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Visualization of Skyrmion-Superconducting Vortex Pairs in a Chiral-Magnet-Superconductor Heterostructure
Authors:
Yong-Jie Xie,
Ang Qian,
Bin He,
Yu-Biao Wu,
Sheng Wang,
Bing Xu,
Guoqiang Yu,
Xiufeng Han,
X. G. Qiu
Abstract:
Magnetic skyrmions, the topological states possessing chiral magnetic structure with nontrivial topology, have been widely investigated as a promising candidate for spintronic devices. They can also couple with superconducting vortices to form skyrmion-vortex pairs, hosting Majorana zero mode, which is a potential candidate for topological quantum computing. Many theoretical proposals have been pu…
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Magnetic skyrmions, the topological states possessing chiral magnetic structure with nontrivial topology, have been widely investigated as a promising candidate for spintronic devices. They can also couple with superconducting vortices to form skyrmion-vortex pairs, hosting Majorana zero mode, which is a potential candidate for topological quantum computing. Many theoretical proposals have been put forward on constructing skyrmion-vortex pairs in heterostructures of chiral magnets and superconductors. Nevertheless, how to generate skyrmion-vortex pairs in a controllable way experimentally remains a significant challenge. We have designed a heterostructure of a chiral magnet and superconductor [Ta/Ir/CoFeB/MgO]7/Nb in which zero field Néel-type skyrmions can be stabilized and the superconducting vortices can couple with the skyrmions when Nb is in the superconducting state. We have directly observed the formation of skyrmion-superconducting vortex pairs that is dependent on the direction of the applied magnetic field. Our results provide an effective method to manipulate the quantum states of skyrmions with the help of superconducting vortices, which can be used to explore new routines to control the skyrmions for spintronics devices.
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Submitted 20 October, 2024; v1 submitted 20 October, 2023;
originally announced October 2023.
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Direct Observation of Coherent Longitudinal and Shear Acoustic Phonons in TaAs Using Ultrafast X-ray Diffraction
Authors:
Min-Cheol Lee,
N. Sirica,
S. W. Teitelbaum,
A. Maznev,
T. Pezeril,
R. Tutchton,
V. Krapivin,
G. A. de la Pena,
Y. Huang,
L. X. Zhao,
G. F. Chen,
B. Xu,
R. Yang,
J. Shi,
J. Zhu,
D. A. Yarotski,
X. G. Qiu,
K. A. Nelson,
M. Trigo,
D. A. Reis,
R. P. Prasankumar
Abstract:
Using femtosecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction, we investigated optically excited coherent acoustic phonons in the Weyl semimetal TaAs. The low symmetry of the (112) surface probed in our experiment enables the simultaneous excitation of longitudinal and shear acoustic modes, whose dispersion closely matches our simulations. We observed an asymmetry in the spectral lineshape of the longitudinal…
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Using femtosecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction, we investigated optically excited coherent acoustic phonons in the Weyl semimetal TaAs. The low symmetry of the (112) surface probed in our experiment enables the simultaneous excitation of longitudinal and shear acoustic modes, whose dispersion closely matches our simulations. We observed an asymmetry in the spectral lineshape of the longitudinal mode that is notably absent from the shear mode, suggesting a time-dependent frequency chirp that is likely driven by photoinduced carrier diffusion. We argue on the basis of symmetry that these acoustic deformations can transiently alter the electronic structure near the Weyl points and support this with model calculations. Our study underscores the benefit of using off-axis crystal orientations when optically exciting acoustic deformations in topological semimetals, allowing one to transiently change their crystal and electronic structures.
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Submitted 28 February, 2022; v1 submitted 13 November, 2020;
originally announced November 2020.
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Photocurrent-driven transient symmetry breaking in the Weyl semimetal TaAs
Authors:
N Sirica,
P. P. Orth,
M. S. Scheurer,
Y. M. Dai,
M. -C. Lee,
P. Padmanabhan,
L. T. Mix,
S. W. Teitelbaum,
M. Trigo,
L. X. Zhao,
G. F. Chen,
B. Xu,
R. Yang,
B. Shen,
C. Hu,
C. -C. Lee,
H. Lin,
T. A. Cochran,
S. A. Trugman,
J. -X. Zhu,
M. Z. Hasan,
N. Ni,
X. G. Qiu,
A. J. Taylor,
D. A. Yarotski
, et al. (1 additional authors not shown)
Abstract:
Symmetry plays a central role in conventional and topological phases of matter, making the ability to optically drive symmetry change a critical step in developing future technologies that rely on such control. Topological materials, like the newly discovered topological semimetals, are particularly sensitive to a breaking or restoring of time-reversal and crystalline symmetries, which affect both…
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Symmetry plays a central role in conventional and topological phases of matter, making the ability to optically drive symmetry change a critical step in developing future technologies that rely on such control. Topological materials, like the newly discovered topological semimetals, are particularly sensitive to a breaking or restoring of time-reversal and crystalline symmetries, which affect both bulk and surface electronic states. While previous studies have focused on controlling symmetry via coupling to the crystal lattice, we demonstrate here an all-electronic mechanism based on photocurrent generation. Using second-harmonic generation spectroscopy as a sensitive probe of symmetry change, we observe an ultrafast breaking of time-reversal and spatial symmetries following femtosecond optical excitation in the prototypical type-I Weyl semimetal TaAs. Our results show that optically driven photocurrents can be tailored to explicitly break electronic symmetry in a generic fashion, opening up the possibility of driving phase transitions between symmetry-protected states on ultrafast time scales.
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Submitted 9 November, 2021; v1 submitted 20 May, 2020;
originally announced May 2020.
