Showing 1–50 of 136 results for author: Cui, J

Interfacial chirality-induced magnetic-field-free switching with high energy efficiency in all-vdW heterostructures

Authors: Kai-Xuan Zhang, Suik Cheon, Seungbok Lee, Joonyoung Choi, Jihoon Keum, Hyuncheol Kim, Yeochan An, Woonghee Cho, Suhan Son, Jingyuan Cui, Pyeongjae Park, Younjung Jo, Jun Sung Kim, Hyun-Woo Lee, Je-Geun Park

Abstract: Chirality, a central concept across many scientific disciplines, continues to inspire the discovery of novel physical phenomena. In condensed matter physics, structural chirality - defined by the absence of mirror plane symmetries - has primarily been explored in bulk materials. However, new chiral phenomena can emerge uniquely at the interface, distinct from their bulk counterparts, when a chiral… ▽ More Chirality, a central concept across many scientific disciplines, continues to inspire the discovery of novel physical phenomena. In condensed matter physics, structural chirality - defined by the absence of mirror plane symmetries - has primarily been explored in bulk materials. However, new chiral phenomena can emerge uniquely at the interface, distinct from their bulk counterparts, when a chiral material forms a heterostructure. Here, we demonstrate that all van-der-Waals (vdW) heterostructure composed of the chiral Co1/3TaS2 and the achiral vdW ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 exhibits two distinct and unconventional spin-orbit torques originating from the interfacial chirality. These torques enable magnetic-field-free switching of perpendicular magnetization with ultralow current density ~ 10^6 A/cm^2 and minimal power dissipation < 10^15 W/m^3. Moreover, by replacing Fe3GeTe2 with a similar vdW ferromagnet, Fe3GaTe2, but of higher Curie temperature, we achieved the magnetic-field-free switching at room temperature in the Fe3GaTe2/Co1/3TaS2 vdW heterostructure. Our findings establish interfacial chirality as a powerful new handle for spintronic control, opening a new pathway to explore chirality-induced phenomena beyond the bulk symmetry constraints - and paving the way toward highly efficient, low-power spintronic devices based on all-vdW heterostructures. △ Less

Submitted 8 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Comments: Accepted by Nature Communications; 30 pages; 4 main figures; 12 supporting figures

Journal ref: Nature Communications 17, 8620 (2026)

Orbital Altermagnetic Photonic Crystal

Authors: Sichang Qiu, Huichang Li, Yan Meng, Xiang Xi, Zebin Zhu, Ce Shang, Zhen Gao, Tie Jun Cui, Shuo Liu

Abstract: Altermagnetism features momentum-dependent spin splitting without net magnetization, extending spintronics beyond conventional ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. However, the photonic realization of altermagnetism has remained a formidable challenge due to the fundamental differences between fermionic electrons and bosonic photons. Here, we report the first experimental realization of an orbit… ▽ More Altermagnetism features momentum-dependent spin splitting without net magnetization, extending spintronics beyond conventional ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. However, the photonic realization of altermagnetism has remained a formidable challenge due to the fundamental differences between fermionic electrons and bosonic photons. Here, we report the first experimental realization of an orbital altermagnetic photonic crystal, based on an antiunitary $C_{4z}\mathcal{T}$ symmetry enforced correspondence between a local $p$-orbital $σ/π$ doublet and crystal momentum. We experimentally demonstrate that the resulting system exhibits momentum-dependent spin splitting with alternating pseudospin polarization and a $d_{xy}$-wave form factor, as confirmed by measured band structures and iso-frequency contours. Moreover, we show that the orbital altermagnetic photonic crystal supports unique pseudospin-selective transport of electromagnetic waves, including photonic pseudospin splitting and pseudospin filtering. Our results extend the field of alternagnetism to photonic systems, opening a new avenue for designing spinphotonic devices. △ Less

Submitted 27 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: 9 pages, 4 figures

Quantum geometry induced anomalous chiral transport and hidden symmetry breaking in centrosymmetric 2M-WS2

Authors: Hang Cui, Shao-Bo Liu, Erqing Wang, Mingxiang Pan, Yuqiang Fang, Ning Ma, Wenlong Liu, Di Chen, Yu Zhang, Yuanjun Song, Tingting Hao, Jiankun Li, Jian Cui, Ya Feng, Haiwen Liu, Fuqiang Huang, Huaqing Huang, X. -C. Xie, Jian-Hao Chen

Abstract: Chirality, a widely existing material property in nature involving the breaking of the left-right symmetry, has profound influences in various fields of natural sciences. Nonlinear response, such as electronic magnetochiral anisotropy (eMChA), has been recognized as a sensitive probe for the effects of symmetry breaking and nontrivial quantum geometries in solids. So far, observations of eMChA hav… ▽ More Chirality, a widely existing material property in nature involving the breaking of the left-right symmetry, has profound influences in various fields of natural sciences. Nonlinear response, such as electronic magnetochiral anisotropy (eMChA), has been recognized as a sensitive probe for the effects of symmetry breaking and nontrivial quantum geometries in solids. So far, observations of eMChA have primarily been limited to inversion-symmetry broken materials. Here, we report a remarkable chiral transport in centrosymmetric candidate topological superconductor 2M-WS2 flakes observed via second-harmonic generation under an out-of-plane magnetic field. More importantly, the eMChA becomes significant around the crossover temperature TFL ~ 25 K from the Fermi liquid (FL) to strange metal (SM) in the normal state, which interestingly echoes with the anomalously large Nernst response at the same temperature in bulk 2M-WS2. These observations reveal a direct correspondence between the nonlinear response, Nernst response, and FL-SM transition in 2M-WS2. Theoretical analysis indicates that nontrivial quantum geometry is behind the simultaneous response of eMChA and Nernst effects in 2M-WS2 and the contribution from the orbital magnetic moment at the Fermi surface becomes significant during the FL-SM transition. Based on first-principles calculations, a thick-layer-sliding mechanism with minimal energy gain in 2M-WS2 provides one possibility for the generation of such nontrivial quantum geometry. The intertwined physics of remarkable eMChA, Nernst response, and FL-SM transition make 2M-WS2 a rare quantum platform to study the chiral transport and unexplored phenomena in strange metals, which may shed light on the trans-century, unresolved scientific issue in unconventional high-temperature superconductivity. △ Less

Submitted 18 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: Accepted by Physical Review Letters

Phase diagram of a dual-species Rydberg atom ladder

Authors: Lei-Yi-Nan Liu, Shi-Rong Peng, Ze-Yuan Huang, Xing-Man Wei, Yun-Han Zou, Su Yi, Jian Cui

Abstract: Dual-species Rydberg atom arrays extend single-species platforms by introducing competing interaction scales and enhanced quantum fluctuations, enabling phenomena beyond homogeneous settings. In this work, we study the ground-state phase diagram of a one-dimensional dual-species Rydberg atom ladder using large-scale density-matrix renormalization group calculations. We identify disordered phases,… ▽ More Dual-species Rydberg atom arrays extend single-species platforms by introducing competing interaction scales and enhanced quantum fluctuations, enabling phenomena beyond homogeneous settings. In this work, we study the ground-state phase diagram of a one-dimensional dual-species Rydberg atom ladder using large-scale density-matrix renormalization group calculations. We identify disordered phases, multiple ordered phases with $\mathbb{Z}_2$, $\mathbb{Z}_3$, and $\mathbb{Z}_4$ symmetry, as well as floating phases characterized by incommensurate wave vectors and algebraically decaying correlations. Importantly, we observe a smooth crossover between distinct $\mathbb{Z}_2$-ordered regimes, reflecting a reorganization of low-energy degrees of freedom rather than a true phase transition, which is absent in single-species Rydberg arrays. We further uncover a multi-critical point at the boundary between the $\mathbb{Z}_2 \otimes \mathbb{Z}_2$ and $\mathbb{Z}_3 \otimes \mathbb{Z}_3$ ordered phases, where Ising, chiral, and first-order transition lines intersect. Our results demonstrate that dual-species Rydberg atom arrays provide a unique platform for realizing crossover physics and multi-critical behavior inaccessible in single-species architectures. △ Less

Submitted 27 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 12 pages, 9 figures

Constrained Diffusion for Accelerated Structure Relaxation of Inorganic Solids with Point Defects

Authors: Jingyi Cui, Jacob K. Christopher, Ankita Biswas, Prasanna V. Balachandran, Ferdinando Fioretto

Abstract: Point defects affect material properties by altering electronic states and modifying local bonding environments. However, high-throughput first-principles simulations of point defects are costly due to large simulation cells and complex energy landscapes. To this end, we propose a generative framework for simulating point defects, overcoming the limits of costly first-principles simulators. By lev… ▽ More Point defects affect material properties by altering electronic states and modifying local bonding environments. However, high-throughput first-principles simulations of point defects are costly due to large simulation cells and complex energy landscapes. To this end, we propose a generative framework for simulating point defects, overcoming the limits of costly first-principles simulators. By leveraging a primal-dual algorithm, we introduce a constraint-aware diffusion model which outperforms existing constrained diffusion approaches in this domain. Across six defect configuration settings for Bi2Te3, the proposed approach provides state-of-the-art performance generating physically grounded structures. △ Less

Submitted 22 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: Appeared in the NeurIPS 2025 Workshop on AI for Accelerated Material Design (AI4Mat)

Freezing-Melting Mediated Dewetting Transition for Droplets on Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Condensation

Authors: Jiawang Cui, Tianyou Wang, Zhizhao Che

Abstract: The water-repellence properties of superhydrophobic surfaces make them promising for many applications. However, in some extreme environments, such as high humidities and low temperatures, condensation on the surface is inevitable, which induces the loss of surface superhydrophobicity. In this study, we propose a freezing-melting strategy to achieve the dewetting transition from the Wenzel state t… ▽ More The water-repellence properties of superhydrophobic surfaces make them promising for many applications. However, in some extreme environments, such as high humidities and low temperatures, condensation on the surface is inevitable, which induces the loss of surface superhydrophobicity. In this study, we propose a freezing-melting strategy to achieve the dewetting transition from the Wenzel state to the Cassie-Baxter state. It requires freezing the droplet by reducing the substrate temperature and then melting the droplet by heating the substrate. The condensation-induced wetting transition from the Cassie-Baxter state to the Wenzel state is analyzed first. Two kinds of superhydrophobic surfaces, i.e., single-scale nano-structured superhydrophobic surface and hierarchical-scale micro-nano-structured superhydrophobic surface, are compared and their effects on the static contact states and impact processes of droplets are analyzed. The mechanism for the dewetting transition is analyzed by exploring the differences in the micro/nano-structures of the surfaces and it is attributed to the unique structure and strength of the superhydrophobic surface. These findings will enrich our understanding of the droplet-surface interaction involving phase changes and have great application prospects for the design of superhydrophobic surfaces. △ Less

