Showing 1–50 of 125 results for author: Chang, G

Quantized Photocurrents in Gapless Topological Matter

Authors: Byunghoon Kim, Tenzin Norden, Mohammad Yahyavi, Kaustuv Manna, Tyler A. Cochran, Zi-Jia Cheng, Xian P. Yang, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Xiangyu Luo, Payman Kazemikhah, Areeq Hasan, Vladimir N. Strocov, Sergey Shilov, Ilya Belopolski, Claudia Felser, Md Shafayat Hossain, Rohit P. Prasankumar, Guoqing Chang, M. Zahid Hasan, Prashant Padmanabhan

Abstract: The quantum Hall effect establishes that topology can fix a material response to integer multiples of fundamental constants when an energy gap isolates the relevant symmetry-protected electronic states. Whether such universal quantization can also emerge in gapless matter, where topological bands coexist with a continuum of metallic excitations, has remained a fundamental question in the field of… ▽ More The quantum Hall effect establishes that topology can fix a material response to integer multiples of fundamental constants when an energy gap isolates the relevant symmetry-protected electronic states. Whether such universal quantization can also emerge in gapless matter, where topological bands coexist with a continuum of metallic excitations, has remained a fundamental question in the field of quantum materials. Chiral topological semimetals provide a unique setting in which to explore this principle; when optical transitions are confined to a single chiral node, the resulting circular photogalvanic effect is predicted to be quantized by the topological charge of the node. In real materials, however, this nonlinear optical phenomenon has remained experimentally elusive, obscured by trivial band transitions, insufficient energy separation between node pairs, and their relative positions with respect to the Fermi level. Here we observe a quantized circular photogalvanic effect in the chiral topological semimetal Rh0.95Ni0.05Si. Band engineering via Ni substitution opens a photon-energy window dominated by interband optical transitions at the Γ-point multifold node. This allows circularly polarized near- to mid-infrared pulses to drive a helicity-odd terahertz response that manifests three hallmarks of quantization: a sharp onset, a photon-energy-independent plateau governed by the magnitude of the monopole charge, and an abrupt long-wavelength cutoff imposed by Pauli blocking. Our work thus establishes an all-optical analogue of the quantum Hall effect and a new paradigm to realize topological quantization in gapless matter. △ Less

Submitted 17 July, 2026; v1 submitted 14 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Emergent Quantum-Geometric Equivalence of Injection and Shift Currents

Authors: Mohammad Yahyavi, Tay-Rong Chang, Md Shafayat Hossain, Arun Bansil, Naoto Nagaosa, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: Injection and shift currents are generally regarded as distinct nonlinear optical responses with separate microscopic origins. Here, we uncover a general hidden connection between them through interband Berry-curvature and quantum-metric dipoles. In systems with approximately linear electronic dispersion near the Fermi level and at low photon energies, this relation sharpens into an emergent equiv… ▽ More Injection and shift currents are generally regarded as distinct nonlinear optical responses with separate microscopic origins. Here, we uncover a general hidden connection between them through interband Berry-curvature and quantum-metric dipoles. In systems with approximately linear electronic dispersion near the Fermi level and at low photon energies, this relation sharpens into an emergent equivalence, with injection and shift currents governed by the same interband quantum-geometric dipole. This regime is naturally realized in Dirac and Weyl semimetals, as well as in strained graphene, where measurements of injection and shift currents probe a unified geometric property of the electronic wavefunctions rather than distinct dynamical processes. Our results establish a new framework for interpreting nonlinear optical experiments and suggest that quantum geometry may provide a broader organizing principle linking seemingly distinct nonlinear optical responses in solids. △ Less

Submitted 12 May, 2026; v1 submitted 8 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Electric-Switchable Chiral Magnons in PT-Symmetric Antiferromagnets

