Showing 1–50 of 146 results for author: Han, W

Experimental Demonstration and Transformation Mechanism of Quenchable Two-dimensional Diamond

Authors: Jiayin Li, Guoshuai Du, Lili Zhao, Wuxiao Han, Jiaxin Ming, Shang Chen, Pengcheng Zhao, Lu Bai, Jiaohui Yan, Yubing Du, Jiajia Feng, Hongliang Dong, Ke Jin, Weigao Xu, Bin Chen, Jianguo Zhang, Yabin Chen

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) diamond has aroused tremendous interest in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics, owing to its superior properties and flexible characteristics compared to bulk diamond. Despite significant efforts, great challenges lie in the experimental synthesis and transformation conditions of 2D diamond. Herein, we have demonstrated the experimental preparation of high quality 2D diamond w… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) diamond has aroused tremendous interest in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics, owing to its superior properties and flexible characteristics compared to bulk diamond. Despite significant efforts, great challenges lie in the experimental synthesis and transformation conditions of 2D diamond. Herein, we have demonstrated the experimental preparation of high quality 2D diamond with controlled thickness and distinguished properties, realized by laser-heating few-layer graphene in diamond anvil cell. The quenched 2D diamond exhibited narrow T2g Raman peak (linewidth ~3.6 cm-1) and intense photoluminescence of SiV- (linewidth ~6.1 nm) and NV0 centers. In terms of transformation mechanism, atomic structures of hybrid phase interfaces suggested that the intermediate rhombohedral phase subtly mediate hexagonal graphite to cubic diamond transition. Furthermore, the tunable optical bandgap and thermal stability of 2D diamond sensitively depend on its sp3 concentration. We believe our results can shed light on the structural design and preparation of many carbon allotropes and further uncover the underlying transition mechanism. △ Less

Submitted 14 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 26 pages, 5 figures

Tetratomic states of microwave dressed and associated ultracold 23Na40K molecules

Authors: Zhengyu Gu, Xuansheng Zhou, Wei Chen, Wei Han, Fulin Deng, Tao Shi, Pengjun Wang, Jing Zhang

Abstract: Ultracold diatomic molecules have achieved significant breakthroughs in recent years, enabling the exploration of quantum chemistry, precision measurements, and strongly correlated many-body physics. Extending ultracold molecular complexity to polyatomic molecules, such as triatomic and tetratomic molecules, has attracted considerable interest. However, the realization of ultracold polyatomic mole… ▽ More Ultracold diatomic molecules have achieved significant breakthroughs in recent years, enabling the exploration of quantum chemistry, precision measurements, and strongly correlated many-body physics. Extending ultracold molecular complexity to polyatomic molecules, such as triatomic and tetratomic molecules, has attracted considerable interest. However, the realization of ultracold polyatomic molecules remains technically challenging due to their complex energy-level structures. While only a few experiments have successfully demonstrated the formation of polyatomic molecules by magnetoassociation or electroassociation, here we present the first step toward producing tetratomic molecules through the development of a microwave association technique combined with microwave dressing. When the two lowest rotational states of the molecules are dressed by a microwave field, weakly bound tetramer states emerge in the entrance channel with free dark excited states $\ket{0}$ and a dressed state $\ket{+}$. The spectroscopy of these weakly bound tetramers is probed by another microwave field that drives transitions from the populated dressed states $\ket{+}$. By precisely discriminating the complex hyperfine structure of the dark excited level $\ket{0}$ from the dressed-state spectroscopy, the binding energy of the tetratomic molecules is measured and characterized. Our work contributes to the understanding of complex few-body physics within a system of microwave-dressed molecules and may open an avenue toward the creation and control of ultracold polyatomic molecules. △ Less

Submitted 28 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 11 pages, 8 figures

Distinguishing dual lattice by strong-pulse matter-wave diffraction

Authors: Fangde Liu, Wei Han, Yunda Li, Feifan Zhao, Liangchao Chen, Lianghui Huang, Pengjun Wang, Zengming Meng, Jing Zhang

Abstract: Dual lattices such as honeycomb and hexagonal lattices typically obey Babinet's principle in optics, which states that the expected interference patterns of two complementary diffracting objects are identical and indistinguishable, except for their overall intensity. Here, we study Kapitza--Dirac diffraction of Bose--Einstein condensates in optical lattices and find that matter waves in dual latti… ▽ More Dual lattices such as honeycomb and hexagonal lattices typically obey Babinet's principle in optics, which states that the expected interference patterns of two complementary diffracting objects are identical and indistinguishable, except for their overall intensity. Here, we study Kapitza--Dirac diffraction of Bose--Einstein condensates in optical lattices and find that matter waves in dual lattices obey Babinet's principle only under the condition of weak-pulse Raman--Nath regimes. In contrast, the Kapitza--Dirac matter-wave diffraction in the strong-pulse Raman--Nath regime (corresponding to the phase wrapping method we developed to generate sub-wavelength phase structures in Sci. Rep. 10, 5870 (2020)) can break Babinet's principle and clearly resolve the distinct interference patterns of the dual honeycomb and hexagonal lattices. This method offers exceptional precision in characterizing lattice configurations and advance the study of symmetry-related phenomena, overcoming the limitations of real-space imaging. △ Less

Submitted 22 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Enhancing Stress-Strain Predictions with Seq2Seq and Cross-Attention based on Small Punch Test

Authors: Zhengni Yang, Rui Yang, Weijian Han, Qixin Liu

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel deep-learning approach to predict true stress-strain curves of high-strength steels from small punch test (SPT) load-displacement data. The proposed approach uses Gramian Angular Field (GAF) to transform load-displacement sequences into images, capturing spatial-temporal features and employs a Sequence-to-Sequence (Seq2Seq) model with an LSTM-based encoder-decoder arc… ▽ More This paper introduces a novel deep-learning approach to predict true stress-strain curves of high-strength steels from small punch test (SPT) load-displacement data. The proposed approach uses Gramian Angular Field (GAF) to transform load-displacement sequences into images, capturing spatial-temporal features and employs a Sequence-to-Sequence (Seq2Seq) model with an LSTM-based encoder-decoder architecture, enhanced by multi-head cross-attention to improved accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves superior prediction accuracy, with minimum and maximum mean absolute errors of 0.15 MPa and 5.58 MPa, respectively. The proposed method offers a promising alternative to traditional experimental techniques in materials science, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of true stress-strain relationship predictions. △ Less

Submitted 21 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: accepted by IJCNN2025

Topologically nontrivial and trivial flat bands via weak and strong interlayer coupling in twisted bilayer honeycomb optical lattices for ultracold atoms

Authors: Wenjie Sui, Wei Han, Zheng Vitto Han, Zengming Meng, Jing Zhang

Abstract: In recent years, flat electronic bands in twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) have attracted significant attention due to their intriguing topological properties, extremely slow electron velocities, and enhanced density of states. Extending twisted bilayer systems to new configurations is highly desirable, as it offers promising opportunities to explore flat bands beyond TBG. Here, we study both topolo… ▽ More In recent years, flat electronic bands in twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) have attracted significant attention due to their intriguing topological properties, extremely slow electron velocities, and enhanced density of states. Extending twisted bilayer systems to new configurations is highly desirable, as it offers promising opportunities to explore flat bands beyond TBG. Here, we study both topological and trivial flat bands in a twisted bilayer honeycomb lattice for ultracold atoms and present the evolution of the flat bands with different interlayer coupling strength (ICS). Our results demonstrate that an isolated topological flat band can emerge at the Dirac point energy for a specific value of weak ICS, referred to as the ``critical coupling". This occurs over a wide range of twist angles, surpassing the limits of the magic angle in TBG systems. When the ICS is slightly increased beyond the critical coupling value, the topological flat band exhibits degenerate band crossings with both the upper and lower adjacent bands at the high-symmetry $Γ_s$ point. As the ICS is further increased into the strong coupling regime, trivial flat bands arise around Dirac point energy. Meanwhile, more trivial flat bands appear, extending from the lowest to higher energy bands, and remain flat as the ICS increases. The topological properties of the flat bands are studied through the winding pattern of the Wilson loop spectrum. Our research provides deeper insights into the formation of flat bands in ultracold atoms with highly controllable twisted bilayer optical lattices, and may contribute to the discovery of new strongly correlated states of matter. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 111, 063306 (2025)

Non-Equilibrium Probing of Topological Supersolids in Spin-Orbit-Coupled Dipolar Condensates

Authors: Biao Dong, Xiao-Fei Zhang, Wei Han, Renyuan Liao, Xue-Ying Yang, Wu-Ming Liu, Yong-Chang Zhang

Abstract: A chiral supersolid is a quantum phase that simultaneously exhibits crystalline order, superfluidity, and topological spin texture, with spontaneously broken translational, U(1) gauge, and chiral symmetries. Here, we demonstrate a chiral supersolid with tunable non-equilibrium dynamics in a spin-orbit coupled dipolar Bose-Einstein condensate. By adjusting dipolar interaction and spin-orbit couplin… ▽ More A chiral supersolid is a quantum phase that simultaneously exhibits crystalline order, superfluidity, and topological spin texture, with spontaneously broken translational, U(1) gauge, and chiral symmetries. Here, we demonstrate a chiral supersolid with tunable non-equilibrium dynamics in a spin-orbit coupled dipolar Bose-Einstein condensate. By adjusting dipolar interaction and spin-orbit coupling, we uncover two distinct quantum phase transitions: (i) a first-order transition from a single skyrmion superfluid to a triangular meron supersolid, and (ii) a second-order transition from this superfluid to a square skyrmion supersolid. These phases are characterized by their lattice symmetries, nonclassical rotational inertia, and spin textures. Under parity-time symmetric dissipation, we predict phase-dependent damping of the current oscillations, directly linked to the superfluid fraction. The predicted chiral supersolid phase can be experimentally observed in ultracold magnetic atoms with spin-orbit coupling. Our results establish dipolar quantum gases as a platform for designing topological matter with spintronic functionality. △ Less

Submitted 20 August, 2025; v1 submitted 20 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

THz carrier dynamics in $SrTiO_{3}/LaTiO_{3}$ interface two-dimensional electron gases

Authors: Ahana Bhattacharya, Andri Darmawan, Jeong Woo Han, Frederik Steinkamp, Nicholas S. Bingham, Ryan J. Suess, Stephan Winnerl, Markus E. Grune, Eric N. Jin, Frederick J. Walker, Charles H. Ahn, Rossitza Pentcheva, Martin Mittendorff