Submitted 1 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Journal ref: Langmuir 2024, 40, 28, 14685-14696

Long-distance spin transport in frustrated hyperkagome magnet Gd3Ga5O12

Authors: Di Chen, Bingcheng Luo, Lei Xu, Zian Xia, Linhao Jia, Shaomian Qi, Congkuan Tian, Kangyao Chen, Hang Cui, Guangyi Chen, Shili Yan, Miaoling Huang, Jian Cui, Ya Feng, Zhentao Wang, Jiang Xiao, Jianhua Zhang, Ryuichi Shindou, X. C. Xie, Jian-Hao Chen

Abstract: Transport of spin angular momentum over large distance has been a long sought-after goal in the field of spintronics. While the majority of the research effort has been devoted to the spin transport properties of magnetically ordered materials, spin transport in magnetically frustrated materials has received little attention. Here, we report an anomalous state in frustrated hyperkagome magnetic in… ▽ More Transport of spin angular momentum over large distance has been a long sought-after goal in the field of spintronics. While the majority of the research effort has been devoted to the spin transport properties of magnetically ordered materials, spin transport in magnetically frustrated materials has received little attention. Here, we report an anomalous state in frustrated hyperkagome magnetic insulator Gd3Ga5O12, where spin angular momenta can be transported over a long distance of 480 μm, far exceeding the transport distance of any diffusive spin current in magnetically ordered materials, to the best of our knowledge. Monte Carlo simulations reveal significant spin fluctuations, spin-spin correlations and an absence of conventional magnons in such anomalous state; while the response of the anomalous state to perturbation is found to be akin to an overdamped forced oscillator. We find close relation of such state to the correlated ``director'' state in the material. Our result provides an effective electrical technique to characterize spin-spin correlations and frustrations; it also unveils the potential of frustrated magnets as powerful channel materials for spin transport. △ Less

Submitted 30 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 24 pages, 5 figures

Hybrid Disclination Skin-topological Effects in Non-Hermitian Circuits

Authors: Boyuan Li, Zekun Huang, Wenao Wang, Jiaxi Wang, Yu Chen, Shaojie Ma, Ce Shang, Tie Jun Cui, Shuo Liu

Abstract: The bulk-disclination correspondence (BDC) is a fundamental concept in Hermitian systems that has been widely applied to predict disclination states. Recently, disclination states have also been observed and experimentally verified in non-Hermitian systems with C6 lattice symmetry, where gain and loss are introduced to induce non-Hermiticity. In this Letter, we propose a non-Hermitian two-dimensio… ▽ More The bulk-disclination correspondence (BDC) is a fundamental concept in Hermitian systems that has been widely applied to predict disclination states. Recently, disclination states have also been observed and experimentally verified in non-Hermitian systems with C6 lattice symmetry, where gain and loss are introduced to induce non-Hermiticity. In this Letter, we propose a non-Hermitian two-dimensional (2D) Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) disclination model with skin-topological (ST) disclination states, and calculate its biorthogonal Zak phase. Together with the real-space disclination index, we predict the emergence of disclination states in a C4-symmetric non-Hermitian lattice and the corresponding fractional charge. We also generalize the symmetry indicator within the biorthogonal framework to predict the anomalous filling near the disclination core. Experimentally, the model is implemented on a nonreciprocal circuit platform, where we analyze the impedance matrix characterized by complex eigenfrequencies and directly observe the ST disclination states. Our work further extends the bulk-disclination correspondence to the non-Hermitian realm. △ Less

Submitted 8 January, 2026; v1 submitted 6 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 7 pages, 5 figures

Deep-Learning-Empowered Programmable Topolectrical Circuits

Authors: Hao Jia, Shanglin Yang, Jiajun He, Shuo Liu, Haoxiang Chen, Ce Shang, Shaojie Ma, Peng Han, Ching Hua Lee, Zhen Gao, Yun Lai, Tie Jun Cui

Abstract: Topolectrical circuits provide a versatile platform for exploring and simulating modern physical models. However, existing approaches suffer from incomplete programmability and ineffective feature prediction and control mechanisms, hindering the investigation of physical phenomena on an integrated platform and limiting their translation into practical applications. Here, we present a deep learning… ▽ More Topolectrical circuits provide a versatile platform for exploring and simulating modern physical models. However, existing approaches suffer from incomplete programmability and ineffective feature prediction and control mechanisms, hindering the investigation of physical phenomena on an integrated platform and limiting their translation into practical applications. Here, we present a deep learning empowered programmable topolectrical circuits (DLPTCs) platform for physical modeling and analysis. By integrating fully independent, continuous tuning of both on site and off site terms of the lattice Hamiltonian, physics graph informed inverse state design, and immediate hardware verification, our system bridges the gap between theoretical modeling and practical realization. Through flexible control and adiabatic path engineering, we experimentally observe the boundary states without global symmetry in higher order topological systems, their adiabatic phase transitions, and the flat band like characteristic corresponding to Landau levels in the circuit. Incorporating a physics graph informed mechanism with a generative AI model for physics exploration, we realize arbitrary, position controllable on board Anderson localization, surpassing conventional random localization. Utilizing this unique capability with high fidelity hardware implementation, we further demonstrate a compelling cryptographic application: hash based probabilistic information encryption by leveraging Anderson localization with extensive disorder configurations, enabling secure delivery of full ASCII messages. △ Less

Submitted 28 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Zero-Dimensional Stacking Domains Enable Strong-Ductile Synergy in Additive Manufactured Titanium

Authors: Wenjing Zhang, Jizhe Cui, Xiaoyang Wang, Shubo Zhang, Yan Chong, Andy Godfrey, Nobuhiro Tsuji, Kai Wang, Rong Hu, Jing Xue, Junyu Chen, Gang Fang, Rong Yu, Wei Liu

Abstract: Alloying by addition of oxygen interstitials during additive manufacturing provides new routes to strengthen and toughen metals and alloys. The underlying mechanisms by which such interstitial atoms lead to enhanced properties remain, however, unclear, not least due a lack of quantitative atomic-scale models linking microstructure to properties. Here using quasi-3D imaging based on multi-slice ele… ▽ More Alloying by addition of oxygen interstitials during additive manufacturing provides new routes to strengthen and toughen metals and alloys. The underlying mechanisms by which such interstitial atoms lead to enhanced properties remain, however, unclear, not least due a lack of quantitative atomic-scale models linking microstructure to properties. Here using quasi-3D imaging based on multi-slice electron ptychography, we reveal the importance of a new type of interstitial-character lattice defect, namely zero-dimensional stacking domains (ZDSDs), present in high density in AM-processed oxygen-modulated pure titanium. These ZDSDs promote slip diversity, and support intense work hardening, enabling a three-fold enhancement in both strength and ductility in Ti-0.45O compared to conventional pure Ti. The work demonstrates the potential for using interstitial solutes to enhance mechanical properties in a range of critical engineering alloys. △ Less

Submitted 20 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Realization of a Kondo Insulator in a Multilayer Moire Superlattice

Authors: Qiran Wu, Jingyuan Cui, Ang-Kun Wu, Yuze Meng, Dongxue Chen, Li Yan, Lei Ma, Takashi Taniguchi, Kenji Watanabe, Shi-Zeng Lin, Su-Fei Shi, Yong-Tao Cui

Abstract: Kondo insulators are a paradigmatic strongly correlated electron system, arising from the hybridization between itinerary conduction electrons and localized magnetic moments, which opens a gap in the band of conduction electrons. Traditionally, the known Kondo insulators are found in materials with f-electrons. Recent developments in two-dimensional (2D) moire systems provide a new approach to gen… ▽ More Kondo insulators are a paradigmatic strongly correlated electron system, arising from the hybridization between itinerary conduction electrons and localized magnetic moments, which opens a gap in the band of conduction electrons. Traditionally, the known Kondo insulators are found in materials with f-electrons. Recent developments in two-dimensional (2D) moire systems provide a new approach to generate flat bands with strong electron correlation, which host localized moments at half filling. In this work, we demonstrate the realization of a Kondo insulator phase in a moire superlattice of monolayer WS2 / bilayer WSe2 which hosts a set of moire flat bands in the WSe2 layer interfacing the WS2 layer and dispersive bands in the other WSe2 layer. When both WSe2 layers are partially doped but with a total density of two holes per moire unit cell, an insulating state appears when the density of the moire band is below one hole per moire unit cell. The insulating state disappears above a certain threshold magnetic field and the system becomes metallic, which is a telltale signature of the Kondo insulator. The physics can be well explained by a periodic Anderson lattice model that includes both the on-site Coulomb repulsion in the moire flat band and the hybridization between moire flat and non-moire dispersive bands. Our results suggest that multilayer moire structures of transition metal dichalcogenides provide a tunable platform to simulate the Kondo insulator, which holds promise to tackle many critical open questions in the Kondo insulators. △ Less

Submitted 1 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Non-isothermal stress relaxation in conventional and high-entropy metallic glasses and its relationship to themixing and excess entropy

Authors: G. V. Afonin, S. L. Scherbakov, R. A. Konchakov, N. P. Kobelev, J. B. Cui, J. C. Qiao, V. A. Khonik

Abstract: We performed calorimetric and torsion stress relaxation measurements upon linear heating of six conventional and high-entropy metallic glasses with the mixing entropy ΔSmix ranging from 0.86R to 1.79R (R is the universal gas constant). It is shown that high-entropy metallic glasses (ΔSmix > 1.5 R) exhibit significantly greater resistance to stress relaxation. Based on calorimetric data, we calcula… ▽ More We performed calorimetric and torsion stress relaxation measurements upon linear heating of six conventional and high-entropy metallic glasses with the mixing entropy ΔSmix ranging from 0.86R to 1.79R (R is the universal gas constant). It is shown that high-entropy metallic glasses (ΔSmix > 1.5 R) exhibit significantly greater resistance to stress relaxation. Based on calorimetric data, we calculated the excess entropy of glass relative to the counterpart crystalline state and introduced an entropy-based dimensionless parameter ΔS, which characterizes the rise of the entropy and structural disordering of glass in the supercooled liquid region. It is shown that the depth of stress relaxation at a given temperature decreases with ΔSmix but increases with ΔS. Possible reasons for this relationship are discussed. △ Less

Submitted 23 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: 15 pages, 5 figures

Relationship of structural disorder and stability of supercooled liquid state with glass-forming ability of metallic glasses