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Optical and photoemission investigation of structural and magnetic transitions in the iron-based superconductor Sr$_\mathbf{0.67}$Na$_\mathbf{0.33}$Fe$_\mathbf{2}$As$_\mathbf{2}$
Authors:
R. Yang,
J. W. Huang,
N. Zaki,
I. Pletikosic,
Y. M. Dai,
H. Xiao,
T. Valla,
P. D. Johnson,
X. J. Zhou,
X. G. Qiu,
C. C. Homes
Abstract:
We report the temperature-dependent optical conductivity and ARPES studies of the iron-based superconductor (SC) Sr$_{0.67}$Na$_{0.33}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ in the high-temperature tetragonal paramagnetic phase; below the structural and magnetic transitions at $T_{\rm N}\simeq$125 K in the orthorhombic spin-density-wave (SDW)-like phase, and $T_r\simeq$42 K in the reentrant tetragonal double-Q magnetic pha…
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We report the temperature-dependent optical conductivity and ARPES studies of the iron-based superconductor (SC) Sr$_{0.67}$Na$_{0.33}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ in the high-temperature tetragonal paramagnetic phase; below the structural and magnetic transitions at $T_{\rm N}\simeq$125 K in the orthorhombic spin-density-wave (SDW)-like phase, and $T_r\simeq$42 K in the reentrant tetragonal double-Q magnetic phase where both charge and SDW order exist; and below the SC transition at $T_c\simeq$10 K. The free-carrier component in the optical conductivity is described by two Drude contributions; one strong and broad, the other weak and narrow. The broad Drude component decreases dramatically below $T_{\rm N}$ and $T_r$, with much of its strength being transferred to a bound excitation in the mid-infrared, while the narrow Drude component shows no anomalies at either of the transitions, actually increasing in strength at low temperature while narrowing dramatically. The behavior of an infrared-active mode suggests zone-folding below $T_r$. Below $T_c$ the dramatic decrease in the low-frequency optical conductivity signals the formation of a SC energy gap. ARPES reveals hole-like bands at the center of the Brillouin zone (BZ), with both electron- and hole-like bands at the corners. Below $T_{\rm N}$, the hole pockets at the center of the BZ decrease in size, consistent with the behavior of the broad Drude component; while below $T_r$ the electron-like bands shift and split, giving rise to a low-energy excitation in the optical conductivity at ~20 meV. The magnetic states, with resulting SDW and charge-SDW order, respectively, lead to a significant reconstruction of the Fermi surface that has profound implications for the transport originating from the electron and hole pockets, but appears to have relatively little impact on the SC in this material.
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Submitted 30 December, 2019; v1 submitted 7 October, 2019;
originally announced October 2019.
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Tracking ultrafast photocurrents in the Weyl semimetal TaAs using THz emission spectroscopy
Authors:
N. Sirica,
R. I. Tobey,
L. X. Zhao,
G. F. Chen,
B. Xu,
R. Yang,
B. Shen,
D. A. Yarotski,
P. Bowlan,
S. A. Trugman,
J. -X. Zhu,
Y. M. Dai,
A. K. Azad,
N. Ni,
X. G. Qiu,
A. J. Taylor,
R. P. Prasankumar
Abstract:
We investigate polarization-dependent ultrafast photocurrents in the Weyl semimetal TaAs using terahertz (THz) emission spectroscopy. Our results reveal that highly directional, transient photocurrents are generated along the non-centrosymmetric c-axis regardless of incident light polarization, while helicity-dependent photocurrents are excited within the ab-plane. This is consistent with earlier…
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We investigate polarization-dependent ultrafast photocurrents in the Weyl semimetal TaAs using terahertz (THz) emission spectroscopy. Our results reveal that highly directional, transient photocurrents are generated along the non-centrosymmetric c-axis regardless of incident light polarization, while helicity-dependent photocurrents are excited within the ab-plane. This is consistent with earlier static photocurrent experiments, and demonstrates on the basis of both the physical constraints imposed by symmetry and the temporal dynamics intrinsic to current generation and decay that optically induced photocurrents in TaAs are inherent to the underlying crystal symmetry of the transition metal monopnictide family of Weyl semimetals.
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Submitted 6 February, 2019; v1 submitted 6 November, 2018;
originally announced November 2018.
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Temperature-driven Topological Phase Transition and Intermediate Dirac Semimetal Phase in ZrTe$_5$
Authors:
B. Xu,
L. X. Zhao,
P. Marsik,
E. Sheveleva,
F. Lyzwa,
Y. M. Dai,
G. F. Chen,
X. G. Qiu,
C. Bernhard
Abstract:
We present an infrared spectroscopy study of ZrTe$_5$, which confirms a recent theoretical proposal that this material exhibits a temperature-driven topological quantum phase transition from a weak to a strong topological insulating state with an intermediate Dirac semimetal state around $T_p \simeq$ 138K. Our study details the temperature evolution of the energy gap in the bulk electronic structu…
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We present an infrared spectroscopy study of ZrTe$_5$, which confirms a recent theoretical proposal that this material exhibits a temperature-driven topological quantum phase transition from a weak to a strong topological insulating state with an intermediate Dirac semimetal state around $T_p \simeq$ 138K. Our study details the temperature evolution of the energy gap in the bulk electronic structure. We found that the energy gap closes around $T_p$ where the optical response exhibits characteristic signatures of a Dirac semimetal state, i.e. a linear frequency-dependent optical conductivity extrapolating to the origin (after subtracting a weak Drude response). This finding allows us to reconcile previous diverging reports about the topological nature of ZrTe$_5$ in terms of a variation of $T_p$ that depends on the crystal growth condition.
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Submitted 2 November, 2018;
originally announced November 2018.
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Scaling of the Fano effect of the in-plane Fe-As phonon and the superconducting critical temperature in Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$
Authors:
B. Xu,
E. Cappelluti,
L. Benfatto,
B. P. P. Mallett,
P. Marsik,
E. Sheveleva,
F. Lyzwa,
Th. Wolf,
R. Yang,
X. G. Qiu,
Y. M. Dai,
H. H. Wen,
R. P. S. M. Lobo,
C. Bernhard
Abstract:
By means of infrared spectroscopy we determine the temperature-doping phase diagram of the Fano effect for the in-plane Fe-As stretching mode in Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$. The Fano parameter $1/q^2$, which is a measure of the phonon coupling to the electronic particle-hole continuum, shows a remarkable sensitivity to the magnetic/structural orderings at low temperatures. More strikingly, a…
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By means of infrared spectroscopy we determine the temperature-doping phase diagram of the Fano effect for the in-plane Fe-As stretching mode in Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$. The Fano parameter $1/q^2$, which is a measure of the phonon coupling to the electronic particle-hole continuum, shows a remarkable sensitivity to the magnetic/structural orderings at low temperatures. More strikingly, at elevated temperatures in the paramagnetic/tetragonal state we find a linear correlation between $1/q^2$ and the superconducting critical temperature $T_c$. Based on theoretical calculations and symmetry considerations, we identify the relevant interband transitions that are coupled to the Fe-As mode. In particular, we show that a sizable $xy$ orbital component at the Fermi level is fundamental for the Fano effect and possibly also for the superconducting pairing.