Abstract: A two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) forms at the interface of complex oxides like $SrTiO_{3}$ (STO) and $LaTiO_{3}$ (LTO), despite each material having a low native conductivity, as a band and a Mott insulator, respectively. The interface 2DEG hosts charge carriers with moderate charge carrier density and mobility that raised interest as a material system for applications like field-effect trans… ▽ More A two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) forms at the interface of complex oxides like $SrTiO_{3}$ (STO) and $LaTiO_{3}$ (LTO), despite each material having a low native conductivity, as a band and a Mott insulator, respectively. The interface 2DEG hosts charge carriers with moderate charge carrier density and mobility that raised interest as a material system for applications like field-effect transistors or detectors. Of particular interest is the integration of these oxide systems in silicon technology. To this end we study the carrier dynamics in a STO/LTO/STO heterostructure epitaxially grown on Si(001) both experimentally and theoretically. Linear THz spectroscopy was performed to analyze the temperature dependent charge carrier density and mobility, which was found to be in the range of $10^{12}$ $cm^2$ and 1000 $cm^2V^{-1}s^{-1}$, respectively. Pump-probe measurements revealed a very minor optical nonlinearity caused by hot carriers with a relaxation time of several 10 ps, even at low temperature. Density functional theory calculations with a Hubbard U term on ultrathin STO-capped LTO films on STO(001) show an effective mass of 0.64-0.68 $m_{e}$. △ Less

Submitted 27 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Extreme Terahertz Nonlinearity of AlGaN/GaN-based Grating-Gate Plasmonic Crystals

Authors: Pavlo Sai, Vadym V. Korotyeyev, Dmytro B. But, Maksym Dub, Dmitriy Yavorskiy, Jerzy Łusakowski, Mateusz Słowikowski, Serhii Kukhtaruk, Yurii Liashchuk, Jeong Woo Han, Christoph Böttger, Alexej Pashkin, Stephan Winnerl, Wojciech Knap, Martin Mittendorff

Abstract: We present a novel approach to enhance THz nonlinearity by the resonant excitation of two-dimensional plasmons in grating-gate plasmonic crystals. Using a high-electric-field THz pump-THz probe technique, we investigate the nonlinear interaction of spectrally narrow THz pulses with plasmon oscillations in a two-dimensional electron gas on an AlGaN/GaN interface integrated with metallic grating. No… ▽ More We present a novel approach to enhance THz nonlinearity by the resonant excitation of two-dimensional plasmons in grating-gate plasmonic crystals. Using a high-electric-field THz pump-THz probe technique, we investigate the nonlinear interaction of spectrally narrow THz pulses with plasmon oscillations in a two-dimensional electron gas on an AlGaN/GaN interface integrated with metallic grating. Nonlinear effects are observed as ultrafast, pump-induced changes in THz transmission, with relative transparency strongly dependent on plasmonic mode excitation and saturating at pump fluences of about 200 nJ cm-2. The maximal relative transparency, reaching 45 % at 350 nJ cm -2, occurs under resonant excitation of a localized plasmon mode at the strong electrostatic modulation of 2DEG concentration. Transient dynamics reveal ultrafast relaxation times of 15-20 ps, while the effects can be observed at elevated temperatures of up to 150 K. A nonlinear model of plasmonic crystal, based on finite-difference time-domain electrodynamic simulations coupled with viscous hydrodynamic electron transport model, elucidates key nonlinear mechanisms, including near-field effects under metallic gratings, electron heating, plasmon resonance broadening, and redshift. These results demonstrate that even conventional semiconductors such as AlGaN/GaN can achieve nonlinear THz responses comparable to or exceeding those of graphene, showing strong potential for ultrafast THz modulation and nonlinear photonics applications. △ Less

Submitted 4 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Chiral Raman coupling for spin-orbit coupling in ultracold atomic gases

Authors: Biao Shan, Lianghui Huang, Yuhang Zhao, Guoqi Bian, Pengjun Wang, Wei Han, Jing Zhang

Abstract: Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in ultracold atoms is engineered by light-atom interaction, such as two-photon Raman transitions between two Zeeman spin states. In this work, we propose and experimentally realize chiral Raman coupling to generate SOC in ultracold atomic gases, which exhibits high quantization axis direction-dependence. Chiral Raman coupling for SOC is created by chiral light-atom intera… ▽ More Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in ultracold atoms is engineered by light-atom interaction, such as two-photon Raman transitions between two Zeeman spin states. In this work, we propose and experimentally realize chiral Raman coupling to generate SOC in ultracold atomic gases, which exhibits high quantization axis direction-dependence. Chiral Raman coupling for SOC is created by chiral light-atom interaction, in which a circularly polarized electromagnetic field generated by two Raman lasers interacts with two Zeeman spin states $δm_{F}=\pm 1$ (chiral transition). We present a simple scheme of chiral one-dimension (1D) Raman coupling by employing two Raman lasers at an intersecting angle 90$^{\circ}$ with the proper polarization configuration. In this case, Raman coupling for SOC exist in one direction of the magnetic quantization axis and disappears in the opposite direction. Then we extend this scheme into a chiral 2D optical square Raman lattice configuration to generate the 1D SOC. There are two orthogonal 1D SOC, which exists in the positive and negative directions of the magnetic quantization axis respectively. This case is compared with 2D SOC based on the nonchiral 2D optical Raman lattice scheme for studying the topological energy band. This work broadens the horizon for understanding chiral physics and simulating topological quantum systems. △ Less

Submitted 10 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Extremely Large Anisotropy of Effective Gilbert Damping in Half-Metallic CrO2

Authors: Liangliang Guo, Ranran Cai, Zhenhua Zhang, Wenyu Xing, Weiliang Qiao, Rui Xiong, Zhihong Lu, Xincheng Xie, Wei Han

Abstract: Half-metals are a class of quantum materials with 100% spin-polarization at the Fermi level and have attracted a lot of attention for future spintronic device applications. CrO2 is one of the most promising half-metal candidates, for which the electrical and magnetic properties have been intensively studied in the last several decades. Here, we report the observation of a giant anisotropy (~1600%)… ▽ More Half-metals are a class of quantum materials with 100% spin-polarization at the Fermi level and have attracted a lot of attention for future spintronic device applications. CrO2 is one of the most promising half-metal candidates, for which the electrical and magnetic properties have been intensively studied in the last several decades. Here, we report the observation of a giant anisotropy (~1600%) of effective Gilbert damping in the single crystalline half metallic (100)-CrO2 thin films, which is significantly larger than the values observed on conventional ferromagnetic Fe and CoFe thin films. Furthermore, the effective Gilbert damping exhibits opposite temperature-dependent behaviors below 50 K with magnetic field along [010] direction and near [001] direction. These experimental results suggest the strong spin-orbit coupling anisotropy of the half-metallic CrO2 and might pave the way for future magnonic computing applications. △ Less

Submitted 26 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Journal ref: Nano Letters 2024 24 (51), 16436-16442

Observation of quantized vortex in an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate at Dirac point with emergent spin-orbit coupling

Authors: Yunda Li, Wei Han, Zengming Meng, Wenxin Yang, Cheng Chin, Jing Zhang

Abstract: When two or more energy bands become degenerate at a singular point in the momentum space, such singularity, or ``Dirac points", gives rise to intriguing quantum phenomena as well as unusual material properties. Systems at the Dirac points can possess topological charges and their unique properties can be probed by various methods, such as transport measurement, interferometry and momentum spectro… ▽ More When two or more energy bands become degenerate at a singular point in the momentum space, such singularity, or ``Dirac points", gives rise to intriguing quantum phenomena as well as unusual material properties. Systems at the Dirac points can possess topological charges and their unique properties can be probed by various methods, such as transport measurement, interferometry and momentum spectroscopy. While the topology of Dirac point in the momentum space is well studied theoretically, observation of topological defects in a many-body quantum systems at Dirac point remain an elusive goal. Based on atomic Bose-Einstein condensate in a graphene-like optical honeycomb lattice, we directly observe emergence of quantized vortices at the Dirac point. The phase diagram of lattice bosons at the Dirac point is revealed. Our work provides a new way of generating vortices in a quantum gas, and the method is generic and can be applied to different types of optical lattices with topological singularity, especially twisted bilayer optical lattices. △ Less

Submitted 7 September, 2025; v1 submitted 25 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures accepted in Nature Photonics

Interlayer Engineering of Lattice Dynamics and Elastic Constants of 2D Layered Nanomaterials under Pressure

Authors: Guoshuai Du, Lili Zhao, Shuchang Li, Jing Huang, Susu Fang, Wuxiao Han, Jiayin Li, Yubing Du, Jiaxin Ming, Tiansong Zhang, Jun Zhang, Jun Kang, Xiaoyan Li, Weigao Xu, Yabin Chen

Abstract: Interlayer coupling in two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials can provide us novel strategies to evoke their superior properties, such as the exotic flat bands and unconventional superconductivity of twisted layers, the formation of moiré excitons and related nontrivial topology. However, to accurately quantify interlayer potential and further measure elastic properties of 2D materials remains… ▽ More Interlayer coupling in two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials can provide us novel strategies to evoke their superior properties, such as the exotic flat bands and unconventional superconductivity of twisted layers, the formation of moiré excitons and related nontrivial topology. However, to accurately quantify interlayer potential and further measure elastic properties of 2D materials remains vague, despite significant efforts. Herein, the layer-dependent lattice dynamics and elastic constants of 2D nanomaterials have been systematically investigated via pressure-engineering strategy based on ultralow frequency Raman spectroscopy. The shearing mode and layer-breathing Raman shifts of MoS2 with various thicknesses were analyzed by the linear chain model. Intriguingly, it was found that the layer-dependent dω/dP of shearing and breathing Raman modes display the opposite trends, quantitatively consistent with our molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations. These results can be generalized to other van der Waals systems, and may shed light on the potential applications of 2D materials in nanomechanics and nanoelectronics. △ Less

Submitted 11 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: 25 pages, 5 figures,

Anomalous Raman Response in 2D Magnetic FeTe under Uniaxial Strain: Tetragonal and Hexagonal Polymorphs

Authors: Wuxiao Han, Tiansong Zhang, Pengcheng Zhao, Longfei Yang, Mo Cheng, Jianping Shi, Yabin Chen