Authors: Jinyang Ni, Congzhe Yan, Peiyuan Cui, Zhijun Jiang, Yuanjun Jin, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: The magnons in antiferromagnetic insulators (AFIs) exhibit dual chirality, each carrying opposite spin angular momentum. However, in PT-symmetric AFIs, the magnon bands remain degenerate. In this work, we introduce a new class of PT-preserving AFIs in which the giant chiral splitting of magnons can be induced and controlled by an external electric field. Unlike conventional cases, such AFIs host a… ▽ More The magnons in antiferromagnetic insulators (AFIs) exhibit dual chirality, each carrying opposite spin angular momentum. However, in PT-symmetric AFIs, the magnon bands remain degenerate. In this work, we introduce a new class of PT-preserving AFIs in which the giant chiral splitting of magnons can be induced and controlled by an external electric field. Unlike conventional cases, such AFIs host a hidden dipole coupled to the antiferromagnetic order, which allows an external electric field to break the magnon sublattice symmetry and thereby largely lift the band degeneracy. Group theoretical analysis identifies the possible magnetic layer groups, while first-principles calculations and spin-wave theory reveal band splittings up to 20meV in Cr2CCl2 and Cr2CBr2 under the electric field of 0.2 V/Å, corresponding to an effective magnetic field of 200T. In addition, the electrically controlled magnon chiral splitting enables reversible switching of magnon-mediated spin currents. These findings open a new route toward nonvolatile spintronics based on magnons. △ Less

Submitted 22 May, 2026; v1 submitted 22 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Discovery of Van Hove Singularities: Electronic Fingerprints of 3Q Magnetic Order in a van der Waals Quantum Magnet

Authors: Hai-Lan Luo, Josue Rodriguez, Debasis Dutta, Maximilian Huber, Haoyue Jiang, Luca Moreschini, Catherine Xu, Alexei Fedorov, Chris Jozwiak, Aaron Bostwick, Guoqing Chang, James G. Analytis, Dung-Hai Lee, Alessandra Lanzara

Abstract: Magnetically intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides are emerging as a rich platform for exploring exotic quantum states in van der Waals magnets. Among them, CoxTaS2 has attracted intense interest following the recent discovery of a distinctive 3Q magnetic ground state and a pronounced topological Hall effect below a critical doping of x=1/3, both intimately tied to cobalt concentration. To… ▽ More Magnetically intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides are emerging as a rich platform for exploring exotic quantum states in van der Waals magnets. Among them, CoxTaS2 has attracted intense interest following the recent discovery of a distinctive 3Q magnetic ground state and a pronounced topological Hall effect below a critical doping of x=1/3, both intimately tied to cobalt concentration. To date, direct signatures of this enigmatic 3Q magnetic order in the electronic structure remain elusive. Here we report a comprehensive doping dependent angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy study that unveils these long-sought fingerprints. Our data reveal an unexpected "inverse Mexican hat" dispersion along the K-M-K direction, accompanied by two van Hove singularities. These features are consistent with theoretical predictions for a 3Q magnetic order near three-quarters band filling on a cobalt triangular lattice. These results provide evidence of 3Q magnetic order in the electronic structure, establishing TMD van der Waals magnets as tunable materials to explore the interplay between magnetism and topology. △ Less

Submitted 7 March, 2026; v1 submitted 16 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 23 pages, 4 figures. Accepted in Nature Communications

Journal ref: Nature Communications 17 (2026) 3610

Complex Refractive Index Extraction for Spintronic Terahertz Emitter Analysis

Authors: Yingshu Yang, Keynesh Dongol, Stefano Dal Forno, Ziqi Li, Piyush Agarwal, Amalini Mansor, Ranjan Singh, Marco Battiato, Elbert E. M. Chia, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: Spintronic terahertz emitters (STEs) generate broadband terahertz (THz) radiation, which is essential for spectroscopy, imaging, and communication. The performances and the essential physical parameters of STE devices are linked to the dielectric properties of the constituent materials. Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is an effective tool to measure these properties, but conventional… ▽ More Spintronic terahertz emitters (STEs) generate broadband terahertz (THz) radiation, which is essential for spectroscopy, imaging, and communication. The performances and the essential physical parameters of STE devices are linked to the dielectric properties of the constituent materials. Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is an effective tool to measure these properties, but conventional analysis struggles with thin or complex multilayered systems due to simplifying approximations or complex transfer functions. In this work, we present a practical method to extract dielectric properties of STE multilayers using the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM). By comparing the THz pulse calculated using the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) with the experimentally measured pulse transmitted through the sample, we can extract the dielectric properties of STEs, enhancing THz-TDS analysis and facilitating STE design and optimization. This method avoids constructing complex transfer functions, accommodates diverse sample geometries, and is designed to be accessible, with a publicly available codebase, making it a useful tool for STE research. △ Less

Submitted 24 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 6 pages; 5 figures