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Submitted 24 October, 2018;
originally announced October 2018.
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Infrared probe of the gap evolution across the phase diagram of Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$
Authors:
B. Xu,
Y. M. Dai,
H. Xiao,
B. Shen,
H. H. Wen,
X. G. Qiu,
R. P. S. M. Lobo
Abstract:
We measured the optical conductivity of superconducting single crystals of Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ with $x$ ranging from 0.40 (optimal doping, $T_c = 39$ K) down to 0.20 (underdoped, $T_c = 16$ K), where a magnetic order coexists with superconductivity. In the normal state, the low-frequency optical conductivity can be described by an incoherent broad Drude component and a coherent narro…
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We measured the optical conductivity of superconducting single crystals of Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ with $x$ ranging from 0.40 (optimal doping, $T_c = 39$ K) down to 0.20 (underdoped, $T_c = 16$ K), where a magnetic order coexists with superconductivity. In the normal state, the low-frequency optical conductivity can be described by an incoherent broad Drude component and a coherent narrow Drude component: the broad one is doping-independent, while the narrow one shows strong scattering in the heavily underdoped compound. In the superconducting state, the formation of the condensate leads to a low-frequency suppression of the optical conductivity spectral weight. In the heavily underdoped region, the superfluid density is significantly suppressed, and the weight of unpaired carriers rapidly increases. We attribute these results to changes in the superconducting gap across the phase diagram, which could show a nodal-to-nodeless transition due to the strong interplay between magnetism and superconductivity in underdoped Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$.
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Submitted 16 September, 2017;
originally announced September 2017.
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Temperature-tunable Fano resonance induced by strong coupling between Weyl fermions and phonons in TaAs
Authors:
B. Xu,
Y. M. Dai,
L. X. Zhao,
K. Wang,
R. Yang,
W. Zhang,
J. Y. Liu,
H. Xiao,
G. F. Chen,
S. A. Trugman,
J. -X. Zhu,
A. J. Taylor,
D. A. Yarotski,
R. P. Prasankumar,
X. G. Qiu
Abstract:
Strong coupling between discrete phonon and continuous electron-hole pair excitations can give rise to a pronounced asymmetry in the phonon line shape, known as the Fano resonance. This effect has been observed in a variety of systems, such as stripe-phase nickelates, graphene and high-$T_{c}$ superconductors. Here, we reveal explicit evidence for strong coupling between an infrared-active $A_1$ p…
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Strong coupling between discrete phonon and continuous electron-hole pair excitations can give rise to a pronounced asymmetry in the phonon line shape, known as the Fano resonance. This effect has been observed in a variety of systems, such as stripe-phase nickelates, graphene and high-$T_{c}$ superconductors. Here, we reveal explicit evidence for strong coupling between an infrared-active $A_1$ phonon and electronic transitions near the Weyl points (Weyl fermions) through the observation of a Fano resonance in the recently discovered Weyl semimetal TaAs. The resultant asymmetry in the phonon line shape, conspicuous at low temperatures, diminishes continuously as the temperature increases. This anomalous behavior originates from the suppression of the electronic transitions near the Weyl points due to the decreasing occupation of electronic states below the Fermi level ($E_{F}$) with increasing temperature, as well as Pauli blocking caused by thermally excited electrons above $E_{F}$. Our findings not only elucidate the underlying mechanism governing the tunable Fano resonance, but also open a new route for exploring exotic physical phenomena through the properties of phonons in Weyl semimetals.
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Submitted 29 August, 2016;
originally announced August 2016.
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Optical observation of spin-density-wave fluctuations in Ba122 iron-based superconductors
Authors:
B. Xu,
Y. M. Dai,
H. Xiao,
B. Shen,
Z. R. Ye,
A. Forget,
D. Colson,
D. L. Feng,
H. H. Wen,
X. G. Qiu,
R. P. S. M. Lobo
Abstract:
In iron-based superconductors, a spin-density-wave (SDW) magnetic order is suppressed with doping and unconventional superconductivity appears in close proximity to the SDW instability. The optical response of the SDW order shows clear gap features: substantial suppression in the low-frequency optical conductivity, alongside a spectral weight transfer from low to high frequencies. Here, we study t…
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In iron-based superconductors, a spin-density-wave (SDW) magnetic order is suppressed with doping and unconventional superconductivity appears in close proximity to the SDW instability. The optical response of the SDW order shows clear gap features: substantial suppression in the low-frequency optical conductivity, alongside a spectral weight transfer from low to high frequencies. Here, we study the detailed temperature dependence of the optical response in three different series of the Ba122 system [Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$, Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$)$_{2}$As$_{2}$ and BaFe$_{2}$(As$_{1-x}$P$_{x}$)$_{2}$]. Intriguingly, we found that the suppression of the low-frequency optical conductivity and spectral weight transfer appear at a temperature $T^{\ast}$ much higher than the SDW transition temperature $T_{SDW}$. Since this behavior has the same optical feature and energy scale as the SDW order, we attribute it to SDW fluctuations. Furthermore, $T^{\ast}$ is suppressed with doping, closely following the doping dependence of the nematic fluctuations detected by other techniques. These results suggest that the magnetic and nematic orders have an intimate relationship, in favor of the magnetic-fluctuation-driven nematicity scenario in iron-based superconductors.
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Submitted 18 August, 2016;
originally announced August 2016.
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Spin-flop transition and magnetic phase diagram in CaCo$_{2}$As$_{2}$ revealed by torque measurements
Authors:
W. Zhang,
K. Nadeem,
H. Xiao,
R. Yang,
B. Xu,
H. Yang,
X. G. Qiu
Abstract:
The magnetic properties of CaCo$_{2}$As$_{2}$ single crystal was systematically studied by using dc magnetization and magnetic torque measurements. A paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition occurs at $T_N$ = 74 K with Co spins being aligned parallel to the c axis. For $H \parallel c$, a field-induced spin-flop transition was observed below $T_N$ and a magnetic transition from antiferromagneti…
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The magnetic properties of CaCo$_{2}$As$_{2}$ single crystal was systematically studied by using dc magnetization and magnetic torque measurements. A paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition occurs at $T_N$ = 74 K with Co spins being aligned parallel to the c axis. For $H \parallel c$, a field-induced spin-flop transition was observed below $T_N$ and a magnetic transition from antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic was inferred from the detailed analysis of magnetization and magnetic torque. Finally, we summarize the magnetic phase diagram of CaCo$_{2}$As$_{2}$ based on our results in the \emph{H-T} plane.