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) Fe-chalcogenides have emerged with rich structures, magnetisms and superconductivities, which sparked the growing research interests in the torturous transition mechanism and tunable properties for their potential applications in nanoelectronics. Uniaxial strain can produce a lattice distortion to study symmetry breaking induced exotic properties in 2D magnets. Herein, the ano… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) Fe-chalcogenides have emerged with rich structures, magnetisms and superconductivities, which sparked the growing research interests in the torturous transition mechanism and tunable properties for their potential applications in nanoelectronics. Uniaxial strain can produce a lattice distortion to study symmetry breaking induced exotic properties in 2D magnets. Herein, the anomalous Raman spectrum of 2D tetragonal (t-) and hexagonal (h-) FeTe were systematically investigated via uniaxial strain engineering strategy. We found that both t- and h-FeTe keep the structural stability under different uniaxial tensile or compressive strain up to +/- 0.4%. Intriguingly, the lattice vibrations along both in-plane and out-of-plane directions exceptionally hardened (softened) under tensile (compressive) strain, distinguished from the behaviors of many conventional 2D systems. Furthermore, the difference in thickness-dependent strain effect can be well explained by their structural discrepancy between two polymorphs of FeTe. Our results could provide a unique platform to elaborate the vibrational properties of many novel 2D materials. △ Less

Submitted 14 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 21 pages, 5 figures

Structural Modulation and BC8 Enrichment of Silicon via Dynamic Decompression

Authors: Yubing Du, Guoshuai Du, Hongliang Dong, Jiayin Li, Wuxiao Han, Bin Chen, Yabin Chen

Abstract: The modern very large-scale integration systems based on silicon semiconductor are facing the unprecedented challenges especially when transistor feature size lowers further, due to the excruciating tunneling effect and thermal management. Besides the common diamond cubic silicon, numerous exotic silicon allotropes with outstanding properties can emerge under high pressure, such as the metastable… ▽ More The modern very large-scale integration systems based on silicon semiconductor are facing the unprecedented challenges especially when transistor feature size lowers further, due to the excruciating tunneling effect and thermal management. Besides the common diamond cubic silicon, numerous exotic silicon allotropes with outstanding properties can emerge under high pressure, such as the metastable BC8 and metallic \b{eta}-tin structures. Despite much effort on the controlled synthesis in experiment and theory, the effective approach to rationally prepare Si phases with desired purity is still lacking and their transition mechanism remains controversial. Herein, we systematically investigated on the complicated structural transformations of Si under extreme conditions, and efficiently enriched BC8-Si phase via dynamic decompression strategy. The splendid purity of BC8-Si was achieved up to ~95%, evidently confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. We believe these results can shed a light on the controlled preparation of Si metastable phases and their potential applications in nanoelectronics. △ Less

Submitted 11 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Comments: 21 pages, 5 figures

Pressure-Modulated Structural and Magnetic Phase Transitions in Two-Dimensional FeTe: Tetragonal and Hexagonal Polymorphs

Authors: Wuxiao Han, Jiajia Feng, Hongliang Dong, Mo Cheng, Liu Yang, Yunfei Yu, Guoshuai Du, Jiayin Li, Yubing Du, Tiansong Zhang, Zhiwei Wang, Bin Chen, Jianping Shi, Yabin Chen

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) Fe-chalcogenides with rich structures, magnetisms and superconductivities are highly desirable to reveal the torturous transition mechanism and explore their potential applications in spintronics and nanoelectronics. Hydrostatic pressure can effectively stimulate novel phase transitions between various ordered states and to plot the seductive phase diagram. Herein, the structu… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) Fe-chalcogenides with rich structures, magnetisms and superconductivities are highly desirable to reveal the torturous transition mechanism and explore their potential applications in spintronics and nanoelectronics. Hydrostatic pressure can effectively stimulate novel phase transitions between various ordered states and to plot the seductive phase diagram. Herein, the structural evolution and transport characteristics of 2D FeTe were systematically investigated under extreme conditions through comparing two distinct symmetries, i.e., tetragonal (t-) and hexagonal (h-) FeTe. We found that 2D t-FeTe presented the pressure-induced transition from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic states at ~ 3 GPa, corresponding to the tetragonal collapse of layered structure. Contrarily, ferromagnetic order of 2D h-FeTe was retained up to 15 GPa, evidently confirmed by electrical transport and Raman measurements. Furthermore, the detailed P-T phase diagrams of both 2D t-FeTe and h-FeTe were mapped out with the delicate critical conditions. We believe our results can provide a unique platform to elaborate the extraordinary physical properties of Fe-chalcogenides and further to develop their practical applications. △ Less

Submitted 30 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 22 Pages, 5 Figures

Phase-Modulated Elastic Properties of Two-Dimensional Magnetic FeTe: Hexagonal and Tetragonal Polymorphs

Authors: Yunfei Yu, Mo Cheng, Zicheng Tao, Wuxiao Han, Guoshuai Du, Yanfeng Guo, Jianping Shi, Yabin Chen

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) layered magnets, such as iron chalcogenides, have emerged these years as a new family of unconventional superconductor and provided the key insights to understand the phonon-electron interaction and pairing mechanism. Their mechanical properties are of strategic importance for the potential applications in spintronics and optoelectronics. However, there is still lack of effici… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) layered magnets, such as iron chalcogenides, have emerged these years as a new family of unconventional superconductor and provided the key insights to understand the phonon-electron interaction and pairing mechanism. Their mechanical properties are of strategic importance for the potential applications in spintronics and optoelectronics. However, there is still lack of efficient approach to tune the elastic modulus despite the extensive studies. Herein, we report the modulated elastic modulus of 2D magnetic FeTe and its thickness-dependence via phase engineering. The grown 2D FeTe by chemical vapor deposition can present various polymorphs, i.e. tetragonal FeTe (t-FeTe, antiferromagnetic) and hexagonal FeTe (h-FeTe, ferromagnetic). The measured Young's modulus of t-FeTe by nanoindentation method showed an obvious thickness-dependence, from 290.9+-9.2 to 113.0+-8.7 GPa when the thicknesses increased from 13.2 to 42.5 nm, respectively. In comparison, the elastic modulus of h-FeTe remains unchanged. Our results could shed light on the efficient modulation of mechanical properties of 2D magnetic materials and pave the avenues for their practical applications in nanodevices. △ Less

Submitted 31 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Comments: 19 pages, 4 figures

Experimental observation of highly anisotropic elastic properties of two-dimensional black arsenic

Authors: Jingjing Zhang, Shang Chen, Guoshuai Du, Yunfei Yu, Wuxiao Han, Qinglin Xia, Ke Jin, Yabin Chen

Abstract: Anisotropic two-dimensional layered materials with low-symmetric lattices have attracted increasing attention due to their unique orientation-dependent mechanical properties. Black arsenic (b-As), with the puckered structure, exhibits extreme in-plane anisotropy in optical, electrical and thermal properties. However, experimental research on mechanical properties of b-As is very rare, although the… ▽ More Anisotropic two-dimensional layered materials with low-symmetric lattices have attracted increasing attention due to their unique orientation-dependent mechanical properties. Black arsenic (b-As), with the puckered structure, exhibits extreme in-plane anisotropy in optical, electrical and thermal properties. However, experimental research on mechanical properties of b-As is very rare, although theoretical calculations predicted the exotic elastic properties of b-As, such as anisotropic Young's modulus and negative Poisson's ratio. Herein, experimental observations on highly anisotropic elastic properties of b-As were demonstrated using our developed in situ tensile straining setup based on the effective microelectromechanical system. The cyclic and repeatable load-displacement curves proved that Young's modulus along zigzag direction was ~1.6 times greater than that along armchair direction, while the anisotropic ratio of ultimate strain reached ~2.5, attributed to hinge structure in armchair direction. This study could provide significant insights to design novel anisotropic materials and explore their potential applications in nanomechanics and nanodevices. △ Less

Submitted 27 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: 19 pages, 5 figures

Thermodynamic Origins of Structural Metastability in Two-Dimensional Black Arsenic

Authors: Guoshuai Du, Feng Ke, Wuxiao Han, Bin Chen, Qinglin Xia, Jun Kang, Yabin Chen

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) materials have aroused considerable research interests owing to their potential applications in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. Thermodynamic stability of 2D structures inevitably affects the performance and power consumption of the fabricated nanodevices. Black arsenic (b-As), as a cousin of black phosphorus, has presented the extremely high anisotropy in physical proper… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) materials have aroused considerable research interests owing to their potential applications in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. Thermodynamic stability of 2D structures inevitably affects the performance and power consumption of the fabricated nanodevices. Black arsenic (b-As), as a cousin of black phosphorus, has presented the extremely high anisotropy in physical properties. However, the systematic research on structural stability of b-As is still lack. Herein, we demonstrated the detailed analysis on structural metastability of the natural b-As, and determined its existence conditions in terms of two essential thermodynamic variables as hydrostatic pressure and temperature. Our results confirmed that b-As can only survive below 0.7 GPa, and then irreversibly transform to gray arsenic, in consistent with our theoretical calculations. Furthermore, thermal annealing strategy was developed to precisely control the thickness of b-As flake, and it sublimates at 300 oC. These results could pave the way for 2D b-As in many promising applications. △ Less

Submitted 7 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: 28 pages, 4 figures

Atomic scale understanding of initial Cu-Ni oxidation from machine-learning accelerated first-principles simulations and in situ TEM experiments

Authors: Pandu Wisesa, Meng Li, Matthew T. Curnan, Jeong Woo Han, Judith C. Yang, Wissam A. Saidi

Abstract: The development of accurate methods for determining how alloy surfaces spontaneously restructure under reactive and corrosive environments is a key, long-standing, grand challenge in materials science. Current oxidation models, such as Cabrera-Mott, are based on macroscopic empirical knowledge that lacks fundamental insight at the atomic level. Using machine learning-accelerated density functional… ▽ More The development of accurate methods for determining how alloy surfaces spontaneously restructure under reactive and corrosive environments is a key, long-standing, grand challenge in materials science. Current oxidation models, such as Cabrera-Mott, are based on macroscopic empirical knowledge that lacks fundamental insight at the atomic level. Using machine learning-accelerated density functional theory with in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM), we examine the interplay between surface reconstructions and preferential segregation tendencies of CuNi(100) surfaces under oxidation conditions. Our modeling approach based on molecular dynamics and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations shows that oxygen-induced Ni segregation in CuNi alloy favors Cu(100)-O c(2x2) reconstruction and destabilizes the Cu(100)-O missing row reconstruction. The underpinnings of these stabilization tendencies are rationalized based on the similar atomic coordination and bond lengths in NiO rock salt and Cu(100)-O c(2x2) structures. In situ ETEM experiments show Ni segregation followed by NiO nucleation and growth in regions without MRR, with secondary nucleation and growth of Cu2O in MRR regions. This further corroborates the simulated surface oxidation and segregation modelling outcomes. Our findings are general and are expected to extend to other alloy systems. △ Less

Submitted 22 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Strong transient magnetic fields induced by THz-driven plasmons in graphene disks