Authors: J. B. Cui, R. A. Konchakov, G. V. Afonin, A. S. Makarov, G. J. Lyu, J. C. Qiao, N. P. Kobelev, V. A. Khonik

Abstract: We performed calorimetric studies of 26 metallic glasses and calculated the excess entropy and excess enthalpy with respect to their counterpart crystals. On this basis, we introduced a dimensionless entropy-based parameter σscl, which characterizes structural disordering and stability of the supercooled liquid state upon heating. A very good correlation of σscl with literature data on the critica… ▽ More We performed calorimetric studies of 26 metallic glasses and calculated the excess entropy and excess enthalpy with respect to their counterpart crystals. On this basis, we introduced a dimensionless entropy-based parameter σscl, which characterizes structural disordering and stability of the supercooled liquid state upon heating. A very good correlation of σscl with literature data on the critical cooling rate Rc and critical diameter Dmax of metallic glasses is shown. We also introduced another dimensionless parameter ηscl based on the excess enthalpy of glass and showed that ηscl provides equally good correlation with Rc and Dmax. Possible relationship of structural disordering and glass-forming ability in the supercooled liquid range with the defect structure of glass is discussed. The obtained results provide a new window for the understandingof the glass-forming ability of metallic glasses. △ Less

Submitted 23 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: 14 ages, 4 figures

New Insights into Refractive Indices and Birefringence of Undoped and MgO-Doped Lithium Niobate Crystals at High Temperatures

Authors: Nina Hong, Jiarong R. Cui, Hyun Jung Kim, Ross G. Shaffer, Nguyen Q. Vinh

Abstract: The lithium niobate single crystal is a well-known optical material that has been employed in a wide range of photonic applications. To realize further applications of the crystal, the birefringence properties need to be determined over a large range of temperatures. We report refractive indices and birefringence properties of undoped and MgO-doped lithium niobate crystals with high accuracy using… ▽ More The lithium niobate single crystal is a well-known optical material that has been employed in a wide range of photonic applications. To realize further applications of the crystal, the birefringence properties need to be determined over a large range of temperatures. We report refractive indices and birefringence properties of undoped and MgO-doped lithium niobate crystals with high accuracy using spectroscopic ellipsometry in the spectral range from 450 to 1700 nm and a temperature range from ambient temperature to 1000 °C. The birefringence results indicate a transition temperature, where the crystal transforms from an anisotropic to isotropic property, and the advance of MgO doping in the crystal, which is related to the optical damage threshold of the materials. In addition, the lattice dynamics of the crystals have been analyzed by revisiting the Raman spectroscopy. The results establish the foundation of optical properties of lithium niobate crystals, providing pathways for their photonic applications. △ Less

Submitted 11 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 17 pages, 6 figures and Supplementary Material

Journal ref: Optical Materials 144, 114365 (2023)

Localized plasmonic meron-antimeron pairs in doubly degenerate orbitals

Authors: Jie Yang, Xinmin Fu, Jiafu Wang, Yifan Li, Jingxian Zhang, Fangyuan Qi, Yajuan Han, Yuxiang Jia, Guy A E Vandenbosch, Tie Jun Cui, Xuezhi Zheng

Abstract: Topological defects are pivotal in elucidating kaleidoscopic topological phenomena in different physical systems. Meron-antimeron pairs are a type of topological defects firstly found as soliton solutions to SU(2) Yang-Mills equations in gauge theory, and then identified in condensed matter physics as a type of magnetic quasiparticles created in the context of topological charge conservation. Here… ▽ More Topological defects are pivotal in elucidating kaleidoscopic topological phenomena in different physical systems. Meron-antimeron pairs are a type of topological defects firstly found as soliton solutions to SU(2) Yang-Mills equations in gauge theory, and then identified in condensed matter physics as a type of magnetic quasiparticles created in the context of topological charge conservation. Here, we show that isolated meron-antimeron pairs constitute a new form of optical topological quasiparticles that naturally emerge in doubly degenerate orbitals of plasmonic systems, including fundamental and higher-order ones, and their target-type counterparts. We demonstrate that their topological charges are strictly imposed by orbital indices from the doubly degenerate irreducible representations (irreps) of groups consisting of rotational symmetries, and thus are upper-bounded by the orbital indices imposed by group theory. In addition, we find that there exist highly-localized isolated (anti)merons in plasmonic spin textures, which were previously observed mostly in the form of lattices or clusters. We further demonstrate a locking effect between the chirality of the (anti)merons and the parity of the irreps. Then, the topological origins of the revealed topological quasiparticles, i.e., phase, V-point and L-line singularities in plasmonic fields, are investigated. Finally, a complete symmetry classification of the topological quasiparticles is provided. Generalizing the meron-antimeron pairs to photonic systems provides various possibilities for the applications in optical vectorial imaging, deep-subwavelength sensing and metrology. △ Less

Submitted 11 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Stability of spin dynamics for a spin-orbit coupled boson in a driven non-Hermitian double well

Authors: Zhida Luo, Yurui Yang, Jiaxi Cui, Wenjuan Li, Miaoqian Lu, Xinzhou Guan, Wenhua Hai, Yunrong Luo

Abstract: We study the stability of spin dynamics for a spin-orbit (SO) coupled boson held in a driven non-Hermitian double-well potential. Under high-frequency approximation, we analytically derive the Floquet states and complex Floquet quasienergies of the system and reveal a striking parity-dependent stability criterion: when the ratio of the Zeeman field strength to the driving frequency $Ω/ω$ is even,… ▽ More We study the stability of spin dynamics for a spin-orbit (SO) coupled boson held in a driven non-Hermitian double-well potential. Under high-frequency approximation, we analytically derive the Floquet states and complex Floquet quasienergies of the system and reveal a striking parity-dependent stability criterion: when the ratio of the Zeeman field strength to the driving frequency $Ω/ω$ is even, stable spin dynamics can be achieved for \emph{arbitrary} SO coupling strength. However, when $Ω/ω$ is odd, stability requires the SO coupling strength to be integer or half-integer values. Particularly, we find four types of stability boundary lines for non-zero bias field strength, in sharp contrast to the commonly observed stability regions. These results establish a tunable parity-governed mechanism for stabilizing spin dynamics in non-Hermitian cold atomic systems. △ Less

Submitted 3 August, 2025; v1 submitted 7 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Current-driven collective control of helical spin texture in van der Waals antiferromagnet

Authors: Kai-Xuan Zhang, Suik Cheon, Hyuncheol Kim, Pyeongjae Park, Yeochan An, Suhan Son, Jingyuan Cui, Jihoon Keum, Joonyoung Choi, Younjung Jo, Hwiin Ju, Jong-Seok Lee, Youjin Lee, Maxim Avdeev, Armin Kleibert, Hyun-Woo Lee, Je-Geun Park

Abstract: Electrical control of quantum magnetic states is essential in spintronic science. Initial studies on the ferromagnetic state control were extended to collinear antiferromagnets and, more recently, noncollinear antiferromagnets. However, electrical control mechanisms of such exotic magnetic states remain poorly understood. Here, we report the first experimental and theoretical example of the curren… ▽ More Electrical control of quantum magnetic states is essential in spintronic science. Initial studies on the ferromagnetic state control were extended to collinear antiferromagnets and, more recently, noncollinear antiferromagnets. However, electrical control mechanisms of such exotic magnetic states remain poorly understood. Here, we report the first experimental and theoretical example of the current control of helical antiferromagnets, arising from the competition between collinear antiferromagnetic exchange and interlayer Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in new van-der-Waals (vdW) material Ni1/3NbS2. Due to the intrinsic broken inversion symmetry, an in-plane current generates spin-orbit torque that, in turn, interacts directly with the helical antiferromagnetic order. Our theoretical analyses indicate that a weak ferromagnetic order coexists due to the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, mediating the spin-orbit torque to collectively rotate the helical antiferromagnetic order. Our Ni1/3NbS2 nanodevice experiments produce current-dependent resistance change consistent with the theoretical prediction. This work widens our understanding of the electrical control of helical antiferromagnets and promotes vdW quantum magnets as interesting material platforms for electrical control. △ Less

Submitted 28 February, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: Accepted by Physical Review Letters; 41 pages, 4 main figures, 12 supporting figures

Journal ref: Physical Review Letters XX, XXXX (2025)

Imaging thick objects with deep-sub-angstrom resolution and deep-sub-picometer precision

Authors: Wenfeng Yang, Haozhi Sha, Jizhe Cui, Rong Yu

Abstract: Size effects are ubiquitous in the structural, mechanical, and physical properties of materials, making it highly desirable to study the intrinsic properties of thick objects through high-resolution structural analysis in transmission electron microscopy. Although deep-sub-angstrom resolution has been achieved with multislice electron ptychography, the sample thickness is typically very limited. B… ▽ More Size effects are ubiquitous in the structural, mechanical, and physical properties of materials, making it highly desirable to study the intrinsic properties of thick objects through high-resolution structural analysis in transmission electron microscopy. Although deep-sub-angstrom resolution has been achieved with multislice electron ptychography, the sample thickness is typically very limited. By combining energy filtering and extended local-orbital ptychography (eLOP) that retrieves varying aberrations during electron scanning, here we report ptychographic reconstructions for silicon as thick as 85 nm, approximately three times larger than usual thickness threshold for conventional multislice electron ptychography. The elimination of aberration variations contributes to accurate reconstructions with an information limit of 18 pm and atomic position precision of 0.39 pm. Accurate ptychographic reconstructions for thick objects can facilitate the discovery or interpretation of intrinsic structural and physical phenomena in solids, which is of great significance in physics, chemistry, materials science, and semiconductor device engineering. △ Less

Submitted 25 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Magnetic measurements under high pressure with a quantum sensor in Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Authors: Lun-Xuan Yu, Nai-Jie Guo, Lin Liu, Wei Liu, Gui-Zhen Yan, Jin-Ming Cui, Jian-Shun Tang, Chuan-Feng Li, Xiao-Di Liu

Abstract: Magnetic measurements under high-pressure conditions are pivotal for the study of superconductivity and magnetic materials but remain challenging due to the micrometer-sized sample in diamond anvil cells (DAC). In this study, we propose a quantum sensing approach utilizing negatively charged boron-vacancy (V$_B^-$) spin defects in two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride for high resolution magneti… ▽ More Magnetic measurements under high-pressure conditions are pivotal for the study of superconductivity and magnetic materials but remain challenging due to the micrometer-sized sample in diamond anvil cells (DAC). In this study, we propose a quantum sensing approach utilizing negatively charged boron-vacancy (V$_B^-$) spin defects in two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride for high resolution magnetic measurements under pressure. The optical and spin properties of VB$^-$ defects were systematically studied under high-pressure conditions, revealing a significant pressure-induced shift in zero-field splitting (ZFS), approximately three times larger than that of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center. Furthermore, we demonstrate the pressure-dependent magnetic transition and variations in the Curie temperature of van der Waals ferromagnet Fe$_3$GeTe$_2$ flake using V$_B^-$ defects under pressures. Notably, the maximum operational pressure for V$_B^-$ defects was determined to be approximately 11 GPa, attributed to a structural phase transition in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). This work establishes the way for two-dimensional quantum sensing technologies under high-pressure environments. △ Less