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Submitted 12 October, 2015;
originally announced October 2015.
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Optical Signatures of Weyl Points in TaAs
Authors:
B. Xu,
Y. M. Dai,
L. X. Zhao,
K. Wang,
R. Yang,
W. Zhang,
J. Y. Liu,
H. Xiao,
G. F. Chen,
A. J. Taylor,
D. A. Yarotski,
R. P. Prasankumar,
X. G. Qiu
Abstract:
We present a systematic study of both the temperature and frequency dependence of the optical response in TaAs, a material that has recently been realized to host the Weyl semimetal state. Our study reveals that the optical conductivity of TaAs features a narrow Drude response alongside a conspicuous linear dependence on frequency. The width of the Drude peak decreases upon cooling, following a…
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We present a systematic study of both the temperature and frequency dependence of the optical response in TaAs, a material that has recently been realized to host the Weyl semimetal state. Our study reveals that the optical conductivity of TaAs features a narrow Drude response alongside a conspicuous linear dependence on frequency. The width of the Drude peak decreases upon cooling, following a $T^{2}$ temperature dependence which is expected for Weyl semimetals. Two linear components with distinct slopes dominate the 5-K optical conductivity. A comparison between our experimental results and theoretical calculations suggests that the linear conductivity below $\sim$230~cm$^{-1}$ is a clear signature of the Weyl points lying in very close proximity to the Fermi energy.
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Submitted 1 October, 2015;
originally announced October 2015.
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Spin-Fluctuation-Induced Non-Fermi-Liquid Behavior with suppressed superconductivity in LiFe$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$As
Authors:
Y. M. Dai,
H. Miao,
L. Y. Xing,
X. C. Wang,
P. S. Wang,
H. Xiao,
T. Qian,
P. Richard,
X. G. Qiu,
W. Yu,
C. Q. Jin,
Z. Wang,
P. D. Johnson,
C. C. Homes,
H. Ding
Abstract:
A series of LiFe$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$As compounds with different Co concentrations have been studied by transport, optical spectroscopy, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. We observed a Fermi liquid to non-Fermi liquid to Fermi liquid (FL-NFL-FL) crossover alongside a monotonic suppression of the superconductivity with increasing Co content. In parallel to the FL-…
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A series of LiFe$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$As compounds with different Co concentrations have been studied by transport, optical spectroscopy, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. We observed a Fermi liquid to non-Fermi liquid to Fermi liquid (FL-NFL-FL) crossover alongside a monotonic suppression of the superconductivity with increasing Co content. In parallel to the FL-NFL-FL crossover, we found that both the low-energy spin fluctuations and Fermi surface nesting are enhanced and then diminished, strongly suggesting that the NFL behavior in LiFe$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$As is induced by low-energy spin fluctuations which are very likely tuned by Fermi surface nesting. Our study reveals a unique phase diagram of LiFe$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$As where the region of NFL is moved to the boundary of the superconducting phase, implying that they are probably governed by different mechanisms.
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Submitted 16 September, 2015; v1 submitted 3 May, 2015;
originally announced May 2015.
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Anomalous phonon redshift in K-doped BaFe2As2 iron pnictides
Authors:
B. Xu,
Y. M. Dai,
B. Shen,
H. Xiao,
Z. R. Ye,
A. Forget,
D. Colson,
D. L. Feng,
H. H. Wen,
C. C. Homes,
X. G. Qiu,
R. P. S. M. Lobo
Abstract:
The effect of K, Co and P dopings on the lattice dynamics in the BaFe$_2$As$_2$ system is studied by infrared spectroscopy. We focus on the phonon at $\sim$ 253 cm$^{-1}$, the highest energy in-plane infrared-active Fe-As mode in BaFe$_2$As$_2$. Our studies show that the Co and P dopings lead to a blue shift of this phonon in frequency, which can be simply interpreted by the change of lattice para…
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The effect of K, Co and P dopings on the lattice dynamics in the BaFe$_2$As$_2$ system is studied by infrared spectroscopy. We focus on the phonon at $\sim$ 253 cm$^{-1}$, the highest energy in-plane infrared-active Fe-As mode in BaFe$_2$As$_2$. Our studies show that the Co and P dopings lead to a blue shift of this phonon in frequency, which can be simply interpreted by the change of lattice parameters induced by doping. In sharp contrast, an unusual red shift of the same mode was observed in the K-doped compound, at odds with the above explanation. This anomalous behavior in K-doped BaFe$_2$As$_2$ is more likely associated with the coupling between lattice vibrations and other channels, such as charge or spin. This coupling scenario is also supported by the asymmetric line shape and intensity growth of the phonon in the K-doped compound.
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Submitted 12 March, 2015;
originally announced March 2015.
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Electron-phonon coupling in the superconducting single crystal Rb$_{0.8}$Fe$_{1.68}$Se$_2$
Authors:
B. Xu,
Y. M. Dai,
J. Han,
K. Wang,
R. Yang,
Y. X. Yang,
W. Zhang,
H. Xiao,
X. G. Qiu
Abstract:
The optical properties of the superconducting single crystal Rb$_{0.8}$Fe$_{1.68}$Se$_2$ with $T_{c}$ $\simeq$ 31 K have been measured over a wide frequency range in the $ab$ plane. We found that the optical conductivity is dominated by a series of infrared-active phonon modes at low-frequency region as well as several other high-frequency bound excitations. The low-frequency optical conductivity…
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The optical properties of the superconducting single crystal Rb$_{0.8}$Fe$_{1.68}$Se$_2$ with $T_{c}$ $\simeq$ 31 K have been measured over a wide frequency range in the $ab$ plane. We found that the optical conductivity is dominated by a series of infrared-active phonon modes at low-frequency region as well as several other high-frequency bound excitations. The low-frequency optical conductivity has rather low value and shows quite small Drude-like response, indicating low carriers density in this material. Furthermore, the phonon modes increase continuously in frequency with decreasing temperature; specifically, the phonon mode around 200 cm$^{-1}$ shows an enhanced asymmetry effect at low temperatures, suggesting an increasing electron-phonon coupling in this system.
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Submitted 26 May, 2014;
originally announced May 2014.