Authors: Jeong Woo Han, Pavlo Sai, Dmytro But, Ece Uykur, Stephan Winnerl, Gagan Kumar, Matthew L. Chin, Rachael L. Myers-Ward, Matthew T. Dejarld, Kevin M. Daniels, Thomas E. Murphy, Wojciech Knap, Martin Mittendorff

Abstract: Strong circularly polarized excitation opens up the possibility to generate and control effective magnetic fields in solid state systems, e.g., via the optical inverse Faraday effect or the phonon inverse Faraday effect. While these effects rely on material properties that can be tailored only to a limited degree, plasmonic resonances can be fully controlled by choosing proper dimensions and carri… ▽ More Strong circularly polarized excitation opens up the possibility to generate and control effective magnetic fields in solid state systems, e.g., via the optical inverse Faraday effect or the phonon inverse Faraday effect. While these effects rely on material properties that can be tailored only to a limited degree, plasmonic resonances can be fully controlled by choosing proper dimensions and carrier concentrations. Plasmon resonances provide new degrees of freedom that can be used to tune or enhance the light-induced magnetic field in engineered metamaterials. Here we employ graphene disks to demonstrate light-induced transient magnetic fields from a plasmonic circular current with extremely high efficiency. The effective magnetic field at the plasmon resonance frequency of the graphene disks (3.5 THz) is evidenced by a strong (~1°) ultrafast Faraday rotation (~ 20 ps). In accordance with reference measurements and simulations, we estimated the strength of the induced magnetic field to be on the order of 0.7 T under a moderate pump fluence of about 440 nJ cm-2. △ Less

Submitted 10 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Journal ref: Nature Communications 14, 7493 (2023)

Universal approach to p-wave triplet superconductivity in the Hubbard models

Authors: Wanpeng Han, Xingchuan Zhu, Shiping Feng, Huaiming Guo

Abstract: Spin-triplet superconductivity is actively pursued in condensed matter physics due to the potential applications in topological quantum computations. The related pairing mechanism involving the interaction remains an important research topic. Here we propose a universal approach to obtain p-wave triplet superconductivity in the Hubbard models by simply changing the sign of the hopping amplitudes o… ▽ More Spin-triplet superconductivity is actively pursued in condensed matter physics due to the potential applications in topological quantum computations. The related pairing mechanism involving the interaction remains an important research topic. Here we propose a universal approach to obtain p-wave triplet superconductivity in the Hubbard models by simply changing the sign of the hopping amplitudes of the spin-down electrons, and apply it to three prototype two-dimensional lattices (honeycomb, square, and triangular). The parent Hamiltonian at half filling has long-range magnetic order, which is ferromagnetic in all three directions for the frustrated triangular lattices, and ferromagnetic (antiferromagnetic) in the xy plane (z direction) for the bipartite honeycomb and square lattices. The magnetic transitions occur at some critical interactions on honeycomb and triangular lattices, which are estimated by finite-size scalings. When the systems are doped, we find the triplet p-wave pairing is a dominating superconducting instability. We demonstrate its emergence is closely related to the strong ferromagnetic spin fluctuations induced by the doping. Our results provide an understanding of the microscopical triplet-pairing mechanism, and will be helpful in the search for spin-triplet superconducting materials. △ Less

Submitted 7 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Comments: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2204.02554

Absence of localized $5d^1$ electrons in KTaO$_3$ interface superconductors

Authors: Xinqiang Cai, Jungho Kim, Leonardo Martinelli, Piero Florio, Matteo Corti, Weiliang Qiao, Yanqiu Sun, Jiasen Niu, Quentin Faure, Christoph Sahle, Qingzheng Qiu, Qian Xiao, Xiquan Zheng, Qizhi Li, Changwei Zou, Xinyi Jiang, Giacomo Ghiringhelli, Wei Han, Yanwu Xie, Yi Lu, Marco Moretti Sala, Yingying Peng

Abstract: Recently, an exciting discovery of orientation-dependent superconductivity was made in two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the interfaces of LaAlO$_3$/KTaO$_3$ (LAO/KTO) or EuO/KTaO$_3$ (EuO/KTO). The superconducting transition temperature can reach a $T_c$ of up to $\sim$ 2.2 K, which is significantly higher than its 3$d$ counterpart LaAlO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ (LAO/STO) with a $T_c$ of $\sim$ 0.2 K.… ▽ More Recently, an exciting discovery of orientation-dependent superconductivity was made in two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the interfaces of LaAlO$_3$/KTaO$_3$ (LAO/KTO) or EuO/KTaO$_3$ (EuO/KTO). The superconducting transition temperature can reach a $T_c$ of up to $\sim$ 2.2 K, which is significantly higher than its 3$d$ counterpart LaAlO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ (LAO/STO) with a $T_c$ of $\sim$ 0.2 K. However, the underlying origin remains to be understood. To uncover the nature of electrons in KTO-based interfaces, we employ x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and resonant inelastic x-ray spectroscopy (RIXS) to study LAO/KTO and EuO/KTO with different orientations. We reveal the absence of $dd$ orbital excitations in all the measured samples. Our RIXS results are well reproduced by calculations that considered itinerant $5d$ electrons hybridized with O $2p$ electrons. This suggests that there is a lack of localized Ta $5d^1$ electrons in KTO interface superconductors, which is consistent with the absence of magnetic hysteresis observed in magneto-resistance (MR) measurements. These findings offer new insights into our understanding of superconductivity in Ta $5d$ interface superconductors and their potential applications. △ Less

Submitted 3 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Comments: 8 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 108, 235167 (2023)

Rashba spin-orbit coupling enhanced magnetoresistance in junctions with one ferromagnet

Authors: Chenghao Shen, Ranran Cai, Alex Matos-Abiague, Wei Han, Jong E. Han, Igor Zutic

Abstract: We explain how Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG), or in a conventional $s$-wave superconductor, can lead to a large magnetoresistance even with one ferromagnet. However, such enhanced magnetoresistance is not generic and can be nonmonotonic and change its sign with Rashba SOC. For an in-plane rotation of magnetization, it is typically negligibly small for a… ▽ More We explain how Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG), or in a conventional $s$-wave superconductor, can lead to a large magnetoresistance even with one ferromagnet. However, such enhanced magnetoresistance is not generic and can be nonmonotonic and change its sign with Rashba SOC. For an in-plane rotation of magnetization, it is typically negligibly small for a 2DEG and depends on the perfect transmission which emerges from a spin-parity-time symmetry of the scattering states, while this symmetry is generally absent from the Hamiltonian of the system. The key difference from considering the normal-state magnetoresistance is the presence of the spin-dependent Andreev reflection at superconducting interfaces. In the fabricated junctions of quasi-2D van der Waals ferromagnets with conventional $s$-wave superconductors (Fe$_{0.29}$TaS$_2$/NbN) we find another example of enhanced magnetoresistance where the presence of Rashba SOC reduces the effective interfacial strength and is responsible for an equal-spin Andreev reflection. The observed nonmonotonic trend in the out-of-plane magnetoresistance with the interfacial barrier is an evidence for the proximity-induced equal-spin-triplet superconductivity. △ Less

Submitted 28 February, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Comments: This work is submitted to the special issue of Phys. Rev. B dedicated to Professor Emmanuel Rashba

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 107, 125306 (2023)

Quantum Monte Carlo study of the attractive kagome-lattice Hubbard model

Authors: Xingchuan Zhu, Wanpeng Han, Shiping Feng, Huaiming Guo

Abstract: Recent experimental discovery of several families of kagome-lattice materials has boosted the interest in electronic correlations on kagome lattice. As an initial step to understand the observed complex phenomena, it is helpful to know the correspondence between simple forms of interactions and the induced correlated states on kagome lattice. Considering the lack of such studies, here we systemati… ▽ More Recent experimental discovery of several families of kagome-lattice materials has boosted the interest in electronic correlations on kagome lattice. As an initial step to understand the observed complex phenomena, it is helpful to know the correspondence between simple forms of interactions and the induced correlated states on kagome lattice. Considering the lack of such studies, here we systematically investigate the attractive kagome-lattice Hubbard model using the mean-field approach and determinant quantum Monte Carlo (DQMC). A charge-density-wave order satisfying the triangle rule is predicted by the mean-field treatment, and subsequent DQMC simulations provide indirect evidence for its existence. The $s$-wave superconductivity is found to be stabilized at low temperatures, and exists in dome regions of the phase diagrams. We then determine the superconducting critical temperature quantitatively by finite-size scaling of the pair structure factor. These results may be helpful in understanding the observed superconductivity in kagome-lattice materials. △ Less

Submitted 14 December, 2022; originally announced December 2022.

Comments: 7 pages, 6 figures

Superconductor/Ferromagnet Heterostructures: A Platform for Superconducting Spintronics and Quantum Computation

Authors: Ranran Cai, Igor Žutić, Wei Han

Abstract: The interplay between superconductivity and ferromagnetism in the superconductor/ferromagnet (SC/FM) heterostructures generates many interesting physical phenomena, including spin-triplet superconductivity, superconducting order parameter oscillation, and topological superconductivity. The unique physical properties make the SC/FM heterostructures as promising platforms for future superconducting… ▽ More The interplay between superconductivity and ferromagnetism in the superconductor/ferromagnet (SC/FM) heterostructures generates many interesting physical phenomena, including spin-triplet superconductivity, superconducting order parameter oscillation, and topological superconductivity. The unique physical properties make the SC/FM heterostructures as promising platforms for future superconducting spintronics and quantum computation applications. In this article, we review important research progress of SC/FM heterostructures from superconducting spintronics to quantum computation, and it is organized as follows. Firstly, we discuss the progress of spin current carriers in SC/FM heterostructures including Bogoliubov quasiparticles, superconducting vortex, and spin-triplet Cooper pairs which might be used for long-range spin transport. Then, we will describe the π Josephson junctions and its application for constructing π qubits. Finally, we will briefly review experimental signatures of Majorana states in the SC/FM heterostructures and the theoretically proposed manipulation, which could be useful to realize fault-tolerant topological quantum computing. △ Less

Submitted 15 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Journal ref: Adv Quantum Technol. 2022, 2200080

Universal cover-time distribution of heterogeneous random walks

Authors: Jia-Qi Dong, Wen-Hui Han, Yisen Wang, Xiao-Song Chen, Liang Huang

Abstract: The cover-time problem, i.e., time to visit every site in a system, is one of the key issues of random walks with wide applications in natural, social, and engineered systems. Addressing the full distribution of cover times for random walk on complex structures has been a long-standing challenge and has attracted persistent efforts. Yet, the known results are essentially limited to homogeneous sys… ▽ More The cover-time problem, i.e., time to visit every site in a system, is one of the key issues of random walks with wide applications in natural, social, and engineered systems. Addressing the full distribution of cover times for random walk on complex structures has been a long-standing challenge and has attracted persistent efforts. Yet, the known results are essentially limited to homogeneous systems, where different sites are on an equal footing and have identical or close mean first-passage times, such as random walks on a torus. In contrast, realistic random walks are prevailingly heterogeneous with diversified mean first-passage times. Does a universal distribution still exist? Here, by considering the most general situations, we uncover a generalized rescaling relation for the cover time, exploiting the diversified mean first-passage times that have not been accounted for before. This allows us to concretely establish a universal distribution of the rescaled cover times for heterogeneous random walks, which turns out to be the Gumbel universality class that is ubiquitous for a large family of extreme value statistics. Our analysis is based on the transfer matrix framework, which is generic that besides heterogeneity, it is also robust against biased protocols, directed links, and self-connecting loops. The finding is corroborated with extensive numerical simulations of diverse heterogeneous non-compact random walks on both model and realistic topological structures. Our new technical ingredient may be exploited for other extreme value or ergodicity problems with nonidentical distributions. △ Less

Submitted 10 October, 2022; originally announced October 2022.