Submitted 23 January, 2025; v1 submitted 23 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Novel magnetic-field-free switching behavior in vdW-magnet/oxide heterostructure

Authors: Jihoon Keum, Kai-Xuan Zhang, Suik Cheon, Hyuncheol Kim, Jingyuan Cui, Giung Park, Yunyeong Chang, Miyoung Kim, Hyun-Woo Lee, Je-Geun Park

Abstract: Magnetization switching by charge current without a magnetic field is essential for device applications and information technology. It generally requires a current-induced out-of-plane spin polarization beyond the capability of conventional ferromagnet/heavy-metal systems, where the current-induced spin polarization aligns in-plane orthogonal to the in-plane charge current and out-of-plane spin cu… ▽ More Magnetization switching by charge current without a magnetic field is essential for device applications and information technology. It generally requires a current-induced out-of-plane spin polarization beyond the capability of conventional ferromagnet/heavy-metal systems, where the current-induced spin polarization aligns in-plane orthogonal to the in-plane charge current and out-of-plane spin current. Here, we demonstrate a new approach for magnetic-field-free switching by fabricating a van-der-Waals magnet and oxide Fe3GeTe2/SrTiO3 heterostructure. This new magnetic-field-free switching is possible because the current-driven accumulated spins at the Rashba interface precess around an emergent interface magnetism, eventually producing an ultimate out-of-plane spin polarization. This interpretation is further confirmed by the switching polarity change controlled by the in-plane initialization magnetic fields with clear hysteresis. We successfully combined van-der-Waals magnet and oxide for the first time, especially taking advantage of spin-orbit torque on the SrTiO3 oxide. This allows us to establish a new way of magnetic field-free switching. Our work demonstrates an unusual perpendicular switching application of large spin Hall angle materials and precession of accumulated spins, and in doing so, opens up a new field and opportunities for van-der-Waals magnets and oxide spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 7 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: Accepted by Advanced Materials (2025); 47 pages, 4 main figures, 16 supporting figures

Journal ref: Advanced Materials 37, 2412037 (2025)

Anomalously Enhanced Diffusivity of Moiré Excitons via Manipulating the Interplay with Correlated Electrons

Authors: Li Yan, Lei Ma, Yuze Meng, Chengxin Xiao, Bo Chen, Qiran Wu, Jingyuan Cui, Qingrui Cao, Rounak Banerjee, Takashi Taniguchi, Kenji Watanabe, Seth Ariel Tongay, Benjamin Hunt, Yong-Tao Cui, Wang Yao, Su-Fei Shi

Abstract: Semiconducting transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) moiré superlattice provides an exciting platform for manipulating excitons. The in-situ control of moiré potential confined exciton would usher in unprecedented functions of excitonic devices but remains challenging. Meanwhile, as a dipolar composite boson, interlayer exciton in the type-II aligned TMDC moiré superlattice strongly interacts… ▽ More Semiconducting transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) moiré superlattice provides an exciting platform for manipulating excitons. The in-situ control of moiré potential confined exciton would usher in unprecedented functions of excitonic devices but remains challenging. Meanwhile, as a dipolar composite boson, interlayer exciton in the type-II aligned TMDC moiré superlattice strongly interacts with fermionic charge carriers. Here, we demonstrate active manipulation of the exciton diffusivity by tuning their interplay with correlated carriers in moiré potentials. At fractional fillings where carriers are known to form generalized Wigner crystals, we observed suppressed diffusivity of exciton. In contrast, in Fermi liquid states where carriers dynamically populate all moiré traps, the repulsive carrier-exciton interaction can effectively reduce the moiré potential confinement seen by the exciton, leading to enhanced diffusivity with the increase of the carrier density. Notably, the exciton diffusivity is enhanced by orders of magnitude near the Mott insulator state, and the enhancement is much more pronounced for the 0-degree than the 60-degree aligned WS2/WSe2 heterobilayer due to the more localized nature of interlayer excitons. Our study inspires further engineering and controlling exotic excitonic states in TMDC moiré superlattices for fascinating quantum phenomena and novel excitonic devices. △ Less

Submitted 15 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Octupole topological insulating phase in Brillouin three-dimensional real projective space

Authors: Sichang Qiu, Jinbing Hu, Yi Yang, Ce Shang, Shuo Liu, Tie Jun Cui

Abstract: Recent advancements in quantum polarization theory have propelled the exploration of topological insulators (TIs) into the realm of higher-order systems, leading to the study of the celebrated two-dimensional (2D) quadrupole and three-dimensional (3D) octupole TIs. Traditionally, these topological phases have been associated with the toroidal topology of the conventional Brillouin zone (BZ). This… ▽ More Recent advancements in quantum polarization theory have propelled the exploration of topological insulators (TIs) into the realm of higher-order systems, leading to the study of the celebrated two-dimensional (2D) quadrupole and three-dimensional (3D) octupole TIs. Traditionally, these topological phases have been associated with the toroidal topology of the conventional Brillouin zone (BZ). This Letter reports on the discovery of a novel octupole topological insulating phase emerging within the framework of the Brillouin 3D real projective space ($\mathbb{RP}^3$). We theoretically propose the model and its corresponding topological invariant, experimentally construct this insulator within a topological circuit framework, and capture the octupole insulating phase as a localized impedance peak at the circuit's corner. Furthermore, our $\mathbb{RP}^3$ circuit stands out as a pioneering 3D model to simultaneously exhibit both intrinsic, termination-independent symmetry-protected topological phases (SPTPs) and extrinsic, termination-dependent boundary-obstructed topological phases (BOTPs), which broadly encompass 2D surface-obstructed topological phases (SOTPs) and 1D hinge-obstructed topological phases (HOTPs). Our results broaden the topological landscape and provide insights into the band theory within the manifold of the Brillouin $\mathbb{RP}^3$. △ Less

Submitted 29 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures

Distinct many-body scars and emergent quantum phases driven by competing interactions in two-species Rydberg arrays

Authors: Lei-Yi-Nan Liu, Shun-Yao Yu, Shi-Rong Peng, Jie Sheng, Su Yi, Peng Xu, Shou-Shu Gong, Tao Shi, Jian Cui

Abstract: Rydberg atom arrays composed of multiple atomic species stand as a highly promising platform for quantum computation. However, the underlying physics of these systems as quantum many-body systems remains poorly understood, owing to the intricate competition between attractive and repulsive interactions, phenomena that entirely defy the Rydberg blockade mechanism. We systematically calculate the gr… ▽ More Rydberg atom arrays composed of multiple atomic species stand as a highly promising platform for quantum computation. However, the underlying physics of these systems as quantum many-body systems remains poorly understood, owing to the intricate competition between attractive and repulsive interactions, phenomena that entirely defy the Rydberg blockade mechanism. We systematically calculate the ground-state phase diagram of alternating two-species atom arrays and their quench dynamics. Our findings reveal several novel quantum states absent in traditional cold-atom platforms, such as the period-4 product state $|1100...\rangle$, the period-6 product state $|111000...\rangle$, and an order-disorder mixed phase. In the quench dynamics, we confirm $\mathbb{Z}_2$ ordered state qualify as novel quantum many-body scars. Based on our perturbation analysis, the underlying physics ought to be described by a series of Cooper pair states spanning the entire energy spectrum, rather than the PXP low-energy effective model. A detailed analysis is also provided regarding the experimental preparation of those product states. Numerical evidence demonstrates that the proposed scheme exhibits robustness against typical experimental imperfections, thereby confirming its experimental feasibility. Moreover, the ground-state problem of the two-species array naturally maps to more general combinatorial optimization problems, extending the class of optimization tasks accessible to programmable neutral-atom quantum processors. Our work paves a new way for quantum simulation of novel quantum many-body states, which emerge from the interplay between competing interactions among different atom species and quantum fluctuations. △ Less

Submitted 17 August, 2026; v1 submitted 28 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 22 pages, 23 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 114, 115406 (2026)

High-quality imaging of large areas through path-difference ptychography

Authors: Jizhe Cui, Yi Zheng, Kang Sun, Wenfeng Yang, Haozhi Sha, Rong Yu

Abstract: Tilting planar samples for multi-zone-axes observation is a routine procedure in electron microscopy. However, this process invariably introduces optical path differences in the electron beam across different sample positions, significantly compromising image quality, particularly over large fields of view. To address this challenge, we developed path difference ptychography (PDP), a method capabl… ▽ More Tilting planar samples for multi-zone-axes observation is a routine procedure in electron microscopy. However, this process invariably introduces optical path differences in the electron beam across different sample positions, significantly compromising image quality, particularly over large fields of view. To address this challenge, we developed path difference ptychography (PDP), a method capable of decoupling path differences from the four-dimensional data during reconstruction. This enables the acquisition of high-quality, large-scale images, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding and analysis of materials microstructure. Moreover, PDP has the potential to promote the widespread application of ptychographic tomography in the analysis of planar samples. △ Less

Submitted 21 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Nematic Ising superconductivity with hidden magnetism in few-layer 6R-TaS2

Authors: Shao-Bo Liu, Congkuan Tian, Yuqiang Fang, Hongtao Rong, Lu Cao, Xinjian Wei, Hang Cui, Mantang Chen, Di Chen, Yuanjun Song, Jian Cui, Jiankun Li, Shuyue Guan, Shuang Jia, Chaoyu Chen, Wenyu He, Fuqiang Huang, Yuhang Jiang, Jinhai Mao, X. C. Xie, K. T. Law, Jian-Hao Chen