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Hidden $T$-Linear Scattering Rate in Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ Revealed by Optical Spectroscopy
Authors:
Y. M. Dai,
B. Xu,
B. Shen,
H. Xiao,
H. H. Wen,
X. G. Qiu,
C. C. Homes,
R. P. S. M. Lobo
Abstract:
The optical properties of Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ have been determined in the normal state for a number of temperatures over a wide frequency range. Two Drude terms, representing two groups of carriers with different scattering rates ($1/τ$), well describe the real part of the optical conductivity, $σ_{1}(ω)$. A "broad" Drude component results in an incoherent background with a $T$-ind…
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The optical properties of Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ have been determined in the normal state for a number of temperatures over a wide frequency range. Two Drude terms, representing two groups of carriers with different scattering rates ($1/τ$), well describe the real part of the optical conductivity, $σ_{1}(ω)$. A "broad" Drude component results in an incoherent background with a $T$-independent $1/τ_b$, while a "narrow" Drude component reveals a $T$-linear $1/τ_n$ resulting in a resistivity $ρ_n \equiv 1/σ_{1n}(ω\rightarrow 0)$ also linear in temperature. An arctan($T$) low-frequency spectral weight is also a strong evidence for a $T$-linear 1/$τ$. Comparison to other materials with similar behavior suggests that the $T$-linear $1/τ_n$ and $ρ_n$ in Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ originate from scattering from spin fluctuations and hence that an antiferromagnetic quantum critical point is likely to exist in the superconducting dome.
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Submitted 11 September, 2013;
originally announced September 2013.
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Filamentary superconductivity across the phase diagram of Ba(Fe,Co)$_2$As$_2$
Authors:
H. Xiao,
T. Hu,
S. K. He,
B. Shen,
W. J. Zhang,
B. Xu,
K. F. He,
J. Han,
Y. P. Singh,
H. H. Wen,
X. G. Qiu,
C. Panagopoulos,
C. C. Almasan
Abstract:
We show magnetotransport results on Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ ($0.0 \leq x \leq 0.13$) single crystals. We identify the low temperature resistance step at 23 K in the parent compound with the onset of filamentary superconductivity (FLSC), which is suppressed by an applied magnetic field in a similar manner to the suppression of bulk superconductivity (SC) in doped samples. FLSC is found to pe…
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We show magnetotransport results on Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ ($0.0 \leq x \leq 0.13$) single crystals. We identify the low temperature resistance step at 23 K in the parent compound with the onset of filamentary superconductivity (FLSC), which is suppressed by an applied magnetic field in a similar manner to the suppression of bulk superconductivity (SC) in doped samples. FLSC is found to persist across the phase diagram until the long range antiferromagnetic order is completely suppressed. A significant suppression of FLSC occurs for $0.02<x<0.04$, the doping concentration where bulk SC emerges. Based on these results and the recent report of an electronic anisotropy maximum for 0.02 $\leq x \leq$ 0.04 [Science 329, 824 (2010)], we speculate that, besides spin fluctuations, orbital fluctuations may also play an important role in the emergence of SC in iron-based superconductors.
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Submitted 16 August, 2012;
originally announced August 2012.
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Transport Measurements on Nano-engineered Two Dimensional Superconducting Wire Networks
Authors:
W. J. Zhang,
S. K. He,
H. Xiao,
G. M. Xue,
Z. C. Wen,
X. F. Han,
S. P. Zhao,
C. Z. Gu,
X. G. Qiu
Abstract:
Superconducting triangular Nb wire networks with high normal-state resistance are fabricated by using a negative tone hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) resist. Robust magnetoresistance oscillations are observed up to high magnetic fields and maintained at low temperatures, due to the eective reduction of wire dimensions. Well-defined dips appear at integral and rational values (1/2, 1/3, 1/4) of the r…
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Superconducting triangular Nb wire networks with high normal-state resistance are fabricated by using a negative tone hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) resist. Robust magnetoresistance oscillations are observed up to high magnetic fields and maintained at low temperatures, due to the eective reduction of wire dimensions. Well-defined dips appear at integral and rational values (1/2, 1/3, 1/4) of the reduced flux f = Phi/Phi_0, which is the first observation in the triangular wire networks. These results are well consistent with theoretical calculations for the reduced critical temperature as a function of f.
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Submitted 22 March, 2012;
originally announced March 2012.
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Edge superconducting state in Nb thin film with rectangular arrays of antidots
Authors:
W. J. Zhang,
S. K. He,
H. F. Liu,
G. M. Xue,
H. Xiao,
B. H. Li,
Z. C. Wen,
X. F. Han,
S. P. Zhao,
C. Z. Gu,
X. G. Qiu,
Victor V. Moshchalkov
Abstract:
Superconducting Nb thin films with rectangular arrays of submicron antidots have been systemically investigated by transport measurements. In low fields, the magnetoresistance curves demonstrate well-defined dips at integral and rational numbers of flux quanta per unit cell, which corresponds to a superconducting wire network-like regime. When the magnetic field is higher than a saturation field,…
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Superconducting Nb thin films with rectangular arrays of submicron antidots have been systemically investigated by transport measurements. In low fields, the magnetoresistance curves demonstrate well-defined dips at integral and rational numbers of flux quanta per unit cell, which corresponds to a superconducting wire network-like regime. When the magnetic field is higher than a saturation field, interstitial vortices interrupt the collective oscillation in low fields and form vortex sublattice, where a larger magnetic field interval is observed. In higher fields, a crossover behavior from the interstitial sublattice state to a single-loop-like state is observed, characterized by oscillations with a period of $Φ_0/πr_{eff}^2$, originating from the existence of edge superconducting states with a size $r_{eff}$ around the antidots.
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Submitted 1 March, 2012; v1 submitted 1 March, 2012;
originally announced March 2012.
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Pseudogap in underdoped Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ as seen via optical conductivity
Authors:
Y. M. Dai,
B. Xu,
B. Shen,
H. H. Wen,
J. P. Hu,
X. G. Qiu,
R. P. S. M. Lobo
Abstract:
We report the observation of a pseudogap in the \emph{ab}-plane optical conductivity of underdoped Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ ($x = 0.2$ and 0.12) single crystals. Both samples show prominent gaps opened by a spin density wave (SDW) order and superconductivity at the transition temperatures $T_{\it SDW}$ and $T_c$, respectively. In addition, we observe an evident pseudogap below…
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We report the observation of a pseudogap in the \emph{ab}-plane optical conductivity of underdoped Ba$_{1-x}$K$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ ($x = 0.2$ and 0.12) single crystals. Both samples show prominent gaps opened by a spin density wave (SDW) order and superconductivity at the transition temperatures $T_{\it SDW}$ and $T_c$, respectively. In addition, we observe an evident pseudogap below $T^{\ast} \sim$ 75 K, a temperature much lower than $T_{\it SDW}$ but much higher than $T_{c}$. A spectral weight analysis shows that the pseudogap is closely connected to the superconducting gap, indicating the possibility of its being a precursor of superconductivity. The doping dependence of the gaps is also supportive of such a scenario.
