally address the robustness of this phenomenology to the presence of next to the nearest neighbor couplings and disorder in the emergence of criticality and topological modes. Our results put forward a strategy to engineer topology and criticality solely from engineered losses in a photonic system, establishing a potential platform to study the impact of nonlinearities in topological and critical photonic matter. △ Less

Submitted 4 April, 2024; v1 submitted 16 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 10 pages, 8 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Research 6, 023004 (2024)