Abstract: In van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), the manipulation of interlayer stacking/coupling allows for the construction of customizable quantum systems exhibiting exotic physics. An illustrative example is the diverse range of states of matter achieved through varying the proximity coupling between two-dimensional (2D) quantum spin liquid (QSL) and superconductors within the TaS2 family. This stud… ▽ More In van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), the manipulation of interlayer stacking/coupling allows for the construction of customizable quantum systems exhibiting exotic physics. An illustrative example is the diverse range of states of matter achieved through varying the proximity coupling between two-dimensional (2D) quantum spin liquid (QSL) and superconductors within the TaS2 family. This study presents a demonstration of the intertwined physics of spontaneous rotational symmetry breaking, hidden magnetism, and Ising superconductivity in the three-fold rotationally symmetric, non-magnetic natural vdWHs 6R-TaS2. A distinctive phase emerges in 6R-TaS2 below a characteristic temperature (T*) of approximately 30 K, which is characterized by a remarkable set of features, including a giant extrinsic anomalous Hall effect (AHE), Kondo screening, magnetic field-tunable thermal hysteresis, and nematic magneto-resistance. At lower temperatures, a coexistence of nematicity and Kondo screening with Ising superconductivity is observed, providing compelling evidence of hidden magnetism within a superconductor. This research not only sheds light on unexpected emergent physics resulting from the coupling of itinerant electrons and localized/correlated electrons in natural vdWHs but also emphasizes the potential for tailoring exotic quantum states through the manipulation of interlayer interactions. △ Less

Submitted 17 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 16 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Nature Communications,2024,15(1):7569

Three-dimensional quantum Griffiths singularity in bulk iron-pnictide superconductors

Authors: Shao-Bo Liu, Congkuan Tian, Yongqing Cai, Hang Cui, Xinjian Wei, Mantang Chen, Yang Zhao, Yuan Sui, Shuyue Guan, Shuang Jia, Yu Zhang, Ya Feng, Jiankun Li, Jian Cui, Yuanjun Song, Tingting Hao, Chaoyu Chen, Jian-Hao Chen

Abstract: The quantum Griffiths singularity (QGS) is a phenomenon driven by quenched disorders that break conventional scaling invariance and result in a divergent dynamical critical exponent during quantum phase transitions (QPT). While this phenomenon has been well-documented in low-dimensional conventional superconductors and in three-dimensional (3D) magnetic metal systems, its presence in 3D supercondu… ▽ More The quantum Griffiths singularity (QGS) is a phenomenon driven by quenched disorders that break conventional scaling invariance and result in a divergent dynamical critical exponent during quantum phase transitions (QPT). While this phenomenon has been well-documented in low-dimensional conventional superconductors and in three-dimensional (3D) magnetic metal systems, its presence in 3D superconducting systems and in unconventional high-temperature superconductors (high-Tc SCs) remains unclear. In this study, we report the observation of robust QGS in the superconductor-metal transition (SMT) of both quasi-2D and 3D anisotropic unconventional high-Tc superconductor CaFe1-xNixAsF (x < 5%) bulk single crystals, where the QGS states persist to up to 5.3 K. A comprehensive quantum phase diagram is established that delineates the 3D anisotropic QGS of SMT induced by perpendicular and parallel magnetic field. Our findings reveal the universality of QGS in 3D superconducting systems and unconventional high-Tc SCs, thereby substantially expanding the range of applicability of QGS. △ Less

Submitted 14 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 17 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: National Science Review 11: nwae220, 2024

Characterizing dynamical criticality of many-body localization transitions from the Fock-space perspective

Authors: Zheng-Hang Sun, Yong-Yi Wang, Jian Cui, Heng Fan, Markus Heyl

Abstract: Characterizing the nature of many-body localization transitions (MBLTs) and their potential critical behaviors has remained a challenging problem. In this work, we study the dynamics of the displacement, quantifying the spread of the radial probability distribution in the Fock space, for three systems with MBLTs, i.e., the Hamiltonian models with quasiperiodic and random fields, as well as a rando… ▽ More Characterizing the nature of many-body localization transitions (MBLTs) and their potential critical behaviors has remained a challenging problem. In this work, we study the dynamics of the displacement, quantifying the spread of the radial probability distribution in the Fock space, for three systems with MBLTs, i.e., the Hamiltonian models with quasiperiodic and random fields, as well as a random-circuit Floquet model of a MBLT. We then perform a finite-size scaling analysis of the long-time averaged displacement by considering two types of ansatz for MBLTs, i.e., continuous and BKT transitions. The data collapse based on the assumption of a continuous phase transition with power-law correlation length reveals that the scaling exponent of the MBLT induced by random field is close to that of the Floquet model, but significantly differes from the quasiperiodic model. Additionally, we find that the BKT-type scaling provides a more accurate description of the MBLTs in the random model and the Floquet model, yielding larger (finite-size) critical points compared to those obtained from power-law scaling. Our work highlights that the displacement is a valuable tool for studying MBLTs, as relevant to ongoing experimental efforts. △ Less

Submitted 28 March, 2025; v1 submitted 28 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 111,094210(2025)

Imaging, counting, and positioning single interstitial atoms in solids

Authors: Jizhe Cui, Haozhi Sha, Liangze Mao, Kang Sun, Wenfeng Yang, Rong Yu

Abstract: Interstitial atoms are ubiquitous in solids and they are widely incorporated into materials to tune their lattice structure, electronic transportation, and mechanical properties. Because the distribution of interstitial atoms in matrix materials is usually disordered and most of them are light atoms with weak scattering ability, it remains a challenge to directly image single interstitial atoms an… ▽ More Interstitial atoms are ubiquitous in solids and they are widely incorporated into materials to tune their lattice structure, electronic transportation, and mechanical properties. Because the distribution of interstitial atoms in matrix materials is usually disordered and most of them are light atoms with weak scattering ability, it remains a challenge to directly image single interstitial atoms and measure their geometrical positions. In this work, direct imaging and measuring of single interstitial atoms have been realized with adaptive-propagator ptychography. The measurement of their three-dimensional coordinates enables quantitative analysis of the pair distribution function of the interstitial atoms and reveals the anisotropic occupation of oxygen in the interstitial sites in titanium. The current work paves the way for the determination of interstitial atoms in materials, and for the correlation between the atomic-scale behavior of interstitial atoms and the physical properties of materials. △ Less

Submitted 28 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 20 pages and 8 figures; Jizhe Cui and Haozhi Sha contributed equally to this work. Rong Yu, corresponding author: ryu@tsinghua.edu.cn

3D reconstruction of a million atoms by multiple-section local-orbital tomography

Authors: Liangze Mao, Jizhe Cui, Rong Yu

Abstract: There exist two groups of electron microscopy methods that are capable of providing three-dimensional (3D) structural information of an object, i.e., electron tomography and depth sectioning. Electron tomography is capable of resolving atoms in all three dimensions, but the accuracy in atomic positions is low and the object size that can be reconstructed is limited. Depth sectioning methods give h… ▽ More There exist two groups of electron microscopy methods that are capable of providing three-dimensional (3D) structural information of an object, i.e., electron tomography and depth sectioning. Electron tomography is capable of resolving atoms in all three dimensions, but the accuracy in atomic positions is low and the object size that can be reconstructed is limited. Depth sectioning methods give high positional accuracy in the imaging plane, but the spatial resolution in the third dimension is low. In this work, electron tomography and depth sectioning are combined to form a method called multiple-section local-orbital tomography, or nLOT in short. The nLOT method provides high spatial resolution and high positional accuracy in all three dimensions. The object size that can be reconstructed is extended to a million atoms. The present method establishes a foundation for the widespread application of atomic electron tomography. △ Less

Submitted 24 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Imaging thermally fluctuating Nèel vectors in van der Waals antiferromagnet NiPS3

Authors: Youjin Lee, Chaebin Kim, Suhan Son, Jingyuan Cui, Giung Park, Kai-Xuan Zhang, Siwon Oh, Hyeonsik Cheong, Armin Kleibert, Je-Geun Park

Abstract: Studying antiferromagnetic domains is essential for fundamental physics and potential spintronics applications. Despite its importance, few systematic studies have been performed on van der Waals (vdW) antiferromagnets (AFMs) domains with high spatial resolutions, and direct probing of the Nèel vectors remains challenging. In this work, we found a multidomain in vdW AFM NiPS3, a material extensive… ▽ More Studying antiferromagnetic domains is essential for fundamental physics and potential spintronics applications. Despite its importance, few systematic studies have been performed on van der Waals (vdW) antiferromagnets (AFMs) domains with high spatial resolutions, and direct probing of the Nèel vectors remains challenging. In this work, we found a multidomain in vdW AFM NiPS3, a material extensively investigated for its exotic magnetic exciton. We employed photoemission electron microscopy combined with the X-ray magnetic linear dichroism (XMLD-PEEM) to image the NiPS3's magnetic structure. The nanometer-spatial resolution of XMLD-PEEM allows us to determine local Nèel vector orientations and discover thermally fluctuating Néel vectors that are independent of the crystal symmetry even at 65 K, well below TN of 155 K. We demonstrate a Ni ions' small in-plane orbital moment anisotropy is responsible for the weak magneto-crystalline anisotropy. The observed multidomain's thermal fluctuations may explain the broadening of magnetic exciton peaks at higher temperatures. △ Less

Submitted 3 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Polar vortex hidden in twisted bilayers of paraelectric SrTiO3

Authors: Haozhi Sha, Yixuan Zhang, Yunpeng Ma, Wei Li, Wenfeng Yang, Jizhe Cui, Qian Li, Houbing Huang, Rong Yu

Abstract: Polar topologies, such as vortex and skyrmion, have attracted significant interest due to their unique physical properties and promising applications in high-density memory devices. Currently, most polar vortices are observed in heterostructures containing ferroelectric materials and constrained by substrates. In this study, we unravel arrays of polar vortices formed in twisted freestanding bilaye… ▽ More Polar topologies, such as vortex and skyrmion, have attracted significant interest due to their unique physical properties and promising applications in high-density memory devices. Currently, most polar vortices are observed in heterostructures containing ferroelectric materials and constrained by substrates. In this study, we unravel arrays of polar vortices formed in twisted freestanding bilayers composed of SrTiO3, a quantum-paraelectric material. Depth-resolved structures of the bilayers are measured with deep-sub-angstrom resolution and one picometer accuracy using multislice ptychography, enabling identification of the three-dimensional variations of polarization topology. Our findings reveal the evolution of the polar vortices in the twisted overlapping layers, demonstrating the reverse of rotation manner in the depth direction. Twisted freestanding bilayers provide a unique platform for exploration and modulation of novel polar topologies. △ Less

Submitted 11 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

All van der Waals three-terminal SOT-MRAM realized by topological ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2