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Submitted 11 September, 2013; v1 submitted 16 February, 2012;
originally announced February 2012.
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Abnormal magnetoresistance behavior in Nb thin film with rectangular antidot lattice
Authors:
W. J. Zhang,
S. K. He,
B. H. Li,
F. Cheng,
B. Xu,
Z. C. Wen,
W. H. Cao,
X. F. Han,
S. P. Zhao,
X. G. Qiu
Abstract:
Abnormal magnetoresistance behavior is found in superconducting Nb films perforated with rectangular arrays of antidots (holes). Generally magnetoresistance were always found to increase with increasing magnetic field. Here we observed a reversal of this behavior for particular in low temperature or current density. This phenomenon is due to a strong 'caging effect' which interstitial vortices are…
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Abnormal magnetoresistance behavior is found in superconducting Nb films perforated with rectangular arrays of antidots (holes). Generally magnetoresistance were always found to increase with increasing magnetic field. Here we observed a reversal of this behavior for particular in low temperature or current density. This phenomenon is due to a strong 'caging effect' which interstitial vortices are strongly trapped among pinned multivortices.
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Submitted 11 December, 2011; v1 submitted 16 November, 2011;
originally announced November 2011.
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Doping evolution of the optical scattering rate and effective mass of Bi(2)Sr(2-x)La(x)CuO(6)
Authors:
Y. M. Dai,
B. Xu,
P. Cheng,
H. Q. Luo,
H. H. Wen,
X. G. Qiu,
R. P. S. M. Lobo
Abstract:
We determined the optical conductivity of Bi(2)Sr(2-x)La(x)CuO(6) at dopings covering the phase diagram from the underdoped to the overdoped regimes. The frequency dependent scattering rate shows a pseudogap extending into the overdoped regime. We found that the effective mass enhancement calculated from the optical conductivity is constant throughout the phase diagram. Conversely, the effective o…
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We determined the optical conductivity of Bi(2)Sr(2-x)La(x)CuO(6) at dopings covering the phase diagram from the underdoped to the overdoped regimes. The frequency dependent scattering rate shows a pseudogap extending into the overdoped regime. We found that the effective mass enhancement calculated from the optical conductivity is constant throughout the phase diagram. Conversely, the effective optical charge density varies almost linearly with doping. Our results suggest that the low frequency electrodynamics of Bi(2)Sr(2-x)La(x)CuO(6) is not strongly affected by the long range Mott transition.
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Submitted 14 November, 2011;
originally announced November 2011.
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Wire network behavior in superconducting Nb films with diluted triangular arrays of holes
Authors:
S. K. He,
W. J. Zhang,
H. F. Liu,
G. M. Xue,
B. H. Li,
H. Xiao,
Z. C. Wen,
X. F. Han,
S. P. Zhao,
C. Z. Gu,
X. G. Qiu
Abstract:
We present transport measurement results on superconducting Nb films with diluted triangular arrays (honeycomb and kagomé) of holes. The patterned films have large disk-shaped interstitial regions even when the edge-to-edge separations between nearest neighboring holes are comparable to the coherence length. Changes in the field interval of two consecutive minima in the field dependent resistance…
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We present transport measurement results on superconducting Nb films with diluted triangular arrays (honeycomb and kagomé) of holes. The patterned films have large disk-shaped interstitial regions even when the edge-to-edge separations between nearest neighboring holes are comparable to the coherence length. Changes in the field interval of two consecutive minima in the field dependent resistance $R(H)$ curves are observed. In the low field region, fine structures in the $R(H)$ and $T_c(H)$ curves are identified in both arrays. Comparison of experimental data with calculation results shows that these structures observed in honeycomb and kagomé hole arrays resemble those in wire networks with triangular and $T_3$ symmetries, respectively. Our findings suggest that even in these specified periodic hole arrays with very large interstitial regions, the low field fine structures are determined by the connectivity of the arrays
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Submitted 8 February, 2012; v1 submitted 7 September, 2011;
originally announced September 2011.
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Optical conductivity of Ba0.6 K0.4 Fe2 As2 : The effect of in-plane and out-of-plane doping in the superconducting gap
Authors:
Y. M. Dai,
B. Xu,
B. Shen,
H. H. Wen,
X. G. Qiu,
R. P. S. M. Lobo
Abstract:
We measured the in-plane optical conductivity of a nearly optimally doped (Ba,K)Fe2As2 single crystal with Tc = 39.1 K. Upon entering the superconducting state the optical conductivity below ~20 meV vanishes, strongly suggesting a fully gapped system. A BCS-like fit requires two different isotropic gaps to describe the optical response of this material. The temperature dependence of the gaps and t…
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We measured the in-plane optical conductivity of a nearly optimally doped (Ba,K)Fe2As2 single crystal with Tc = 39.1 K. Upon entering the superconducting state the optical conductivity below ~20 meV vanishes, strongly suggesting a fully gapped system. A BCS-like fit requires two different isotropic gaps to describe the optical response of this material. The temperature dependence of the gaps and the penetration depth suggest a strong interband coupling, but no impurity scattering induced pair breaking is present. This contrasts to the large residual conductivity observed in optimally doped Ba(Fe,Co)2As2 and strongly supports an s(+/-) gap symmetry for these compounds.
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Submitted 8 January, 2015; v1 submitted 22 June, 2011;
originally announced June 2011.