Comments: 12 pages, 6 figures

Efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation from air under sunlight via iron-doped WO$_3$

Authors: Yuanfang Shen, Jingxuan Shou, Liangchen Chen, Weihang Han, Luping Zhang, Yutong Chen, Xuewei Tu, Shangfu Zhang, Qiang Sun, Yurong Chang, Hui Zheng

Abstract: Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation from air directly under sunlight can contribute significantly to carbon neutralization. It is an ideal pathway to replace the industrial Haber Bosch process in future. A Fe-doped layered WO$_3$ photocatalyst containing oxygen vacancies was developed which can fix nitrogen from air directly under sunlight at atmospheric pressure. The iron doping enhances the transpo… ▽ More Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation from air directly under sunlight can contribute significantly to carbon neutralization. It is an ideal pathway to replace the industrial Haber Bosch process in future. A Fe-doped layered WO$_3$ photocatalyst containing oxygen vacancies was developed which can fix nitrogen from air directly under sunlight at atmospheric pressure. The iron doping enhances the transport efficiency of photogenerated electrons. The photocatalytic efficiency is around 4 times higher than that of pure WO$_3$. The optimum nitrogen fixation conditions were examined by orthogonal experiments and its nitrogen fixation performance could reach up to 477 $μ\text{g} \cdot \text{g}_{\text{cat}}^{-1} \cdot \text{h}^{-1}$ under sunlight. In addition, the process of nitrogen fixation was detected by situ infrared, which confirmed the reliability of nitrogen fixation. Also, modelling on the interactions between light and the photocatalyst was carried out to study the distribution of surface charge and validate the light absorption of the photocatalyst. This work provides a simple and cheap strategy for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation from air under mild conditions. △ Less

Submitted 18 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Journal ref: Applied Catalysis A, General 643 (2022) 118739

Emergent Anti-ferromagnetism in a Y -Shaped Kekulé Graphene

Authors: Chenyue Wen, Wanpeng Han, Xukun Feng, Xingchuan Zhu, Weisheng Zhao, Shengyuan A. Yang, Shiping Feng, Huaiming Guo

Abstract: Antiferromagnetic (AF) transitions of birefringent Dirac fermions created by a Y-shaped Kekulé distortion in graphene are investigated by the mean-field theory and the determinant quantum Monte Carlo simulations. We show that the quantum critical point can be continuously tuned by the bond-modulation strength, and the universality of the quantum criticality remains in the Gross-Neveu-Heisenberg cl… ▽ More Antiferromagnetic (AF) transitions of birefringent Dirac fermions created by a Y-shaped Kekulé distortion in graphene are investigated by the mean-field theory and the determinant quantum Monte Carlo simulations. We show that the quantum critical point can be continuously tuned by the bond-modulation strength, and the universality of the quantum criticality remains in the Gross-Neveu-Heisenberg class. The critical interaction scales with the geometric average of the two velocities of the birefringent Dirac cones and decreases monotonically between the uniform and the completely depleted limits. Since the AF critical interaction can be tuned to very small values, antiferromagnetism may emerge automatically, realizing the long-sought magnetism in graphene. These results enrich our understanding of the semimetal-AF transitions in Dirac-fermion systems and open a new route to achieving magnetism in graphene. △ Less

Submitted 13 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Efficient sunlight promoted nitrogen fixation from air under room temperature and ambient pressure via Ti/Mo composites

Authors: Liangchen Chen, Jingxuan Shou, Yutong Chen, Weihang Han, Xuewei Tu, Luping Zhang, Qiang Sun, Jun Cao, Yurong Chang, Hui Zheng

Abstract: Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation is an important pathway for carbon neutralization and sustainable development. Inspired by nitrogenase, the participation of molybdenum can effectively activate nitrogen. A novel Ti/Mo composites photocatalyst is designed by sintering the molybdenum acetylacetonate precursor with TiO$_{2}$. The special carbon-coated hexagonal photocatalyst is obtained which photoca… ▽ More Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation is an important pathway for carbon neutralization and sustainable development. Inspired by nitrogenase, the participation of molybdenum can effectively activate nitrogen. A novel Ti/Mo composites photocatalyst is designed by sintering the molybdenum acetylacetonate precursor with TiO$_{2}$. The special carbon-coated hexagonal photocatalyst is obtained which photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance is enhanced 16 times compared to pure TiO$_{2}$ at room temperature and ambient pressure. The abundant surface defects in this composite were confirmed to be the key factor for nitrogen fixation. The $^{15}$N$_{2}$ isotope labeling experiment was used to demonstrate the feasibility of nitrogen to ammonia conversion. Also, modelling on the interactions between light and the synthesized photocatalyst particle was examined for the light absorption. The optimum nitrogen fixation conditions have been examined, and the nitrogen fixation performance can reach up to 432 $μ$g$\cdot$g$_{\text{cat}}^{-1}\cdot$h$^{-1}$. Numerical simulations via the field-only surface integral method were also carried out to study the interactions between light and the photocatalytic particles to further confirm that it can be a useful material for photocatalyst. This newly developed Ti/Mo composites provide a simple and effective strategy for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation from air directly under ambient conditions. △ Less

Submitted 7 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Journal ref: Chemical Engineering Journal 451 (2023) 138592

Revealing 3-dimensional core-shell interface structures at the single-atom level

Authors: Hyesung Jo, Dae Han Wi, Taegu Lee, Yongmin Kwon, Chaehwa Jeong, Juhyeok Lee, Hionsuck Baik, Alexander J. Pattison, Wolfgang Theis, Colin Ophus, Peter Ercius, Yea-Lee Lee, Seunghwa Ryu, Sang Woo Han, Yongsoo Yang

Abstract: Nanomaterials with core-shell architectures are prominent examples of strain-engineered materials, where material properties can be designed by fine-tuning the misfit strain at the interface. Here, we elucidate the full 3D atomic structure of Pd@Pt core-shell nanoparticles at the single-atom level via atomic electron tomography. Full 3D displacement fields and strain profiles of core-shell nanopar… ▽ More Nanomaterials with core-shell architectures are prominent examples of strain-engineered materials, where material properties can be designed by fine-tuning the misfit strain at the interface. Here, we elucidate the full 3D atomic structure of Pd@Pt core-shell nanoparticles at the single-atom level via atomic electron tomography. Full 3D displacement fields and strain profiles of core-shell nanoparticles were obtained, which revealed a direct correlation between the surface and interface strain. It also showed clear Poisson effects at the scale of the full nanoparticle as well as the local atomic bonds. The strain distributions show a strong shape-dependent anisotropy, whose nature was further corroborated by molecular statics simulations. From the observed surface strains, the surface oxygen reduction reaction activities were predicted. These findings give a deep understanding of structure-property relationships in strain-engineerable core-shell systems, which could pave a new way toward direct control over the resulting catalytic properties. △ Less

Submitted 14 July, 2022; originally announced July 2022.

Comments: Main manuscript: 30 pages, 4 figures, 73 references || Supplementary info: 26 pages, 26 figures, 1 table, 15 references

Journal ref: Nature Communications volume 13, Article number: 5957 (2022)

Simulation and detection of Weyl fermions in ultracold Fermi gases with Raman-assisted spin-orbit coupling

Authors: Cheng-Gong Liang, Ze-Gang Liu, Wei Han

Abstract: Weyl fermion, also referred to as pseudo-magnetic monopole in momentum space, is an undiscovered massless elementary particle with half-integer spin predicted according to relativistic quantum field theory. Motivated by the recent experimental observation of Weyl semimetal band in ultracold Bose gases with Raman-assisted 3D spin-orbit coupling, we investigate the properties and possible observatio… ▽ More Weyl fermion, also referred to as pseudo-magnetic monopole in momentum space, is an undiscovered massless elementary particle with half-integer spin predicted according to relativistic quantum field theory. Motivated by the recent experimental observation of Weyl semimetal band in ultracold Bose gases with Raman-assisted 3D spin-orbit coupling, we investigate the properties and possible observation of Weyl fermions in the low-energy quasi-particle excitations of ultracold Fermi gases. Following a previous suggestion that the existing Raman lattice scheme can be readily generalized to fermionic systems, here we discuss the movement of the Weyl points in the Brillouin Zone, as well as the creation and annihilation of Weyl fermions by adjusting the effective Zeeman field. The relevant topological properties are also demonstrated by calculating the Chern number. Furthermore, we propose how to experimentally verify the existence of the Weyl fermions and the associated quantum phase transition via density profile measurements. △ Less

Submitted 27 June, 2022; originally announced June 2022.