Defects Engineering of ZrTe5 for Stabilizing Ideal Topological States

Authors: Chia-Hsiu Hsu, Zezhi Wang, Sen Shao, Yoshinori Okada, Feng-Chuan Chuang, Dong Xing, Ilya Belopolski, Cheng-Long Zhang, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: ZrTe5 is a highly tunable, high-mobility topological material that hosts a rich variety of quantum phenomena, making it a promising platform for next-generation quantum technologies. Despite intensive research efforts, experimental studies have reported inconsistent and sometimes conflicting results for its electronic and topological states, largely due to variations in sample quality. Here, throu… ▽ More ZrTe5 is a highly tunable, high-mobility topological material that hosts a rich variety of quantum phenomena, making it a promising platform for next-generation quantum technologies. Despite intensive research efforts, experimental studies have reported inconsistent and sometimes conflicting results for its electronic and topological states, largely due to variations in sample quality. Here, through systematic frst-principles investigations of all intrinsic point defects, we identify a practical route to achieving stable and ideal topological characteristics in ZrTe5. We show that the competition between two dominant charged defects, donor-like Zr interstitials and acceptor-like Te vacancies, governs the Fermi-level position. Furthermore, variations in defect density determine the topological phases of the samples. We theoretically propose and experimentally confrm that increasing the Te/Zr ratio during crystal growth effectively suppresses intrinsic defects and stabilizes ZrTe5 in a nearly ideal weak topological insulator state. These fndings provide clear guidance for defect control and sample optimization, paving the way toward robust and reproducible realization of topological quantum states in ZrTe5 for future quantum applications. △ Less

Submitted 10 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Competitive Orders in Altermagnetic Chiral Magnons

Authors: Congzhe Yan Zhijun Jiang Jinyang Ni, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: The magnons in altermagnets exhibit chiral splitting even in the absence of spin-orbit coupling and external magnetic fields. Typically, this chiral splitting behavior can be well described by alternating isotropic spin exchanges (ISE) near the zero temperature. However, its finite-temperature dynamics, particularly when incorporating spin-orbit coupling effects, remains elusive. In this study, we… ▽ More The magnons in altermagnets exhibit chiral splitting even in the absence of spin-orbit coupling and external magnetic fields. Typically, this chiral splitting behavior can be well described by alternating isotropic spin exchanges (ISE) near the zero temperature. However, its finite-temperature dynamics, particularly when incorporating spin-orbit coupling effects, remains elusive. In this study, we reveal that, when including magnon-magnon interactions, long-range anisotropic spin exchange (ASE) can also induce chiral splitting of magnons at a finite temperature. Crucially, the chiral splitting induced by ASE competes with that arising from ISE, leading to a pronounced temperature-dependent modulation of the altermagnetic chiral splitting. Moreover, this competition is intimately connected to spin fluctuations, and can reverse the spin current driven by the band splitting as temperature increases. Our work uncovers the intrinsic competition governing collective spin excitations in altermagnets, providing new insights into their finite-temperature dynamical behavior. △ Less

Submitted 23 December, 2025; v1 submitted 5 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 114, L020401 (2026)

Optoelectronically Active GaAs/GeSn-MQW/Ge Heterojunctions Created via Semiconductor Grafting

Authors: Jie Zhou, Haibo Wang, Yifu Guo, Alireza Abrand, Yiran Li, Yang Liu, Jiarui Gong, Po Rei Huang, Jianping Shen, Shengqiang Xu, Daniel Vincent, Samuel Haessly, Yi Lu, Munho Kim, Shui-Qing Yu, Parsian K. Mohseni, Guo-En Chang, Zetian Mi, Kai Sun, Xiao Gong, Mikhail A Kats, Zhenqiang Ma

Abstract: Traditionally, advancements in semiconductor devices have been driven by lattice-matched heterojunctions with tailored band alignments through heteroepitaxy techniques. However, there is significant interest in expanding the capabilities of heterojunction devices, in particular utilizing extreme lattice mismatches. We demonstrate the manipulation of device behaviors and performance enhancement ach… ▽ More Traditionally, advancements in semiconductor devices have been driven by lattice-matched heterojunctions with tailored band alignments through heteroepitaxy techniques. However, there is significant interest in expanding the capabilities of heterojunction devices, in particular utilizing extreme lattice mismatches. We demonstrate the manipulation of device behaviors and performance enhancement achievable through a lattice-mismatched, single-crystalline GaAs/GeSn-multi-quantum well (MQW)/Ge n-i-p heterojunction by employing advanced semiconductor grafting technology. With engineered band alignment and optical field distribution, the grafted GaAs/GeSn-MQW/Ge n-i-p photodiode achieved outstanding performance: a record-low dark current density of 1.22E10^-7 A/cm^2, an extended spectral response from ~0.5 to 2 um, and improved photoresponsivity of RVIS of 0.85 A/W and RNIR of 0.40 A/W at 520 and 1570 nm, respectively. The dark current density is at least 5 orders of magnitude lower than state-of-the-art GeSn photodiodes. The photoresponsivity demonstrates an approximately sevenfold enhancement in the VIS range and a threefold improvement in the NIR range compared to the reference epitaxial photodiode. This work presents a unique strategy for constructing lattice-mismatched semiconductor heterojunction devices. More importantly, the implications transcend the current GaAs/GeSn-MQW/Ge example, offering potential applications in other material systems and freeing device design from the stringent lattice-matching constraints of conventional heteroepitaxy. △ Less