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Unveiling a two-dimensional electron gas with universal subbands at the surface of SrTiO3
Authors:
A. F. Santander-Syro,
O. Copie,
T. Kondo,
F. Fortuna,
S. Pailhes,
R. Weht,
X. G. Qiu,
F. Bertran,
A. Nicolaou,
A. Taleb-Ibrahimi,
P. Le Fevre,
G. Herranz,
M. Bibes,
Y. Apertet,
P. Lecoeur,
M. J. Rozenberg,
A. Barthelemy
Abstract:
Similar to silicon that is the basis of conventional electronics, strontium titanate (SrTiO3) is the bedrock of the emerging field of oxide electronics. SrTiO3 is the preferred template to create exotic two-dimensional (2D) phases of electron matter at oxide interfaces, exhibiting metal-insulator transitions, superconductivity, or large negative magnetoresistance. However, the physical nature of t…
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Similar to silicon that is the basis of conventional electronics, strontium titanate (SrTiO3) is the bedrock of the emerging field of oxide electronics. SrTiO3 is the preferred template to create exotic two-dimensional (2D) phases of electron matter at oxide interfaces, exhibiting metal-insulator transitions, superconductivity, or large negative magnetoresistance. However, the physical nature of the electronic structure underlying these 2D electron gases (2DEGs) remains elusive, although its determination is crucial to understand their remarkable properties. Here we show, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), that there is a highly metallic universal 2DEG at the vacuum-cleaved surface of SrTiO3, independent of bulk carrier densities over more than seven decades, including the undoped insulating material. This 2DEG is confined within a region of ~5 unit cells with a sheet carrier density of ~0.35 electrons per a^2 (a is the cubic lattice parameter). We unveil a remarkable electronic structure consisting on multiple subbands of heavy and light electrons. The similarity of this 2DEG with those reported in SrTiO3-based heterostructures and field-effect transistors suggests that different forms of electron confinement at the surface of SrTiO3 lead to essentially the same 2DEG. Our discovery provides a model system for the study of the electronic structure of 2DEGs in SrTiO3-based devices, and a novel route to generate 2DEGs at surfaces of transition-metal oxides.
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Submitted 17 September, 2010;
originally announced September 2010.
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Ferroelectric switched all-metallic-oxide $p$-$n$ junctions
Authors:
J. Yuan,
H. Wu,
L. Zhao,
K. Jin,
L. X. Cao,
B. Y. Zhu,
S. J. Zhu,
J. P. Zhong,
J. Miao,
H. Yang,
B. Xu,
X. Y. Qi,
Y. Han,
X. G. Qiu,
X. F. Duan,
B. R. Zhao
Abstract:
We report the first formation of the metallic $p$-$n$ junctions, the ferroelectric (Ba,Sr)TiO$_3$ (BST) switched optimally electron-doped ($n$-type) metallic T'-phase superconductor, (La,Ce)$_2$CuO$_4$ (LCCO), and hole-doped ($p$-type) metallic CMR manganite (La,Sr)MnO$_3$ (LSMO) junctions. In contrast with the previous semiconductor $p$-$n$ ($p$-$I$-$n$) junctions which are switched by the buil…
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We report the first formation of the metallic $p$-$n$ junctions, the ferroelectric (Ba,Sr)TiO$_3$ (BST) switched optimally electron-doped ($n$-type) metallic T'-phase superconductor, (La,Ce)$_2$CuO$_4$ (LCCO), and hole-doped ($p$-type) metallic CMR manganite (La,Sr)MnO$_3$ (LSMO) junctions. In contrast with the previous semiconductor $p$-$n$ ($p$-$I$-$n$) junctions which are switched by the built-in field $V_0$, the present metallic oxides $p$-$I$-$n$ junctions are switched by double barrier fields, the built-in field $V_0$, and the ferroelectric reversed polarized field $V_{rp}$, both take together to lead the junctions to possess definite parameters, such as definite negligible reversed current ($10^{-9}$ A), large breakdown voltage ($>$7 V), and ultrahigh rectification ($>2\times10^4$) in the bias voltage 1.2 V to 2.0 V and temperature range from 5 to over 300 K. The related transport feature, barrier size effect, and temperature effect are also observed and defined.
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Submitted 19 November, 2006;
originally announced November 2006.
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Coexistence of Superconductivity and Ferromagnetism in Dilute Co-doped $La_{1.89} Ce_{0.11} Cu O_{4\pm\d}$ System
Authors:
K. Jin,
J. Yuan,
L. Zhao,
H. Wu,
X. Y. Qi,
B. Y. Zhu,
L. X. Cao,
X. G. Qiu,
B. Xu,
X. F. Duan,
B. R. Zhao
Abstract:
Thin films of the optimally electron-doped $T'$-phase superconductor La$_{1.89}$Ce$_{0.11}$CuO$_{4\pm \d}$ are investigated by dilute Co doping, formed as La$_{1.89}$Ce$_{0.11}$(Cu$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$)O$_{4\pm\d}$ (LCCCO) with $x$ = 0.01 -- 0.05. The following results are obtained for the first time: for the whole dilute Co doping range, LCCCO thin films show long-range ferromagnetic ordering at the…
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Thin films of the optimally electron-doped $T'$-phase superconductor La$_{1.89}$Ce$_{0.11}$CuO$_{4\pm \d}$ are investigated by dilute Co doping, formed as La$_{1.89}$Ce$_{0.11}$(Cu$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$)O$_{4\pm\d}$ (LCCCO) with $x$ = 0.01 -- 0.05. The following results are obtained for the first time: for the whole dilute Co doping range, LCCCO thin films show long-range ferromagnetic ordering at the temperature range from 5 K to 300 K, which is likely due to the RKKY interaction; in the very dilute Co doping, $x$ = 0.01 and 0.02, the superconductivity is maitained, the system shows the coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism in the CuO$_{2}$ plane. This may be based on the nature of the charge carriers in electron-doped high-$T_{c}$ cuprate superconductors.
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Submitted 15 August, 2006;
originally announced August 2006.
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Far-infrared optical properties of the pyrochlore spin ice compound Dy2Ti2O4
Authors:
C. Z. Bi,
J. Y. Ma,
B. R. Zhao,
Z. Tang,
D. Yin,
C. Z. Li,
D. Z. Yao,
J. Shi,
X. G. Qiu
Abstract:
Near normal incident far-infrared reflectivity spectra of [111] dysprosium titanate (Dy2Ti2O4) single crystal have been measured at different temperatures. Seven phonon modes (eight at low temperature) are identified at frequency below 1000 cm-1. Optical conductivity spectra are obtained by fitting all the reflectivity spectra with the factorized form of the dielectric function. Both the Born ef…
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Near normal incident far-infrared reflectivity spectra of [111] dysprosium titanate (Dy2Ti2O4) single crystal have been measured at different temperatures. Seven phonon modes (eight at low temperature) are identified at frequency below 1000 cm-1. Optical conductivity spectra are obtained by fitting all the reflectivity spectra with the factorized form of the dielectric function. Both the Born effective charges and the static optical primitivity are found to increase with decreasing temperature. Moreover, phonon linewidth narrowering and phonon modes shift with decreasing temperature are also observed, which may result from enhanced charge localization. The redshift of several low frequency modes is attributed to the spin-phonon coupling. All observed optical properties can be explained within the framework of nearest neighbor ferromagnetic(FM) spin ice model.