Authors: Jingyuan Cui, Kai-Xuan Zhang, Je-Geun Park

Abstract: Magnetic van der Waals (vdW) materials have attracted massive attention because of their academic interest and application potential for the past few years. Its main advantage is the intrinsic two-dimensionality, enabling much smaller devices of novel concepts. One particular exciting direction lies in the current-driven spin-orbit torque (SOT). Here, we, for the first time, realize an all vdW thr… ▽ More Magnetic van der Waals (vdW) materials have attracted massive attention because of their academic interest and application potential for the past few years. Its main advantage is the intrinsic two-dimensionality, enabling much smaller devices of novel concepts. One particular exciting direction lies in the current-driven spin-orbit torque (SOT). Here, we, for the first time, realize an all vdW three-terminal SOT memory, employing the unique physics principle of gigantic intrinsic SOT of Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) and the well-known industry-adopted tunnelling magnetoresistance (TMR) effect. We designed the device operation procedure and fabricated the FGT/h-BN/FGT vdW heterostructure as a proof of concept. This device exhibits a classical TMR effect and unambiguously demonstrates the conception by precise performance as expected: the magnetic information of the top-FGT is written by current-driven SOT and read out by TMR separately. The writing and reading current paths are physically decoupled, enhancing the design and optimization flexibility substantially and further strengthening the device's endurance naturally. Our work would prompt more expansive use of vdW magnets for spintronic applications. △ Less

Submitted 7 January, 2025; v1 submitted 22 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: Accepted by Advanced Electronic Materials; 26 pages, 4 main figures, 3 supporting figures

Journal ref: Advanced Electronic Materials 10, 2400041 (2024)

Accurate atomic positions via local-orbital tomography with depth-dependent interactions

Authors: Liangze Mao, Jizhe Cui, Rong Yu

Abstract: Three-dimensional reconstruction of atomic structure, known as atomic electron tomography (AET), has found increasing applications in materials science. The AET has been limited to very small nanoparticles due to the challenges of obtaining accurate atomic positions for large objects, for which the projection approximation generally assumed in AET is no longer valid due to the evolution of the ele… ▽ More Three-dimensional reconstruction of atomic structure, known as atomic electron tomography (AET), has found increasing applications in materials science. The AET has been limited to very small nanoparticles due to the challenges of obtaining accurate atomic positions for large objects, for which the projection approximation generally assumed in AET is no longer valid due to the evolution of the electron probe along the beam direction. To address these challenges, we have developed a method that represents atoms as local orbitals and implements a depth-dependent probe-object interaction. Compared to conventional tomographic methods, the accuracy of atomic positions is improved by a factor of three and provides a solution for the tomographic reconstruction of large objects. △ Less

Submitted 22 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Information limit of 15 pm achieved with bright-field ptychography

Authors: Haozhi Sha, Jizhe Cui, Wenfeng Yang, Rong Yu

Abstract: It is generally assumed that a high spatial resolution of a microscope requires a large numerical aperture of the imaging lens or detector. In this study, the information limit of 15 pm is achieved in transmission electron microscopy using only the bright-field disk (small numerical aperture) via multislice ptychography. The results indicate that high-frequency information has been encoded in the… ▽ More It is generally assumed that a high spatial resolution of a microscope requires a large numerical aperture of the imaging lens or detector. In this study, the information limit of 15 pm is achieved in transmission electron microscopy using only the bright-field disk (small numerical aperture) via multislice ptychography. The results indicate that high-frequency information has been encoded in the electrons scattered to low angles due to the multiple scattering of electrons in the objects, making it possible to break the diffraction limit of imaging via bright-field ptychography. △ Less

Submitted 20 December, 2023; originally announced January 2024.

Comments: 10 pages, 4 figures

Broken inversion symmetry in van der Waals topological ferromagnetic metal iron germanium telluride

Authors: Kai-Xuan Zhang, Hwiin Ju, Hyuncheol Kim, Jingyuan Cui, Jihoon Keum, Je-Geun Park, Jong Seok Lee

Abstract: Inversion symmetry breaking is critical for many quantum effects and fundamental for spin-orbit torque, which is crucial for next-generation spintronics. Recently, a novel type of gigantic intrinsic spin-orbit torque has been established in the topological van-der-Waals (vdW) magnet iron germanium telluride. However, it remains a puzzle because no clear evidence exists for interlayer inversion sym… ▽ More Inversion symmetry breaking is critical for many quantum effects and fundamental for spin-orbit torque, which is crucial for next-generation spintronics. Recently, a novel type of gigantic intrinsic spin-orbit torque has been established in the topological van-der-Waals (vdW) magnet iron germanium telluride. However, it remains a puzzle because no clear evidence exists for interlayer inversion symmetry breaking. Here, we report the definitive evidence of broken inversion symmetry in iron germanium telluride directly measured by the second harmonic generation (SHG) technique. Our data show that the crystal symmetry reduces from centrosymmetric P63/mmc to noncentrosymmetric polar P3m1 space group, giving the three-fold SHG pattern with dominant out-of-plane polarization. Additionally, the SHG response evolves from an isotropic pattern to a sharp three-fold symmetry upon increasing Fe deficiency, mainly due to the transition from random defects to ordered Fe vacancies. Such SHG response is robust against temperature, ensuring unaltered crystalline symmetries above and below the ferromagnetic transition temperature. These findings add crucial new information to our understanding of this interesting vdW metal, iron germanium telluride: band topology, intrinsic spin-orbit torque and topological vdW polar metal states. △ Less

Submitted 7 January, 2025; v1 submitted 21 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Comments: Accepted by Advanced Materials; 32 pages, 4 main figures, 5 supporting figures

Journal ref: Advanced Materials 36, 2312824 (2024)

Prominent Josephson tunneling between twisted single copper oxide planes of Bi$_2$Sr$_{2-x}$LaxCuO$_{6+y}$

Authors: Heng Wang, Yuying Zhu, Zhonghua Bai, Zechao Wang, Shuxu Hu, Hong-Yi Xie, Xiaopeng Hu, Jian Cui, Miaoling Huang, Jianhao Chen, Ying Ding, Lin Zhao, Xinyan Li, Qinghua Zhang, Lin Gu, X. J. Zhou, Jing Zhu, Ding Zhang, Qi-Kun Xue

Abstract: Josephson tunneling in twisted cuprate junctions provides a litmus test for the pairing symmetry, which is fundamental for understanding the microscopic mechanism of high temperature superconductivity. This issue is rekindled by experimental advances in van der Waals stacking and the proposal of an emergent d+id-wave. So far, all experiments have been carried out on Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_{8+x}$ (… ▽ More Josephson tunneling in twisted cuprate junctions provides a litmus test for the pairing symmetry, which is fundamental for understanding the microscopic mechanism of high temperature superconductivity. This issue is rekindled by experimental advances in van der Waals stacking and the proposal of an emergent d+id-wave. So far, all experiments have been carried out on Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_{8+x}$ (Bi-2212) with double CuO$_2$ planes but show controversial results. Here, we investigate junctions made of Bi$_2$Sr$_{2-x}$La$_x$CuO$_{6+y}$ (Bi-2201) with single CuO$_2$ planes. Our on-site cold stacking technique ensures uncompromised crystalline quality and stoichiometry at the interface. Junctions with carefully calibrated twist angles around 45° show strong Josephson tunneling and conventional temperature dependence. Furthermore, we observe standard Fraunhofer diffraction patterns and integer Fiske steps in a junction with a twist angle of 45.0$\pm$0.2°. Together, these results pose strong constraints on the d or d+id-wave pairing and suggest an indispensable isotropic pairing component. △ Less

Submitted 20 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 32 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Nature Communications 14, 5201 (2023)

Effect of the entropy on the shear viscosity of metallic glasses near the glass transition

Authors: A. S. Makarov, J. B. Cui, J. C. Qiao, G. V. Afonin, N. P. Kobelev, V. A. Khonik

Abstract: We measured the shear viscosity of 14 metallic glasses differing with their mixing entropy $ΔS_{mix}$. It is found that the viscosity at the glass transition temperature $T_g$ significantly increases with $ΔS_{mix}$. Using calorimetric data, we calculated the excess entropy of all glasses $ΔS$ with respect to their maternal crystalline states as a function of temperature. It is shown that the exce… ▽ More We measured the shear viscosity of 14 metallic glasses differing with their mixing entropy $ΔS_{mix}$. It is found that the viscosity at the glass transition temperature $T_g$ significantly increases with $ΔS_{mix}$. Using calorimetric data, we calculated the excess entropy of all glasses $ΔS$ with respect to their maternal crystalline states as a function of temperature. It is shown that the excess entropy $ΔS$ both at room temperature and at $T_g$ \textit{decreases} with $ΔS_{mix}$. It is concluded that glasses with "high mixing entropy" $ΔS_{mix}$ correspond to MGs with \textit{low} excess entropy $ΔS$. The origin of the increased shear viscosity at $T_g$ of glasses with high $ΔS_{mix}$ is determined by their reduced excess entropy $ΔS$. △ Less

Submitted 19 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 12 pages, 4 Figures

Eigenstate Thermalization and its breakdown in Quantum Spin Chains with Inhomogeneous Interactions

Authors: Ding-Zu Wang, Hao Zhu, Jian Cui, Javier Argüello-Luengo, Maciej Lewenstein, Guo-Feng Zhang, Piotr Sierant, Shi-Ju Ran

Abstract: The eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) is a successful theory that establishes the criteria for ergodicity and thermalization in isolated quantum many-body systems. In this work, we investigate the thermalization properties of spin-$ 1/2 $ XXZ chain with linearly-inhomogeneous interactions. We demonstrate that introduction of the inhomogeneous interactions leads to an onset of quantum chao… ▽ More The eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) is a successful theory that establishes the criteria for ergodicity and thermalization in isolated quantum many-body systems. In this work, we investigate the thermalization properties of spin-$ 1/2 $ XXZ chain with linearly-inhomogeneous interactions. We demonstrate that introduction of the inhomogeneous interactions leads to an onset of quantum chaos and thermalization, which, however, becomes inhibited for sufficiently strong inhomogeneity. To exhibit ETH, and to display its breakdown upon varying the strength of interactions, we probe statistics of energy levels and properties of matrix elements of local observables in eigenstates of the inhomogeneous XXZ spin chain. Moreover, we investigate the dynamics of the entanglement entropy and the survival probability which further evidence the thermalization and its breakdown in the considered model. We outline a way to experimentally realize the XXZ chain with linearly-inhomogeneous interactions in systems of ultracold atoms. Our results highlight a mechanism of emergence of ETH due to insertion of inhomogeneities in an otherwise integrable system and illustrate the arrest of quantum dynamics in presence of strong interactions. △ Less

Submitted 17 June, 2025; v1 submitted 30 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Comments: 13 pages, 10 figures

Defect-induced helicity-dependent terahertz emission in Dirac semimetal PtTe2 thin films