Submitted 7 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: 25 pages, 6 figures

Wavefunction-Free Approach for Predicting Nonlinear Responses in Weyl Semimetals

Authors: Mohammad Yahyavi, Ilya Belopolski, Yuanjun Jin, Yilin Zhao, Jinyang Ni, Naizhou Wang, Yi-Chun Hung, Zi-Jia Cheng, Tyler A. Cochran, Tay-Rong Chang, Wei-bo Gao, Su-Yang Xu, Jia-Xin Yin, Qiong Ma, Md Shafayat Hossain, Arun Bansil, Naoto Nagaosa, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: By sidestepping the intractable calculations of many-body wavefunctions, density functional theory (DFT) has revolutionized the prediction of ground states of materials. However, predicting nonlinear responses--critical for next-generation quantum devices--still relies heavily on explicit wavefunctions, limiting computational efficiency. In this letter, using the circular photogalvanic effect (CPG… ▽ More By sidestepping the intractable calculations of many-body wavefunctions, density functional theory (DFT) has revolutionized the prediction of ground states of materials. However, predicting nonlinear responses--critical for next-generation quantum devices--still relies heavily on explicit wavefunctions, limiting computational efficiency. In this letter, using the circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE) in Weyl semimetals as a representative example, we realize a 1000-fold computational speedup by eliminating the explicit dependence on wavefunctions. Our approach leverages the one-to-one correspondence between free parameters of Weyl fermions and the associated responses to obtain precise wavefunction-free formulations. Applying our methodology, we systematically investigated known Weyl semimetals and revealed that Ta$_3$S$_2$ exhibits photocurrents an order of magnitude greater than those observed in TaAs, with potential for an additional order-of-magnitude enhancement under strain. To further demonstrate the generality of our approach, we obtained a wavefunction-free formula for the Berry-curvature dipole in Weyl semimetals. Our work paves the way for substantially more efficient screening and optimization of nonlinear electromagnetic properties in topological quantum materials. △ Less

Submitted 15 December, 2025; v1 submitted 14 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: Accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 046601 (2026)

Weyl Semimetals: from Principles, Materials to Applications

Authors: Mengyuan Zhong, Nam Thanh Trung Vu, Wenhao Zhai, Jian Rui Soh, Yuanda Liu, Jing Wu, Ady Suwardi, Huajun Liu, Guoqing Chang, Kian Ping Loh, Weibo Gao, Cheng-Wei Qiu, Joel K. W. Yang, Zhaogang Dong

Abstract: Weyl semimetals have attracted significant interest in condensed matter physics and materials science, due to their unique electronic and topological properties. These characteristics not only deepen our understanding of fundamental quantum phenomena, but also make Weyl semimetals promising candidates for advanced applications in electronics, photonics, and spintronics. This review provides a syst… ▽ More Weyl semimetals have attracted significant interest in condensed matter physics and materials science, due to their unique electronic and topological properties. These characteristics not only deepen our understanding of fundamental quantum phenomena, but also make Weyl semimetals promising candidates for advanced applications in electronics, photonics, and spintronics. This review provides a systematic overview of the field, covering theoretical foundations, material synthesis, engineering strategies, and emerging device applications. We first outline the key theoretical principles and distinctive properties of Weyl semimetals, followed by an examination of recent advancements that enhance their functional versatility. Finally, we discuss the critical challenges hindering their practical implementation and explore future development directions, along with the potential for expanding and enhancing their existing range of applications. By integrating discussions of both opportunities and obstacles, this review offers a balanced perspective on current progress and future directions in Weyl semimetal research. △ Less

Submitted 12 May, 2025; v1 submitted 1 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Broken symmetries associated with a Kagome chiral charge order