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Submitted 30 July, 2005;
originally announced August 2005.
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Magnetic and Transport Properties in $CoSr_2Y_{1-x}Ca_xCu_2O_7$ ($x$=0$\sim$0.4)
Authors:
X. G. Luo,
X. H. Chen,
X. Liu,
R. T. Wang,
Y. M. Xiong,
C. H. Wang,
G. Y. Wang,
X. G. Qiu
Abstract:
Magnetic and transport properties of $Co Sr_2 Y_{1-x} Ca_x Cu_2 O_7$ ($x=0 \sim 0.4$) system have been investigated. A broad maximum in M(T) curve, indicative of low-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering originated from $CoO_{1+δ}$ layers, is observed in Ca-free sample. With increasing Ca doping level up to 0.2, the M(T) curve remains almost unchanged, while resistivity is reduced by three orde…
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Magnetic and transport properties of $Co Sr_2 Y_{1-x} Ca_x Cu_2 O_7$ ($x=0 \sim 0.4$) system have been investigated. A broad maximum in M(T) curve, indicative of low-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering originated from $CoO_{1+δ}$ layers, is observed in Ca-free sample. With increasing Ca doping level up to 0.2, the M(T) curve remains almost unchanged, while resistivity is reduced by three orders. Higher Ca doping level leads to a drastic change of magnetic properties. In comparison with the samples with $x=0.0 \sim 0.2$, the temperature corresponding to the maximum of M(T) is much lowered for the sample $x$=0.3. The sample $x$=0.4 shows a small kink instead of a broad maximum and a weak ferromagnetic feature. The electrical transport behavior is found to be closely related to magnetic properties for the sample $x$=0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4. It suggests that $CoO_{1+δ}$ layers are involved in charge transport in addition to conducting $CuO_2$ planes to interpret the correlation between magnetism and charge transport. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies give an additional evidence of the the transfer of the holes into the $CoO_{1+δ}$ charge reservoir.
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Submitted 4 August, 2004;
originally announced August 2004.
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Vortex melting and decoupling transitions in YBa$_{2}$Cu$_{4}$O$_{8}$ single crystals
Authors:
X. G. Qiu,
V. V. Moshchalkov,
J. Karpinski
Abstract:
The vortex correlation along the c-axis in high quality single crystals of YBa$_{2}$Cu$_{4}$O$_{8}$ has been investigated as a function of temperature T in different magnetic fields, using the quasi-flux transformer configuration. A simultaneous sharp drop associated with the vortex lattice melting is observed in both the primary and secondary voltages(V$_{top}$ and V$_{bot}$). Just above the me…
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The vortex correlation along the c-axis in high quality single crystals of YBa$_{2}$Cu$_{4}$O$_{8}$ has been investigated as a function of temperature T in different magnetic fields, using the quasi-flux transformer configuration. A simultaneous sharp drop associated with the vortex lattice melting is observed in both the primary and secondary voltages(V$_{top}$ and V$_{bot}$). Just above the melting temperature, the vortices form three-dimensional line liquid with the correlation length along the c direction $L_{c}\leq $ t, the sample thickness. The temperature where a resistive peak in R$_{bot}$ develops corresponds to the decoupling temperature T$_{d}$ at which the vortices loose their correlation along the c-direction and they dissolve into the two dimensional pancake vortices. The H-T phase diagram for the YBa$_{2}$Cu$_{4}$O$_{8}$ single crystal is obtained.
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Submitted 25 May, 2000;
originally announced May 2000.
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Crossovers Between Elastic, Plastic and Quantum Creep in Two Dimensional YBa_2Cu_3O_7/PrBa_2Cu_3O_7 Superlattices
Authors:
X. G. Qiu,
V. V. Moshchalkov,
Y. Bruynseraede,
G. Jakob,
H. Adrian
Abstract:
Two-dimensional(2D) vortex dynamics was studied in an YBa_2Cu_3O_7/ PrBa_2Cu_3O_7 superlattice by measuring the I-V characteristics. In the high current limit, 2D collective creep was observed with an activation energy characterized by U(j)=a j^u. A dislocation mediated vortex melting happened when the temperature increased. In the low current limit, the exponential growth of energy barrier for…
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Two-dimensional(2D) vortex dynamics was studied in an YBa_2Cu_3O_7/ PrBa_2Cu_3O_7 superlattice by measuring the I-V characteristics. In the high current limit, 2D collective creep was observed with an activation energy characterized by U(j)=a j^u. A dislocation mediated vortex melting happened when the temperature increased. In the low current limit, the exponential growth of energy barrier for elastic motion was prohibited by the plastic deformation of vortices. A plateau in the resistive transition was observed, which was attributed to possible quantum tunneling of vortices. Our results suggest that a 2D vortex glass can not exist at any temperature, including T=0 K.
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Submitted 24 February, 1998;
originally announced February 1998.
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Vortex Lattice Melting into Disentangled Liquid Followed by the 3D-2D Decoupling Transition in YBa_2Cu_4O_8 Single Crystals
Authors:
X. G. Qiu,
V. V. Moshchalkov,
Y. Bruynseraede,
J. Karpinski
Abstract:
A sharp resistance drop associated with vortex lattice melting was observed in high quality YBa_2Cu_4O_8 single crystals. The melting line is well described well by the anisotropic GL theory. Two thermally activated flux flow regions, which were separated by a crossover line B_cr=1406.5(1-T/T_c)/T (T_c=79.0 K, B_cr in T), were observed in the vortex liquid phase. Activation energy for each regio…
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A sharp resistance drop associated with vortex lattice melting was observed in high quality YBa_2Cu_4O_8 single crystals. The melting line is well described well by the anisotropic GL theory. Two thermally activated flux flow regions, which were separated by a crossover line B_cr=1406.5(1-T/T_c)/T (T_c=79.0 K, B_cr in T), were observed in the vortex liquid phase. Activation energy for each region was obtained and the corresponding dissipation mechanism was discussed. Our results suggest that the vortex lattice in YBa_2Cu_4O_8 single crystal melts into disentangled liquid, which then undergoes a 3D-2D decoupling transition.
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Submitted 24 February, 1998;
originally announced February 1998.