Authors: Zhongqiang Chen, Hongsong Qiu, Xinjuan Cheng, Jizhe Cui, Zuanming Jin, Da Tian, Xu Zhang, Kankan Xu, Ruxin Liu, Wei Niu, Liqi Zhou, Tianyu Qiu, Yequan Chen, Caihong Zhang, Xiaoxiang Xi, Fengqi Song, Rong Yu, Xuechao Zhai, Biaobing Jin, Rong Zhang, Xuefeng Wang

Abstract: Nonlinear transport enabled by symmetry breaking in quantum materials has aroused considerable interest in condensed matter physics and interdisciplinary electronics. However, the nonlinear optical response in centrosymmetric Dirac semimetals via the defect engineering has remained highly challenging. Here, we observe the helicity-dependent terahertz (THz) emission in Dirac semimetal PtTe2 thin fi… ▽ More Nonlinear transport enabled by symmetry breaking in quantum materials has aroused considerable interest in condensed matter physics and interdisciplinary electronics. However, the nonlinear optical response in centrosymmetric Dirac semimetals via the defect engineering has remained highly challenging. Here, we observe the helicity-dependent terahertz (THz) emission in Dirac semimetal PtTe2 thin films via circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE) under normal incidence. This is activated by artificially controllable out-of-plane Te-vacancy defect gradient, which is unambiguously evidenced by the electron ptychography. The defect gradient lowers the symmetry, which not only induces the band spin splitting, but also generates the giant Berry curvature dipole (BCD) responsible for the CPGE. Such BCD-induced helicity-dependent THz emission can be manipulated by the Te-vacancy defect concentration. Furthermore, temperature evolution of the THz emission features the minimum of the THz amplitude due to the carrier compensation. Our work provides a universal strategy for symmetry breaking in centrosymmetric Dirac materials for efficient nonlinear transport and facilitates the promising device applications in integrated optoelectronics and spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 1 March, 2024; v1 submitted 15 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Comments: 27 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Nature Communications (2024)

Robust light bullets in Rydberg gases with moiré lattice

Authors: Ze-Yang Li, Jun-Hao Li, Yuan Zhao, Jin-Long Cui, Jun-Rong He, Guo-Long Ruan, Boris A. Malomed, Si-Liu Xu

Abstract: Rydberg electromagnetically-induced transparency has been widely studied as a medium supporting light propagation under the action of nonlocal nonlinearities. Recently, optical potentials based on moiré lattices (MLs) were introduced for exploring unconventional physical states. Here, we predict a possibility of creating fully three-dimensional (3D) light bullets (LBs) in cold Rydberg gases under… ▽ More Rydberg electromagnetically-induced transparency has been widely studied as a medium supporting light propagation under the action of nonlocal nonlinearities. Recently, optical potentials based on moiré lattices (MLs) were introduced for exploring unconventional physical states. Here, we predict a possibility of creating fully three-dimensional (3D) light bullets (LBs) in cold Rydberg gases under the action of ML potentials. The nonlinearity includes local self-defocusing and long-range focusing terms, the latter one induced by the Rydberg-Rydberg interaction. We produce zero-vorticity LB families of the fundamental, dipole, and quadrupole types, as well as vortex LBs. They all are gap solitons populating finite bandgaps of the underlying ML spectrum. Stable subfamilies are identified utilizing the combination of the anti-Vakhitov-Kolokolov criterion, computation of eigenvalues for small perturbations, and direct simulations. △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Journal ref: Results in Physics 53 (2023) 106990

Analytical results for a spin-orbit coupled atom held in a non-Hermitian double well under synchronous combined modulation

Authors: Xin Xie, Jiaxi Cui, Zhida Luo, Yuqiong Xie, Wenjuan Li, Wenhua Hai, Yunrong Luo

Abstract: We propose a simple method of synchronous combined modulations to generate the exact analytic solutions for a spin-orbit (SO) coupled ultracold atom held in a non-Hermitian double-well potential. Based on the obtained analytical solutions, we mainly study the parity-time ($\mathcal{PT}$) symmetry of this system and the system stability for both balanced and unbalanced gain-loss between two wells.… ▽ More We propose a simple method of synchronous combined modulations to generate the exact analytic solutions for a spin-orbit (SO) coupled ultracold atom held in a non-Hermitian double-well potential. Based on the obtained analytical solutions, we mainly study the parity-time ($\mathcal{PT}$) symmetry of this system and the system stability for both balanced and unbalanced gain-loss between two wells. Under balanced gain and loss, the effect of the proportional constants between synchronous combined modulations and the SO-coupling strength on the $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetry breaking is revealed analytically. Surprisingly, we find when the Zeeman field is present, the stable spin-flipping tunneling between two wells can not occur in the non-Hermitian SO-coupled ultracold atomic system, but the stable spin-conserving tunneling can be performed. Under unbalanced gain and loss, the unique set of parameter conditions that can cause the system to stabilize is found. The results may provide a possibility for the exact control of $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetry breaking and quantum spin dynamics in a non-Hermitian SO-coupled system. △ Less

Submitted 5 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Photon Correlations in Colloidal Quantum Dot Molecules Controlled by the Neck Barrier

Authors: Somnath Koley, Jiabin Cui, Yossef. E. Panfil, Yonatan Ossia, Adar Levi, Einav Scharf, Lior Verbitsky, Uri Banin

Abstract: We investigate the charge re-distribution upon optical excitation of various necked homodimer CQDMs using single particle emission spectroscopy. By tuning the hybridization of the electron wavefunction at a fixed center-to-center distance through controlling the neck girth, we reveal two coupling limits. On one hand a connected-but-confined situation where neighbouring CQDs are weakly fused to eac… ▽ More We investigate the charge re-distribution upon optical excitation of various necked homodimer CQDMs using single particle emission spectroscopy. By tuning the hybridization of the electron wavefunction at a fixed center-to-center distance through controlling the neck girth, we reveal two coupling limits. On one hand a connected-but-confined situation where neighbouring CQDs are weakly fused to each other manifesting a weak coupling regime, and on the other hand, a connected-and-delocalized situation, where the neck is filled beyond the facet size leading to a rod-like architecture manifesting strong-coupling. Either coupling regimes entrust distinct optical signatures clearly resolved at room temperature in terms of photoluminescence quantum yield, intensity time traces, lifetimes, and spectra of the neutral-exciton, charged-exciton, and biexciton states. The interplay between the radiative and non-radiative Auger decays of these states, turns emitted photons from the CQDMs in the weak-coupling regime highly bunched unlike CQD monomers, while the antibunching is regained at the strong-coupling regime. This behavior correlates with the hybridization energy being smaller than the thermal energy (kT approx. 25meV) at the weak-coupling limit (delta E approax.5-10meV), leading to exciton localization suppressing Auger decay. In the neck-filled architectures, the larger hybridization energy (delta E approx.20-30meV) leads to exciton delocalization while activating the fast charged and multi-exciton Auger decay processes. This work sets an analogy for the artificial molecule CQDMs with regular molecules, where the two distinct regimes of weak- and strong-coupling correspond to ionic- or covalent- type bonding, respectively. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: 28 pages, 5 figures, 2 schemes. SI - 13 pages, 11 figures

Journal ref: Matter, 5(11), 2022, P. 3997-4014

High-Entropy Enhanced Negative Thermal Expansion Perfomance in Antiperovkites

Authors: Xiuliang Yuan, Bing Wang, Ying Sun, Huaiming Guo, Kewen Shi, Sihao Deng, Lunhua He, Huiqing Lu, Hong Zhang, Shengdi Xu, Yi Du, Weichang Hao, Shengqi Chu, Zhijie Ma, Shihai An, Jin Cui, Dongmei Hu, Huiming Han, Cong Wang

Abstract: The negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials, which can act as thermal-expansion compensators to counteract the positive thermal expansion, have great applications merit in precision engineering. However, the exploration of NTE behavior with a wide temperature range has reached its upper ceiling through traditional doping strategies due to composition limitations. The unique sluggish characteris… ▽ More The negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials, which can act as thermal-expansion compensators to counteract the positive thermal expansion, have great applications merit in precision engineering. However, the exploration of NTE behavior with a wide temperature range has reached its upper ceiling through traditional doping strategies due to composition limitations. The unique sluggish characteristic in phase transition and extended optimization space in recent high entropy systems has great potential to broaden the temperature range in electronic transitions-induced NTE materials. Mn-based anti-perovskites offer an ideal platform for the exploration of high entropy NTE material due to their abundant element selection and controllable NTE performance. In this paper, the high entropy strategy is first introduced to broaden the NTE temperature range by relaxing the abrupt phase transition in Mn-based anti-perovskite nitride. We propose an empirical screening method to synthesize the high-entropy anti-perovskite (HEAP). it is found that magnetic phase separation from anti-ferromagnetic CII to paramagnetic CI surviving in an ultra-wide temperature range of 5K<=T<=350K (Delta_T=345K), revealing a unique sluggish characteristic. Consequently, a remarkable NTE behavior (up to Delta_T=235K, 5K<=T<=240K) with a coefficient of thermal expansion of -4.7x10-6/K, has been obtained in HEAP. It is worth noting that the temperature range is two/three times wider than that of low-entropy systems. The sluggish characteristic has been further experimentally proved to come from disturbed phase transition dynamics due to distortion in atomic spacing and chemical environmental fluctuation observed by the spherical aberration-corrected electron microscope. Our demonstration provides a unique paradigm for broadening the temperature range of NTE materials induced by phase transition through entropy engineering. △ Less

Submitted 4 March, 2024; v1 submitted 31 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Comments: 34 pages

Correlation between Macroscopic and Microscopic Relaxation Dynamics of Water: Evidence for Two Liquid Forms

Authors: Nguyen Q. Vinh, Luan C. Doan, Ngoc L. H. Hoang, Jiarong R. Cui, Ben Sindle

Abstract: Water is vital for life, and without it biomolecules and cells cannot maintain their structures and functions. The remarkable properties of water originate from its ability to form hydrogen-bonding networks and dynamics, which the connectivity constantly alters because of the orientation rotation of individual water molecules. Experimental investigation of the dynamics of water, however, has prove… ▽ More Water is vital for life, and without it biomolecules and cells cannot maintain their structures and functions. The remarkable properties of water originate from its ability to form hydrogen-bonding networks and dynamics, which the connectivity constantly alters because of the orientation rotation of individual water molecules. Experimental investigation of the dynamics of water, however, has proven challenging due to the strong absorption of water at terahertz frequencies. In response, by employing a high-precision terahertz spectrometer, we have measured and characterized the terahertz dielectric response of water from supercooled liquid to near the boiling point to explore the motions. The response reveals dynamic relaxation processes corresponding to the collective orientation, single-molecule rotation, and structural rearrangements resulting from breaking and reforming hydrogen bonds in water. We have observed the direct relationship between the macroscopic and microscopic relaxation dynamics of water, and the results have provided evidence of two liquid forms in water with different transition temperatures and thermal activation energies. The results reported here thus provide an unprecedented opportunity to directly test microscopic computational models of water dynamics. △ Less