Driving-induced multiple ${\cal PT}$-symmetry breaking transitions and reentrant localization transitions in non-Hermitian Floquet quasicrystals

Authors: Longwen Zhou, Wenqian Han

Abstract: The cooperation between time-periodic driving fields and non-Hermitian effects could endow systems with distinctive spectral and transport properties. In this work, we uncover an intriguing class of non-Hermitian Floquet matter in one-dimensional quasicrystals, which is characterized by the emergence of multiple driving-induced ${\cal PT}$-symmetry breaking/restoration, mobility edges, and reentra… ▽ More The cooperation between time-periodic driving fields and non-Hermitian effects could endow systems with distinctive spectral and transport properties. In this work, we uncover an intriguing class of non-Hermitian Floquet matter in one-dimensional quasicrystals, which is characterized by the emergence of multiple driving-induced ${\cal PT}$-symmetry breaking/restoration, mobility edges, and reentrant localization transitions. These findings are demonstrated by investigating the spectra, level statistics, inverse participation ratios and wavepacket dynamics of a periodically quenched nonreciprocal Harper model. Our results not only unveil the richness of localization phenomena in driven non-Hermitian quasicrystals, but also highlight the advantage of Floquet approach in generating unique types of nonequilibrium phases in open systems. △ Less

Submitted 14 August, 2022; v1 submitted 8 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: 13 pages, 9 figures, accepted version

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 106, 054307 (2022)

Spin Seebeck effect in quantum magnet Pb2V3O9

Authors: Wenyu Xing, Ranran Cai, Kodai Moriyama, Kensuke Nara, Yunyan Yao, Weiliang Qiao, Kazuyoshi Yoshimura, Wei Han

Abstract: Spin Seebeck effect (SSE), the generation of spin current from heat, has been extensively studied in a large variety of magnetic materials, including ferromagnets, antiferromagnets, paramagnets, and quantum spin liquids. In this paper, we report the study of the SSE in the single crystalline Pb2V3O9, a spin-gapped quantum magnet candidate with quasi-one-dimensional spin-1/2 chain. Detailed tempera… ▽ More Spin Seebeck effect (SSE), the generation of spin current from heat, has been extensively studied in a large variety of magnetic materials, including ferromagnets, antiferromagnets, paramagnets, and quantum spin liquids. In this paper, we report the study of the SSE in the single crystalline Pb2V3O9, a spin-gapped quantum magnet candidate with quasi-one-dimensional spin-1/2 chain. Detailed temperature and magnetic field dependences of the SSE are investigated, and the temperature-dependent critical magnetic fields show a strong correlation to the Bose-Einstein condensation phase of the quantum magnet Pb2V3O9. This work shows the potential of using spin current as a probe to study the spin correlation and phase transition properties in quantum magnets. △ Less

Submitted 12 January, 2022; originally announced January 2022.

Comments: 15 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Appl. Phys. Lett. 120, 042402 (2022)

Dimerization induced mobility edges and multiple reentrant localization transitions in non-Hermitian quasicrystals

Authors: Wenqian Han, Longwen Zhou

Abstract: Non-Hermitian effects could create rich dynamical and topological phase structures. In this work, we show that the collaboration between lattice dimerization and non-Hermiticity could generally bring about mobility edges and multiple localization transitions in one-dimensional quasicrystals. Non-Hermitian extensions of the Aubry-André-Harper (AAH) model with staggered onsite potential and dimerize… ▽ More Non-Hermitian effects could create rich dynamical and topological phase structures. In this work, we show that the collaboration between lattice dimerization and non-Hermiticity could generally bring about mobility edges and multiple localization transitions in one-dimensional quasicrystals. Non-Hermitian extensions of the Aubry-André-Harper (AAH) model with staggered onsite potential and dimerized hopping amplitudes are introduced to demonstrate our results. Reentrant localization transitions due to the interplay between quasiperiodic gain/loss and lattice dimerization are found. Quantized winding numbers are further adopted as topological invariants to characterize transitions among phases with distinct spectrum and transport nature. Our study thus enriches the family of non-Hermitian quasicrystals by incorporating effects of lattice dimerization, and offering a convenient way to modulate localization transitions and mobility edges in non-Hermitian systems. △ Less

Submitted 16 February, 2022; v1 submitted 16 November, 2021; originally announced November 2021.

Comments: 11 pages, 9 figures, accepted version

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 105, 054204 (2022)

Gate-tunability of the superconducting state at the $EuO/KTaO_3 (111)$ interface

Authors: Weiliang Qiao, Yang Ma, Jiaojie Yan, Wenyu Xing, Yunyan Yao, Ranran Cai, Boning Li, Richen Xiong, X. C. Xie, Xi Lin, Wei Han

Abstract: The recent discovery of superconducting interfaces in the $KTaO_3 (111)$-based heterostructures is intriguing, since a much higher superconducting critical temperature (TC ~ 2 K) is achieved compared to that in the $SrTiO_3$ heterostructures (~ 300 mK). In this paper, we report the superconducting properties of $EuO/KTaO_3 (111)$ interface as a function of the interface carrier density ($n_s$). Th… ▽ More The recent discovery of superconducting interfaces in the $KTaO_3 (111)$-based heterostructures is intriguing, since a much higher superconducting critical temperature (TC ~ 2 K) is achieved compared to that in the $SrTiO_3$ heterostructures (~ 300 mK). In this paper, we report the superconducting properties of $EuO/KTaO_3 (111)$ interface as a function of the interface carrier density ($n_s$). The maximum T_C is observed to be ~ 2 K at $n_s$ ~ $1\times10^{14}$ cm-2. In addition, we show that the critical current density and the upper critical magnetic field can be effectively tuned by the back gate voltage. Interestingly, the gate dependence of the upper critical magnetic field exhibits a trend opposite to that of TC in the underdoped region, suggesting a relatively larger Cooper pairing potential. △ Less

Submitted 11 November, 2021; originally announced November 2021.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 104, 184505 (2021)

Giant oscillatory Gilbert damping in superconductor/ferromagnet/superconductor junctions

Authors: Yunyan Yao, Ranran Cai, Tao Yu, Yang Ma, Wenyu Xing, Yuan Ji, Xin-Cheng Xie, See-Hun Yang, Wei Han

Abstract: Interfaces between materials with differently ordered phases present unique opportunities for exotic physical properties, especially the interplay between ferromagnetism and superconductivity in the ferromagnet/superconductor heterostructures. The investigation of zero- and pi-junctions has been of particular interest for both fundamental physical science and emerging technologies. Here, we report… ▽ More Interfaces between materials with differently ordered phases present unique opportunities for exotic physical properties, especially the interplay between ferromagnetism and superconductivity in the ferromagnet/superconductor heterostructures. The investigation of zero- and pi-junctions has been of particular interest for both fundamental physical science and emerging technologies. Here, we report the experimental observation of giant oscillatory Gilbert damping in the superconducting Nb/NiFe/Nb junctions with respect to the NiFe thickness. This observation suggests an unconventional spin pumping and relaxation via zero-energy Andreev bound states that exist only in the Nb/NiFe/Nb pi-junctions, but not in the Nb/NiFe/Nb zero-junctions. Our findings could be important for further exploring the exotic physical properties of ferromagnet/superconductor heterostructures, and potential applications of ferromagnet pi-junctions in quantum computing, such as half-quantum flux qubits. △ Less

Submitted 4 November, 2021; originally announced November 2021.

Comments: 15 pages, 4 figures, SI, and 11 SI figures

Journal ref: Science Advances 7(48), eabh3686 (2021)

Evidence for anisotropic spin-triplet Andreev reflection at the 2D van der Waals ferromagnet/superconductor interface

Authors: Ranran Cai, Yunyan Yao, Peng Lv, Yang Ma, Wenyu Xing, Boning Li, Yuan Ji, Huibin Zhou, Chenghao Shen, Shuang Jia, X. C. Xie, Igor Zutic, Qing-Feng Sun, Wei Han

Abstract: Fundamental symmetry breaking and relativistic spin-orbit coupling give rise to fascinating phenomena in quantum materials. Of particular interest are the interfaces between ferromagnets and common s-wave superconductors, where the emergent spin-orbit fields support elusive spin-triplet superconductivity, crucial for superconducting spintronics and topologically-protected Majorana bound states. He… ▽ More Fundamental symmetry breaking and relativistic spin-orbit coupling give rise to fascinating phenomena in quantum materials. Of particular interest are the interfaces between ferromagnets and common s-wave superconductors, where the emergent spin-orbit fields support elusive spin-triplet superconductivity, crucial for superconducting spintronics and topologically-protected Majorana bound states. Here, we report the observation of large magnetoresistances at the interface between a quasi-two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnet Fe0.29TaS2 and a conventional s-wave superconductor NbN, which provides the possible experimental evidence for the spin triplet Andreev reflection and induced spin-triplet superconductivity at ferromagnet/superconductor interface arising from Rashba spin-orbit coupling. The temperature, voltage, and interfacial barrier dependences of the magnetoresistance further support the induced spin-triplet superconductivity and spin-triplet Andreev reflection. This discovery, together with the impressive advances in two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnets, opens an important opportunity to design and probe superconducting interfaces with exotic properties. △ Less

Submitted 20 November, 2021; v1 submitted 2 November, 2021; originally announced November 2021.

Journal ref: Nature Communications 12, 6725 (2021)

Atomic Bose-Einstein condensate in a twisted-bilayer optical lattice

Authors: Zengming Meng, Liangwei Wang, Wei Han, Fangde Liu, Kai Wen, Chao Gao, Pengjun Wang, Cheng Chin, Jing Zhang

Abstract: Observation of strong correlations and superconductivity in twisted-bilayer-graphene have stimulated tremendous interest in fundamental and applied physics. In this system, the superposition of two twisted honeycomb lattices, generating a Moir$\acute{\mathrm{e}}$ pattern, is the key to the observed flat electronic bands, slow electron velocity and large density of states. Despite these observation… ▽ More Observation of strong correlations and superconductivity in twisted-bilayer-graphene have stimulated tremendous interest in fundamental and applied physics. In this system, the superposition of two twisted honeycomb lattices, generating a Moir$\acute{\mathrm{e}}$ pattern, is the key to the observed flat electronic bands, slow electron velocity and large density of states. Despite these observations, a full understanding of the emerging superconductivity from the coupled insulating layers and the appearance of a small magic angle remain a hot topic of research. Here, we demonstrate a quantum simulation platform to study superfluids in twisted bilayer lattices based on Bose-Einstein condensates loaded into spin-dependent optical lattices. The lattices are made of two sets of laser beams that independently address atoms in different spin states, which form the synthetic dimension of the two layers. The twisted angle of the two lattices is controlled by the relative angle of the laser beams. We show that atoms in each spin state only feel one set of the lattice and the interlayer coupling can be controlled by microwave coupling between the spin states. Our system allows for flexible control of both the inter- and intralayer couplings. Furthermore we directly observe the spatial Moir$\acute{\mathrm{e}}$ pattern and the momentum diffraction, which confirm the presence of atomic superfluid in the bilayer lattices. Our system constitutes a powerful platform to investigate the physics underlying the superconductivity in twisted-bilayer-graphene and to explore other novel quantum phenomena difficult to realize in materials. △ Less

Submitted 10 March, 2023; v1 submitted 30 September, 2021; originally announced October 2021.