Authors: Zi-Jia Cheng, Md Shafayat Hossain, Qi Zhang, Sen Shao, Jinjin Liu, Yilin Zhao, Mohammad Yahyavi, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Jia-Xin Yin, Xian Yang, Yongkai Li, Tyler A. Cochran, Maksim Litskevich, Byunghoon Kim, Junyi Zhang, Yugui Yao, Luis Balicas, Zhiwei Wang, Guoqing Chang, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Chirality or handedness manifests in all fields of science, ranging from cell biology, molecular interaction, and catalysis to different branches of physics. In condensed matter physics, chirality is intrinsic to enigmatic quantum phases, such as chiral charge density waves and chiral superconductivity. Here, the underlying chiral response is subtle and leads to broken symmetries in the ground sta… ▽ More Chirality or handedness manifests in all fields of science, ranging from cell biology, molecular interaction, and catalysis to different branches of physics. In condensed matter physics, chirality is intrinsic to enigmatic quantum phases, such as chiral charge density waves and chiral superconductivity. Here, the underlying chiral response is subtle and leads to broken symmetries in the ground state. Detection of subtle broken symmetries is the key to understand these quantum states but they are extremely challenging to expose leading to debate and controversy. Here, using second-order optical response, we uncover the broken symmetries of a chiral charge density wave in the Kagome lattice KV3Sb5, revealing the relevant broken symmetries of its charge order. KV3Sb5 undergoes a phase transition to a charge-ordered state at low temperatures. Our polarization-dependent mid-infrared photocurrent microscopy reveals an intrinsic, longitudinal helicity-dependent photocurrent associated with the charge order. Our measurements, supported by our theoretical analysis, provide direct evidence for broken inversion and mirror symmetries at the charge order transition, indicating a chiral charge ordered state. On the other hand, we do not observe a circular photogalvanic effect along the direction perpendicular to that of the incident light, imposing stringent constraints on the rotational and point group symmetries of the charge order. Our study not only visualizes the chiral nature of the Kagome charge order revealing its broken symmetries, but also highlights the nonlinear photogalvanic effect as a sensitive probe for detecting subtle symmetry breakings. △ Less

Submitted 12 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: in press

Journal ref: Nature Communications volume 16, Article number: 3782 (2025)

Field induced density wave in a kagome superconductor

Authors: Md Shafayat Hossain, Qi Zhang, Julian Ingham, Jinjin Liu, Sen Shao, Yangmu Li, Yuxin Wang, Bal K. Pokharel, Zi-Jia Cheng, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Maksim Litskevich, Byunghoon Kim, Xian Yang, Yongkai Li, Tyler A. Cochran, Yugui Yao, Dragana Popović, Zhiwei Wang, Guoqing Chang, Ronny Thomale, Luis Balicas, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: On the kagome lattice, electrons benefit from the simultaneous presence of band topology, flat electronic bands, and van Hove singularities, forming competing or cooperating orders. Understanding the interrelation between these distinct order parameters remains a significant challenge, leaving much of the associated physics unexplored. In the kagome superconductor KV3Sb5, which exhibits a charge d… ▽ More On the kagome lattice, electrons benefit from the simultaneous presence of band topology, flat electronic bands, and van Hove singularities, forming competing or cooperating orders. Understanding the interrelation between these distinct order parameters remains a significant challenge, leaving much of the associated physics unexplored. In the kagome superconductor KV3Sb5, which exhibits a charge density wave (CDW) state below T = 78 K, we uncover an unpredicted field-induced phase transition below 6 K. The observed transition is marked by a hysteretic anomaly in the resistivity, nonlinear electrical transport, and a change in the symmetry of the electronic response as probed via the angular dependence of the magnetoresistivity. These observations surprisingly suggest the emergence of an unanticipated broken symmetry state coexisting with the original CDW. To understand this experimental observation, we developed a theoretical minimal model for the normal state inside the high-temperature parent CDW phase where an incommensurate CDW order emerges as an instability sub-leading to superconductivity. The incommensurate CDW emerges when superconducting fluctuations become fully suppressed by large magnetic fields. Our results suggest that, in kagome superconductors, quantum states can either coexist or are nearly degenerate in energy, indicating that these are rich platforms to expose new correlated phenomena. △ Less

Submitted 22 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Uncovering hidden Fermi surface instabilities through visualizing unconventional quasiparticle interference in CeTe3

Authors: B. R. M. Smith, Y. Fujisawa, P. Wu, T. Nakamura, N. Tomoda, S. Kuniyoshi, D. Ueta, R. Kobayashi, R. Okuma, K. Arai, K. Kuroda, C-H. Hsu, G. Chang, C-Y. Huang, H. Lin, Z-Y. Wang, Y. Okada