Submitted 31 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Journal ref: Journal of Chemical Physics 158, 204507 (2023)

Chirality selective magnon-phonon hybridization and magnon-induced chiral phonons in a layered zigzag antiferromagnet

Authors: Jun Cui, Emil Vinas Bostroem, Mykhaylo Ozerov, Fangliang Wu, Qianni Jiang, Jiun-Haw Chu, Changcun Li, Fucai Liu, Xiaodong Xu, Angel Rubio, Qi Zhang

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic systems possess versatile magnetic order and can host tunable magnons carrying spin angular momenta. Recent advances show angular momentum can also be carried by lattice vibrations in the form of chiral phonons. However, the interplay between magnons and chiral phonons as well as the details of chiral phonon formation in a magnetic system are yet to be explored. Here,… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic systems possess versatile magnetic order and can host tunable magnons carrying spin angular momenta. Recent advances show angular momentum can also be carried by lattice vibrations in the form of chiral phonons. However, the interplay between magnons and chiral phonons as well as the details of chiral phonon formation in a magnetic system are yet to be explored. Here, we report the observation of magnon-induced chiral phonons and chirality selective magnon-phonon hybridization in a layered zigzag antiferromagnet (AFM) FePSe$_3$. With a combination of magneto-infrared and magneto-Raman spectroscopy, we observe chiral magnon polarons (chiMP), the new hybridized quasiparticles, at zero magnetic field. The hybridization gap reaches 0.25~meV and survives down to the quadrilayer limit. Via first principle calculations, we uncover a coherent coupling between AFM magnons and chiral phonons with parallel angular momenta, which arises from the underlying phonon and space group symmetries. This coupling lifts the chiral phonon degeneracy and gives rise to an unusual Raman circular polarization of the chiMP branches. The observation of coherent chiral spin-lattice excitations at zero magnetic field paves the way for angular momentum-based hybrid phononic and magnonic devices. △ Less

Submitted 9 June, 2023; v1 submitted 21 February, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

Journal ref: Nature Communications 14, 3396 (2023)

A ductility metric for refractory-based multi-principal-element alloys

Authors: Prashant Singh, Brent Vela, Gaoyuan Ouyang, Nicolas Argibay, Jun Cui, Raymundo Arroyave, Duane D. Johnson

Abstract: We propose a quantum-mechanical dimensionless metric, the local$-$lattice distortion (LLD), as a reliable predictor of ductility in refractory multi-principal-element alloys (RMPEAs). The LLD metric is based on electronegativity differences in localized chemical environments and combines atomic$-$scale displacements due to local lattice distortions with a weighted average of valence$-$electron cou… ▽ More We propose a quantum-mechanical dimensionless metric, the local$-$lattice distortion (LLD), as a reliable predictor of ductility in refractory multi-principal-element alloys (RMPEAs). The LLD metric is based on electronegativity differences in localized chemical environments and combines atomic$-$scale displacements due to local lattice distortions with a weighted average of valence$-$electron count. To evaluate the effectiveness of this metric, we examined body$-$centered cubic (bcc) refractory alloys that exhibit ductile$-$to$-$brittle behavior. Our findings demonstrate that local$-$charge behavior can be tuned via composition to enhance ductility in RMPEAs. With finite$-$sized cell effects eliminated, the LLD metric accurately predicted the ductility of arbitrary alloys based on tensile$-$elongation experiments. To validate further, we qualitatively evaluated the ductility of two refractory RMPEAs, i.e., NbTaMoW and Mo$_{72}$W$_{13}Ta$_{10}Ti$_{2.5}Zr$_{2.5}, through the observation of crack formation under indentation, again showing excellent agreement with LLD predictions. A comparative study of three refractory alloys provides further insights into the electronic-structure origin of ductility in refractory RMPEAs. This proposed metric enables rapid and accurate assessment of ductility behavior in the vast RMPEA composition space. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2023; v1 submitted 28 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Comments: 36 pages, 12 figures, 5 Table

Atomic-resolution imaging of magnetism via ptychographic phase retrieval

Authors: Jizhe Cui, Haozhi Sha, Wenfeng Yang, Rong Yu

Abstract: Atomic-scale characterization of spin textures in solids is essential for understanding and tuning properties of magnetic materials and devices. While high-energy electrons are employed for atomic-scale imaging of materials, they are insensitive to the spin textures. In general, the magnetic contribution to the phase of high-energy electron wave is 1000 times weaker than the electrostatic potentia… ▽ More Atomic-scale characterization of spin textures in solids is essential for understanding and tuning properties of magnetic materials and devices. While high-energy electrons are employed for atomic-scale imaging of materials, they are insensitive to the spin textures. In general, the magnetic contribution to the phase of high-energy electron wave is 1000 times weaker than the electrostatic potential. Via accurate phase retrieval through electron ptychography, here we show that the magnetic phase can be separated from the electrostatic one, opening the door to atomic-resolution characterization of spin textures in magnetic materials and spintronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 24 November, 2022; v1 submitted 21 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Comments: 20 pages, 9 figures

Linear nonsaturating magnetoresistance in kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5 thin flakes

Authors: Xinjian Wei, Congkuan Tian, Hang Cui, Yongkai Li, Shaobo Liu, Ya Feng, Jian Cui, Yuanjun Song, Zhiwei Wang, Jian-Hao Chen

Abstract: Linear nonsaturating magnetoresistance (LMR) represents a class of anomalous resistivity response to external magnetic field that has been observed in a variety of materials including but not limited to topological semi-metals, high-Tc superconductors and materials with charge/spin density wave (CDW/SDW) orders. Here we report the observation of LMR in layered kagome superconductor and CDW materia… ▽ More Linear nonsaturating magnetoresistance (LMR) represents a class of anomalous resistivity response to external magnetic field that has been observed in a variety of materials including but not limited to topological semi-metals, high-Tc superconductors and materials with charge/spin density wave (CDW/SDW) orders. Here we report the observation of LMR in layered kagome superconductor and CDW material CsV3Sb5 thin flakes, as well as the dimensional crossover and temperature (T) crossover of such LMR. Specifically, in ultrathin CsV3Sb5 crystals, the magnetoresistance (MR) exhibits a crossover from LMR at low T to quadratic B dependence above the CDW transition temperature; the MR also exhibits a crossover from LMR to sublinear MR for sample thickness at around ~20 nm at low T. We discuss several possible origins of the LMR and attribute the effect to two-dimensional (2D) CDW fluctuations. Our results may provide a new perspective for understanding the interactions between competing orders in kagome superconductors. △ Less

Submitted 30 October, 2022; originally announced October 2022.

Magnetic detection under high pressures using designed silicon vacancy centers in silicon carbide

Authors: Jun-Feng Wang, Lin Liu, Xiao-Di Liu, Qiang Li, Jin-Ming Cui, Di-Fan Zhou, Ji-Yang Zhou, Yu Wei, Hai-An Xu, Wan Xu, Wu-Xi Lin, Jin-Wei Yan, Zhen-Xuan He, Zheng-Hao Liu, Zhi-He Hao, Hai-Ou Li, Wen Liu, Jin-Shi Xu, Eugene Gregoryanz, Chuan-Feng Li, Guang-Can Guo

Abstract: Pressure-induced magnetic phase transition is attracting interest due to its ability to detect superconducting behaviour at high pressures in diamond anvil cells. However, detection of the local sample magnetic properties is a great challenge due to the small sample chamber volume. Recently, optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond have been used for… ▽ More Pressure-induced magnetic phase transition is attracting interest due to its ability to detect superconducting behaviour at high pressures in diamond anvil cells. However, detection of the local sample magnetic properties is a great challenge due to the small sample chamber volume. Recently, optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond have been used for in-situ pressure-induced phase transition detection. However, owing to their four orientation axes and temperature-dependent zero-field-splitting, interpreting the observed ODMR spectra of NV centers remain challenging. Here, we study the optical and spin properties of implanted silicon vacancy defects in 4H-SiC, which is single-axis and temperature-independent zero-field-splitting. Using this technique, we observe the magnetic phase transition of Nd2Fe14B at about 7 GPa and map the critical temperature-pressure phase diagram of the superconductor YBa2Cu3O6.6. These results highlight the potential of silicon vacancy-based quantum sensors for in-situ magnetic detection at high pressures. △ Less

Submitted 13 February, 2023; v1 submitted 28 August, 2022; originally announced August 2022.

Effect of twin boundaries on the strength of body-centered cubic tungsten nanowires

Authors: Junfeng Cui, Liang Ma, Guoxin Chen, Nan Jiang, Peiling Ke, Yingying Yang, Shiliang Wang, Kazuhito Nishimura, Javier Llorca

Abstract: Twin boundaries (TBs) are assumed to be obstacles to dislocation motion and increase the strength of metals. Here, we report the abnormal phenomenon that TBs reduce the strength of body-centered cubic (BCC) tungsten (W). [1-11]-oriented W nanowires with (121) twin planes and free of dislocations were fabricated by chemical vapor deposition. In situ tensile tests within the transmission electron mi… ▽ More Twin boundaries (TBs) are assumed to be obstacles to dislocation motion and increase the strength of metals. Here, we report the abnormal phenomenon that TBs reduce the strength of body-centered cubic (BCC) tungsten (W). [1-11]-oriented W nanowires with (121) twin planes and free of dislocations were fabricated by chemical vapor deposition. In situ tensile tests within the transmission electron microscope were performed on single-crystal and twinned W nanowires. The fracture strength of the twinned W nanowire was 13.7 GPa, 16% lower than that of the single-crystal W nanowire (16.3 GPa). The weakening mechanism of the TB was revealed by a combination of atomic-resolution characterizations and atomistic simulations. Twinned W nanowires failed by the early nucleation of a crack at the intersection of the TB with the surface. The standard strengthening mechanism by dislocation/TB interaction was not operative in W because the high Peierls barrier and stacking fault energy in W hinder dislocation nucleation and glide. These findings provide a new insight into the influence of TBs on the mechanical properties of BCC metals. △ Less

Submitted 27 August, 2022; originally announced August 2022.

Journal ref: Materials Science and Engineering A 862, 143826, 2023