Comments: 6 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Nature 615, 231 (2023)

Half-integer Shapiro Steps in Strong Ferromagnetic Josephson Junctions

Authors: Yunyan Yao, Ranran Cai, See-Hun Yang, Wenyu Xing, Yang Ma, Michiyasu Mori, Yuan Ji, Sadamichi Maekawa, Xin-Cheng Xie, Wei Han

Abstract: We report the experimental observation of half-integer Shapiro steps in the strong ferromagnetic Josephson junction (Nb-NiFe-Nb) by investigating the current-phase relation under radiofrequency microwave excitation. The half-integer Shapiro steps are robust in a wide temperature range from T = 4 to 7 K. The half-integer Shapiro steps could be attributed to co-existence of 0- and pi-states in the s… ▽ More We report the experimental observation of half-integer Shapiro steps in the strong ferromagnetic Josephson junction (Nb-NiFe-Nb) by investigating the current-phase relation under radiofrequency microwave excitation. The half-integer Shapiro steps are robust in a wide temperature range from T = 4 to 7 K. The half-integer Shapiro steps could be attributed to co-existence of 0- and pi-states in the strong ferromagnetic NiFe Josephson junctions with the spatial variation of the2 NiFe thickness. This scenario is also supported by the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy characterization of the Nb/NiFe/Nb junction. △ Less

Submitted 27 September, 2021; originally announced September 2021.

Comments: 12 pages, 5 figures, SI, and 3 SI figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 104, 104414 (2021)

Non-Hermitian quasicrystal in dimerized lattices

Authors: Longwen Zhou, Wenqian Han

Abstract: Non-Hermitian quasicrystals possess PT and metal-insulator transitions induced by gain and loss or nonreciprocal effects. In this work, we uncover the nature of localization transitions in a generalized Aubry-Andre-Harper model with dimerized hopping amplitudes and complex onsite potential. By investigating the spectrum, adjacent gap ratios and inverse participation ratios, we find an extended pha… ▽ More Non-Hermitian quasicrystals possess PT and metal-insulator transitions induced by gain and loss or nonreciprocal effects. In this work, we uncover the nature of localization transitions in a generalized Aubry-Andre-Harper model with dimerized hopping amplitudes and complex onsite potential. By investigating the spectrum, adjacent gap ratios and inverse participation ratios, we find an extended phase, a localized phase and a mobility edge phase, which are originated from the interplay between hopping dimerizations and non-Hermitian onsite potential. The lower and upper bounds of the mobility edge are further characterized by a pair of topological winding numbers, which undergo quantized jumps at the boundaries between different phases. Our discoveries thus unveil the richness of topological and transport phenomena in dimerized non-Hermitian quasicrystals. △ Less

Submitted 19 August, 2021; v1 submitted 7 May, 2021; originally announced May 2021.

Comments: 11 pages, 11 figures, version accepted by CPB for the Special Issue on Non-Hermitian Physics

Nanomechanical probing and strain tuning of the Curie temperature in suspended Cr$_2$Ge$_2$Te$_6$ heterostructures

Authors: Makars Šiškins, Samer Kurdi, Martin Lee, Benjamin J. M. Slotboom, Wenyu Xing, Samuel Mañas-Valero, Eugenio Coronado, Shuang Jia, Wei Han, Toeno van der Sar, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Peter G. Steeneken

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials with strong magnetostriction are interesting systems for strain-tuning the magnetization, enabling potential for realizing spintronic and nanomagnetic devices. Realizing this potential requires understanding of the magneto-mechanical coupling in the 2D limit. In this work, we suspend thin Cr$_2$Ge$_2$Te$_6$ layers, creating nanomechanical membrane resonators… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials with strong magnetostriction are interesting systems for strain-tuning the magnetization, enabling potential for realizing spintronic and nanomagnetic devices. Realizing this potential requires understanding of the magneto-mechanical coupling in the 2D limit. In this work, we suspend thin Cr$_2$Ge$_2$Te$_6$ layers, creating nanomechanical membrane resonators. We probe its mechanical and magnetic properties as a function of temperature and strain. Pronounced signatures of magneto-elastic coupling are observed in the temperature-dependent resonance frequency of these membranes near $T_{\rm C}$. We further utilize Cr$_2$Ge$_2$Te$_6$ in heterostructures with thin layers of WSe$_2$ and FePS$_3$, which have positive thermal expansion coefficients, to compensate the negative thermal expansion coefficient of Cr$_2$Ge$_2$Te$_6$ and quantitatively probe the corresponding $T_{\rm C}$. Finally, we induce a strain of $0.016\%$ in a suspended heterostructure via electrostatic force and demonstrate a resulting enhancement of $T_{\rm C}$ by $2.5 \pm 0.6$ K in the absence of an external magnetic field. △ Less

Submitted 9 November, 2021; v1 submitted 19 April, 2021; originally announced April 2021.

Slippery Polymer Monoliths: Surface Functionalization with Ordered MoS2 Microparticle Arrays

Authors: Weijia Han, Siwei Luo, Dirk Bröker, Norbert Vennemann, Markus Haase, Georg S. Duesberg, Martin Steinhart

Abstract: Components of technical systems and devices often require self-lubricating properties, which are implemented by means of dry lubricants. However, continuous lubricant coatings on the components' surfaces often suffer from poor adhesion, delamination and crack propagation. The replacement of continuous coatings with dense ordered arrays of microparticles consisting of dry lubricants may overcome th… ▽ More Components of technical systems and devices often require self-lubricating properties, which are implemented by means of dry lubricants. However, continuous lubricant coatings on the components' surfaces often suffer from poor adhesion, delamination and crack propagation. The replacement of continuous coatings with dense ordered arrays of microparticles consisting of dry lubricants may overcome these drawbacks. Using the well-established solid lubricant MoS2 as model system, we demonstrate that the sliding capability of polymeric monoliths can be significantly enhanced by integration of arrays of micron-sized dry lubricant microparticles into their contact surfaces. To synthesize the MoS2 microparticle arrays, we first prepared ordered hexagonal arrays of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATM) microparticles on Si wafers by molding against poly(dimethylsiloxane) templates followed by high-temperature conversion of the ATM microparticles into MoS2 microparticles under Ar/H2 atmosphere in the presence of elemental sulfur. Finally, the obtained large-scale hexagonal MoS2 microparticle arrays were transferred to the surfaces of polymer monoliths under conservation of the array ordering. Self-lubrication of components of technical systems by incorporation of dry lubricant microparticle arrays into their contact surfaces is an example for overcoming the drawbacks of continuous functional coatings by replacing them with microparticle arrays. △ Less

Submitted 2 March, 2021; originally announced March 2021.

Comments: In press

Journal ref: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2021

Facet-dependent magnon-polarons in epitaxial ferrimagnetic Fe3O4 thin films

Authors: Wenyu Xing, Yang Ma, Yunyan Yao, Ranran Cai, Yuan Ji, Richen Xiong, Ka Shen, Wei Han

Abstract: Magnon-polarons are coherently mixed quasiparticles that originate from the strong magnetoelastic coupling of lattice vibrations and spin waves in magnetic-ordered materials. Recently, magnon-polarons have attracted a lot of attention since they provide a powerful tool to manipulate magnons, which is essential for magnon-based spintronic devices. In this work, we report the experimental observatio… ▽ More Magnon-polarons are coherently mixed quasiparticles that originate from the strong magnetoelastic coupling of lattice vibrations and spin waves in magnetic-ordered materials. Recently, magnon-polarons have attracted a lot of attention since they provide a powerful tool to manipulate magnons, which is essential for magnon-based spintronic devices. In this work, we report the experimental observation of facet-dependent magnon-polarons in epitaxial ferrimagnetic Fe3O4 thin films via spin Seebeck effect measurement. The critical magnetic fields for the magnon-polarons in the (110)- and (100)-oriented Fe3O4 films are 1.5 T and 1.8 T, respectively, which arises from the different phonon velocities along the [110] and [100] directions. As the temperature decreases, the magnon-polarons-enhanced spin Seebeck voltage decreases in both (110)- and (100)-oriented Fe3O4 films, which could be attributed to the enhanced magnon-polarons scattering at elevated temperatures. This work demonstrates the crystal structure engineering in epitaxial magnetic films as a promising route to manipulate the magnon-polarons for future magnon spintronic applications. △ Less

Submitted 31 October, 2020; originally announced November 2020.

Comments: 15 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Physical Review B 102, 184416 (2020)

Superconductor-metal quantum transition at the EuO-KTaO3 interface

Authors: Yang Ma, Jiasen Niu, Wenyu Xing, Yunyan Yao, Ranran Cai, Jirong Sun, X. C. Xie, Xi Lin, Wei Han

Abstract: Superconductivity has been one of the most fascinating quantum states of matter for over several decades. Among the superconducting materials, LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface is of particularly interest since superconductivity exists between two insulating materials, which provides it with various unique applications compared with bulk superconductors and makes it a suitable platform to study the quantum… ▽ More Superconductivity has been one of the most fascinating quantum states of matter for over several decades. Among the superconducting materials, LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface is of particularly interest since superconductivity exists between two insulating materials, which provides it with various unique applications compared with bulk superconductors and makes it a suitable platform to study the quantum Hall effect, charge density wave, superconductivity and magnetism in one device. Therefore, a lot of efforts have been made to search new superconducting oxide interface states with higher superconducting critical temperature (TC). Recently, a superconducting state with TC ~ 2 K has been found at the interface between a ferromagnetic insulator EuO and a band insulator (111)-KTaO3. Here, we report the experimental investigation of the superconductor-metal quantum phase transition of the EuO/KTaO3 interface. Around the transition, a divergence of the dynamical critical exponent is observed, which supports the quantum Griffiths singularity in the EuO/KTaO3 interface. The quantum Griffiths singularity could be attributed to large rare superconducting regions and quenched disorders at the interface. Our results could pave the way for studying the exotic superconducting properties at the EuO/KTaO3 interface. △ Less

Submitted 9 November, 2020; v1 submitted 23 October, 2020; originally announced October 2020.