Abstract: The charge density wave (CDW) state is a widespread phenomenon in low-dimensional metals/semimetals. The spectral weight of the associated folded bands (shadow bands) can be an intriguing trigger leading to additional Fermi surface instability and unexplored phase transitions. The rare earth tri-telluride CeTe3 exhibits a single CDW stabilized below ~400 K and antiferromagnetism below ~3 K. The di… ▽ More The charge density wave (CDW) state is a widespread phenomenon in low-dimensional metals/semimetals. The spectral weight of the associated folded bands (shadow bands) can be an intriguing trigger leading to additional Fermi surface instability and unexplored phase transitions. The rare earth tri-telluride CeTe3 exhibits a single CDW stabilized below ~400 K and antiferromagnetism below ~3 K. The distinct periodicities between the Te-square net, the CeTe block layer, and the CDW give rise to rich shadow band formations. In this work, we reveal the predominant scattering between the original and shadow bands at 4 K, with the scattering within the original bands being relatively suppressed at Fermi energy. This unconventional quasi-particle scattering collectively underscores the vital role of the shadow bands' spectral weight and the hidden matrix element effect, which are crucial for controlling electronic properties in this system. Furthermore, our finding points to the existence of rich and unexplored Fermi surface instabilities, which potentially play a role in controlling the nature of long-range antiferromagnetism at lower temperatures in the presence of finite charge-spin interaction. △ Less

Submitted 10 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Journal ref: Physical Review Materials 8, 104004 (2024)

This took us a Weyl: synthesis of a semimetallic Weyl ferromagnet with point Fermi surface

Authors: Ilya Belopolski, Ryota Watanabe, Yuki Sato, Ryutaro Yoshimi, Minoru Kawamura, Soma Nagahama, Yilin Zhao, Sen Shao, Yuanjun Jin, Yoshihiro Kato, Yoshihiro Okamura, Xiao-Xiao Zhang, Yukako Fujishiro, Youtarou Takahashi, Max Hirschberger, Atsushi Tsukazaki, Kei S. Takahashi, Ching-Kai Chiu, Guoqing Chang, Masashi Kawasaki, Naoto Nagaosa, Yoshinori Tokura

Abstract: Quantum materials governed by emergent topological fermions have become a cornerstone of physics. Dirac fermions in graphene form the basis for moiré quantum matter, and Dirac fermions in magnetic topological insulators enabled the discovery of the quantum anomalous Hall effect. In contrast, there are few materials whose electromagnetic response is dominated by emergent Weyl fermions. Nearly all k… ▽ More Quantum materials governed by emergent topological fermions have become a cornerstone of physics. Dirac fermions in graphene form the basis for moiré quantum matter, and Dirac fermions in magnetic topological insulators enabled the discovery of the quantum anomalous Hall effect. In contrast, there are few materials whose electromagnetic response is dominated by emergent Weyl fermions. Nearly all known Weyl materials are overwhelmingly metallic, and are largely governed by irrelevant, conventional electrons. Here we theoretically predict and experimentally observe a semimetallic Weyl ferromagnet in van der Waals (Cr,Bi)$_2$Te$_3$. In transport, we find a record bulk anomalous Hall angle $> 0.5$ along with non-metallic conductivity, a regime sharply distinct from conventional ferromagnets. Together with symmetry analysis, our data suggest a semimetallic Fermi surface composed of two Weyl points, with a giant separation $> 75\%$ of the linear dimension of the bulk Brillouin zone, and no other electronic states. Using state-of-the-art crystal synthesis techniques, we widely tune the electronic structure, allowing us to annihilate the Weyl state and visualize a unique topological phase diagram exhibiting broad Chern insulating, Weyl semimetallic and magnetic semiconducting regions. Our observation of a semimetallic Weyl ferromagnet offers an avenue toward novel correlated states and non-linear phenomena, as well as zero-magnetic-field Weyl spintronic and optical devices. △ Less

Submitted 6 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: Nature, in press