Comments: Main paper: 12 pages, 4 figures. Supplementary materials: 3 figures

Journal ref: Chinese Physics Letters 37, 117401 (2020)

Magnon-mediated spin currents in Tm3Fe5O12/Pt with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Authors: G. L. S. Vilela, J. E. Abrao, E. Santos, Y. Yao, J. B. S. Mendes, R. L. Rodriguez-Suarez, S. M. Rezende, W. Han, A. Azevedo, J. S. Moodera

Abstract: The control of pure spin currents carried by magnons in magnetic insulator (MI) garnet films with a robust perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is of great interest to spintronic technology as they can be used to carry, transport and process information. Garnet films with PMA present labyrinth domain magnetic structures that enrich the magnetization dynamics, and could be employed in more effic… ▽ More The control of pure spin currents carried by magnons in magnetic insulator (MI) garnet films with a robust perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is of great interest to spintronic technology as they can be used to carry, transport and process information. Garnet films with PMA present labyrinth domain magnetic structures that enrich the magnetization dynamics, and could be employed in more efficient wave-based logic and memory computing devices. In MI/NM bilayers, where NM being a normal metal providing a strong spin-orbit coupling, the PMA benefits the spin-orbit torque (SOT) driven magnetization's switching by lowering the needed current and rendering the process faster, crucial for developing magnetic random-access memories (SOT-MRAM). In this work, we investigated the magnetic anisotropies in thulium iron garnet (TIG) films with PMA via ferromagnetic resonance measurements, followed by the excitation and detection of magnon-mediated pure spin currents in TIG/Pt driven by microwaves and heat currents. TIG films presented a Gilbert damping constant α~0.01, with resonance fields above 3.5 kOe and half linewidths broader than 60 Oe, at 300 K and 9.5 GHz. The spin-to-charge current conversion through TIG/Pt was observed as a micro-voltage generated at the edges of the Pt film. The obtained spin Seebeck coefficient was 0.54 μV/K, confirming also the high interfacial spin transparency. △ Less

Submitted 21 September, 2020; originally announced September 2020.

High-throughput ensemble characterization of individual core-shell nanoparticles with quantitative 3D density from XFEL single-particle imaging

Authors: Do Hyung Cho, Zhou Shen, Yungok Ihm, Dae Han Wi, Chulho Jung, Daewoong Nam, Sangsoo Kim, Sang-Youn Park, Kyung Sook Kim, Daeho Sung, Heemin Lee, Jae-Yong Shin, Junha Hwang, Sung-Yun Lee, Su Yong Lee, Sang Woo Han, Do Young Noh, N. Duane Loh, Changyong Song

Abstract: The structures, as building-blocks for designing functional nanomaterials, have fueled the development of versatile nanoprobes to understand local structures of noncrystalline specimens. Progresses in analyzing structures of individual specimens with atomic scale accuracy have been notable recently. In most cases, however, only a limited number of specimens are inspected lacking statistics to repr… ▽ More The structures, as building-blocks for designing functional nanomaterials, have fueled the development of versatile nanoprobes to understand local structures of noncrystalline specimens. Progresses in analyzing structures of individual specimens with atomic scale accuracy have been notable recently. In most cases, however, only a limited number of specimens are inspected lacking statistics to represent the systems with structural inhomogeneity. Here, by employing single-particle imaging with X-ray free electron lasers and new algorithm for multiple-model 3D imaging, we succeeded in investigating several thousand specimens in a couple of hours, and identified intrinsic heterogeneities with 3D structures. Quantitative analysis has unveiled 3D morphology, facet indices and elastic strains. The 3D elastic energy distribution is further corroborated by molecular dynamics simulations to gain mechanical insight at atomic level. This work establishes a new route to high-throughput characterization of individual specimens in large ensembles, hence overcoming statistical deficiency while providing quantitative information at the nanoscale. △ Less

Submitted 22 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Nonsymmorphic Dirac semimetal and carrier dynamics in doped spin-orbit-coupled Mott insulator Sr$_2$IrO$_4$

Authors: J. W. Han, Sun-Woo Kim, W. S. Kyung, C. Kim, G. Cao, X. Chen, S. D. Wilson, Sangmo Cheon, J. S. Lee

Abstract: A Dirac fermion emerges as a result of interplay between symmetry and topology in condensed matter. Current research moves towards investigating the Dirac fermions in the presence of manybody effects in correlated system. Here, we demonstrate the emergence of correlation-induced symmetry-protected Dirac semimetal state in the lightly-doped spin-orbit-coupled Mott insulator Sr$_2$IrO$_4$. We find t… ▽ More A Dirac fermion emerges as a result of interplay between symmetry and topology in condensed matter. Current research moves towards investigating the Dirac fermions in the presence of manybody effects in correlated system. Here, we demonstrate the emergence of correlation-induced symmetry-protected Dirac semimetal state in the lightly-doped spin-orbit-coupled Mott insulator Sr$_2$IrO$_4$. We find that the nonsymmorphic crystalline symmetry stabilizes a Dirac line-node semimetal and that the correlation-induced symmetry-breaking electronic order further leads to a phase transition from the Dirac line-node to a Dirac point-node semimetal. The latter state is experimentally confirmed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and terahertz spectroscopy on Sr$_2$(Ir,Tb)O$_4$ and (Sr,La)$_2$IrO$_4$. Remarkably, the electrodynamics of the massless Dirac carriers is governed by the extremely small scattering rate of about 6 cm$^{-1}$ even at room temperature, which is iconic behavior of relativistic quasiparticles. Temperature-dependent changes in electrodynamic parameters are also consistently explained based on the Dirac point-node semimetal state. △ Less

Submitted 22 June, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures + Supplemental Material

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 102, 041108(R) (2020)

Thermal generation, manipulation and detection of skyrmions

Authors: Zidong Wang, Minghua Guo, Heng-An Zhou, Le Zhao, Teng Xu, Riccardo Tomasello, Hao Bai, Yiqing Dong, Soong Geun Je, Weilun Chao, Hee-Sung Han, Suseok Lee, Ki-Suk Lee, Yunyan Yao, Wei Han, Cheng Song, Huaqiang Wu, Mario Carpentieri, Giovanni Finocchio, Mi-Young Im, Shi-Zeng Lin, Wanjun Jiang

Abstract: Recent years have witnessed significant progresses in realizing skyrmions in chiral magnets1-4 and asymmetric magnetic multilayers5-13, as well as their electrical manipulation2,7,8,10. Equally important, thermal generation, manipulation and detection of skyrmions can be exploited for prototypical new architecture with integrated computation14 and energy harvesting15. It has yet to verify if skyrm… ▽ More Recent years have witnessed significant progresses in realizing skyrmions in chiral magnets1-4 and asymmetric magnetic multilayers5-13, as well as their electrical manipulation2,7,8,10. Equally important, thermal generation, manipulation and detection of skyrmions can be exploited for prototypical new architecture with integrated computation14 and energy harvesting15. It has yet to verify if skyrmions can be purely generated by heating16,17, and if their resultant direction of motion driven by temperature gradients follows the diffusion or, oppositely, the magnonic spin torque17-21. Here, we address these important issues in microstructured devices made of multilayers: (Ta_CoFeB_MgO)15, (Pt_CoFeB_MgO_Ta)15 and (Pt_Co_Ta)15 integrated with on-chip heaters, by using a full-field soft X-ray microscopy. The thermal generation of densely packed skyrmions is attributed to the low energy barrier at the device edge, together with the thermally induced morphological transition from stripe domains to skyrmions. The unidirectional diffusion of skyrmions from the hot region towards the cold region is experimentally observed. It can be theoretically explained by the combined contribution from repulsive forces between skyrmions, and thermal spin-orbit torques in competing with magnonic spin torques17,18,20,21 and entropic forces22. These thermally generated skyrmions can be further electrically detected by measuring the accompanied anomalous Nernst voltages23. The on-chip thermoelectric generation, manipulation and detection of skyrmions could open another exciting avenue for enabling skyrmionics, and promote interdisciplinary studies among spin caloritronics15, magnonics24 and skyrmionics3,4,12. △ Less

Submitted 15 May, 2020; originally announced May 2020.

Comments: All comments are welcome, Supplementary Materials are available upon request

Journal ref: Nature Electronics, 3, 672-679 (2020)

Neural Network Solutions to Differential Equations in Non-Convex Domains: Solving the Electric Field in the Slit-Well Microfluidic Device

Authors: Martin Magill, Andrew M. Nagel, Hendrick W. de Haan

Abstract: The neural network method of solving differential equations is used to approximate the electric potential and corresponding electric field in the slit-well microfluidic device. The device's geometry is non-convex, making this a challenging problem to solve using the neural network method. To validate the method, the neural network solutions are compared to a reference solution obtained using the f… ▽ More The neural network method of solving differential equations is used to approximate the electric potential and corresponding electric field in the slit-well microfluidic device. The device's geometry is non-convex, making this a challenging problem to solve using the neural network method. To validate the method, the neural network solutions are compared to a reference solution obtained using the finite element method. Additional metrics are presented that measure how well the neural networks recover important physical invariants that are not explicitly enforced during training: spatial symmetries and conservation of electric flux. Finally, as an application-specific test of validity, neural network electric fields are incorporated into particle simulations. Conveniently, the same loss functional used to train the neural networks also seems to provide a reliable estimator of the networks' true errors, as measured by any of the metrics considered here. In all metrics, deep neural networks significantly outperform shallow neural networks, even when normalized by computational cost. Altogether, the results suggest that the neural network method can reliably produce solutions of acceptable accuracy for use in subsequent physical computations, such as particle simulations. △ Less

Submitted 25 April, 2020; originally announced April 2020.

Comments: 16 pages, 12 figures, 1 table

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Research 2, 033110 (2020)

Discovery of two-dimensional anisotropic superconductivity at KTaO$_3$ (111) interfaces

Authors: Changjiang Liu, Xi Yan, Dafei Jin, Yang Ma, Haw-Wen Hsiao, Yulin Lin, Terence M. Bretz-Sullivan, Xianjing Zhou, John Pearson, Brandon Fisher, J. Samuel Jiang, Wei Han, Jian-Min Zuo, Jianguo Wen, Dillon D. Fong, Jirong Sun, Hua Zhou, Anand Bhattacharya

Abstract: The unique electronic structure found at interfaces between materials can allow unconventional quantum states to emerge. Here we observe superconductivity in electron gases formed at interfaces between (111) oriented KTaO$_3$ and insulating overlayers of either EuO or LaAlO$_3$. The superconducting transition temperature, approaching 2.2 K, is about one order of magnitude higher than that of the L… ▽ More The unique electronic structure found at interfaces between materials can allow unconventional quantum states to emerge. Here we observe superconductivity in electron gases formed at interfaces between (111) oriented KTaO$_3$ and insulating overlayers of either EuO or LaAlO$_3$. The superconducting transition temperature, approaching 2.2 K, is about one order of magnitude higher than that of the LaAlO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ system. Strikingly, similar electron gases at (001) KTaO$_3$ interfaces remain normal down to 25 mK. The critical field and current-voltage measurements indicate that the superconductivity is two dimensional. Higher mobility EuO/KTaO$_3$ (111) samples show a large in-plane anisotropy in transport properties at low temperatures prior to onset of superconductivity, suggesting the emergence of a stripe like phase where the superconductivity is nearly homogeneous in one direction, but strongly modulated in the other. △ Less

Submitted 15 April, 2020; originally announced April 2020.

Journal ref: Science 371, Issue 6530, pp. 716-721 (2021)