Interlayer Charge-density-wave Vector Phase Induced Structural Chirality

Authors: Sen Shao, Wei-Chi Chiu, Tao Hou, Naizhou Wang, Ilya Belopolski, Yilin Zhao, Jinyang Ni, Qi Zhang, Yongkai Li, Jinjin Liu, Mohammad Yahyavi, Yuanjun Jin, Qiange Feng, Peiyuan Cui, Cheng-Long Zhang, Yugui Yao, Zhiwei Wang, Jia-Xin Yin, Su-Yang Xu, Qiong Ma, Wei-bo Gao, Md Shafayat Hossain, Arun Bansil, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: Chiral charge density waves (CDWs) have attracted intense interest due to their exotic quantum properties, yet the microscopic origin of structural chirality emerging from correlated charge order remains elusive. Here, we reveal that the interlayer phases of CDW wave vectors, an overlooked degree of freedom, play a crucial role in driving chiral structural displacements in layered CDW materials. B… ▽ More Chiral charge density waves (CDWs) have attracted intense interest due to their exotic quantum properties, yet the microscopic origin of structural chirality emerging from correlated charge order remains elusive. Here, we reveal that the interlayer phases of CDW wave vectors, an overlooked degree of freedom, play a crucial role in driving chiral structural displacements in layered CDW materials. By explicitly incorporating the interlayer phases in first-principles calculations, we successfully obtained the chiral structure of the CDW phases of AV$_3$Sb$_5$ (A= K, Rb, and Cs) and 1T-TiSe$_2$. The electronic and optical properties of the predicted chiral structures are consistent with experimental measurements of these materials in their CDW phases. We further predict that 1T-NbSe$_2$ is a promising material candidate for realizing chiral CDW order. Beyond materials prediction, our theory reveals that the chiral CDW can be manipulated by electron filling. Our study opens new avenues for discovering, designing, and engineering chiral CDW materials. △ Less

Submitted 12 March, 2026; v1 submitted 5 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. - 11 March, 2026

Magnon Nonlinear Hall Effect in 2D Antiferromagnetic Insulators

Authors: Jinyang Ni, Yuanjun Jin, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: The efficient detection of the magnetism in 2D antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulators is crucial for the advancement of 2D AFM spintronics and remains a challenging problem. In this letter, we introduce the magnon nonlinear Hall current, a second-order Hall response of collective spin excitations in ordered magnets, as a novel probe for 2D layered AFM insulators. We theoretically demonstrate that the… ▽ More The efficient detection of the magnetism in 2D antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulators is crucial for the advancement of 2D AFM spintronics and remains a challenging problem. In this letter, we introduce the magnon nonlinear Hall current, a second-order Hall response of collective spin excitations in ordered magnets, as a novel probe for 2D layered AFM insulators. We theoretically demonstrate that the nonlinear Hall effect is intrinsically coupled to the underlying spin configuration. In particular, it exhibits a pronounced layer dependence in layered antiferromagnets, enabling direct characterization of the nature and strength of interlayer magnetic coupling in multilayer AFM insulators. Furthermore, we show that a a slight external field perturbation can induce and manipulate the magnon nonlinear Hall response. Our work establishes a novel approach for exploring 2D antiferromagnetism and holds great promise for AFM spintronic applications △ Less

Submitted 26 May, 2025; v1 submitted 14 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 112, 054424 (2025)

Evidence chain for time-reversal symmetry-breaking kagome superconductivity

Authors: Hanbin Deng, Guowei Liu, Z. Guguchia, Tianyu Yang, Jinjin Liu, Zhiwei Wang, Yaofeng Xie, Sen Shao, Haiyang Ma, William Liège, Frédéric Bourdarot, Xiao-Yu Yan, Hailang Qin, C. Mielke III, R. Khasanov, H. Luetkens, Xianxin Wu, Guoqing Chang, Jianpeng Liu, Morten Holm Christensen, Andreas Kreisel, Brian Møller Andersen, Wen Huang, Yue Zhao, Philippe Bourges , et al. (3 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Superconductivity and magnetism are antagonistic quantum matter, while their intertwining has long been considered in frustrated-lattice systems1-3. In this work, we utilize scanning tunneling microscopy and muon spin resonance to discover time-reversal symmetry-breaking superconductivity in kagome metal Cs(V,Ta)3Sb5, where the Cooper pairing exhibits magnetism and is modulated by it. In the magne… ▽ More Superconductivity and magnetism are antagonistic quantum matter, while their intertwining has long been considered in frustrated-lattice systems1-3. In this work, we utilize scanning tunneling microscopy and muon spin resonance to discover time-reversal symmetry-breaking superconductivity in kagome metal Cs(V,Ta)3Sb5, where the Cooper pairing exhibits magnetism and is modulated by it. In the magnetic channel, we observe spontaneous internal magnetism in a full-gap superconducting state. Under perturbations of inverse magnetic fields, we detect a time-reversal asymmetrical interference of Bogoliubov quasi-particles at a circular vector. At this vector, the pairing gap spontaneously modulates, which is distinct from pair density waves occurring at a point vector and consistent with the theoretical proposal of unusual interference effect under time-reversal symmetry-breaking. The correlation between internal magnetism, Bogoliubov quasi-particles, and pairing modulation provides a chain of experimental clues for time-reversal symmetry-breaking kagome superconductivity. △ Less

Submitted 5 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: To appear in Nature Materials (2024)

Journal ref: Nat. Mater. 23, 1639-1644 (2024)

Chiral kagome superconductivity modulations with residual Fermi arcs in KV3Sb5 and CsV3Sb5

Authors: Hanbin Deng, Hailang Qin, Guowei Liu, Tianyu Yang, Ruiqing Fu, Zhongyi Zhang, Xianxin Wu, Zhiwei Wang, Youguo Shi, Jinjin Liu, Hongxiong Liu, Xiao-Yu Yan, Wei Song, Xitong Xu, Yuanyuan Zhao, Mingsheng Yi, Gang Xu, Hendrik Hohmann, Sofie Castro Holbæk, Matteo Dürrnage, Sen Zhou, Guoqing Chang, Yugui Yao, Qianghua Wang, Zurab Guguchia , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Superconductivity involving finite momentum pairing can lead to spatial gap and pair density modulations, as well as Bogoliubov Fermi states within the superconducting gap. However, the experimental realization of their intertwined relations has been challenging. Here, we detect chiral kagome superconductivity modulations with residual Fermi arcs in KV3Sb5 and CsV3Sb5 by normal and Josephson scann… ▽ More Superconductivity involving finite momentum pairing can lead to spatial gap and pair density modulations, as well as Bogoliubov Fermi states within the superconducting gap. However, the experimental realization of their intertwined relations has been challenging. Here, we detect chiral kagome superconductivity modulations with residual Fermi arcs in KV3Sb5 and CsV3Sb5 by normal and Josephson scanning tunneling microscopy down to 30mK with resolved electronic energy difference at microelectronvolt level. We observe a U-shaped superconducting gap with flat residual in-gap states. This gap exhibits chiral 2 by 2 spatial modulations with magnetic field tunable chirality, which align with the chiral 2 by 2 pair density modulations observed through Josephson tunneling. These findings demonstrate a chiral pair density wave (PDW) that breaks time-reversal symmetry. Quasiparticle interference imaging of the in-gap zero-energy states reveals segmented arcs, with high-temperature data linking them to parts of the reconstructed V d-orbital states within the charge order. The detected residual Fermi arcs can be explained by the partial suppression of these d-orbital states through an interorbital 2 by 2 PDW and thus serve as candidate Bogoliubov Fermi states. Additionally, we differentiate the observed PDW order from impurity-induced gap modulations. Our observations not only uncover a chiral PDW order with orbital-selectivity, but also illuminate the fundamental space-momentum correspondence inherent in finite momentum paired superconductivity. △ Less

Submitted 5 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: To appear in Nature (2024)

Journal ref: Nature 632, 775-781 (2024)

Insulator-to-Metal Transition and Isotropic Gigantic Magnetoresistance in Layered Magnetic Semiconductors

Authors: Gokul Acharya, Bimal Neupane, Chia-Hsiu Hsu, Xian P. Yang, David Graf, Eun Sang Choi, Krishna Pandey, Md Rafique Un Nabi, Santosh Karki Chhetri, Rabindra Basnet, Sumaya Rahman, Jian Wang, Zhengxin Hu, Bo Da, Hugh Churchill, Guoqing Chang, M. Zahid Hasan, Yuanxi Wang, Jin Hu

Abstract: Magnetotransport, the response of electrical conduction to external magnetic field, acts as an important tool to reveal fundamental concepts behind exotic phenomena and plays a key role in enabling spintronic applications. Magnetotransport is generally sensitive to magnetic field orientations. In contrast, efficient and isotropic modulation of electronic transport, which is useful in technology ap… ▽ More Magnetotransport, the response of electrical conduction to external magnetic field, acts as an important tool to reveal fundamental concepts behind exotic phenomena and plays a key role in enabling spintronic applications. Magnetotransport is generally sensitive to magnetic field orientations. In contrast, efficient and isotropic modulation of electronic transport, which is useful in technology applications such as omnidirectional sensing, is rarely seen, especially for pristine crystals. Here we propose a strategy to realize extremely strong modulation of electron conduction by magnetic field which is independent of field direction. GdPS, a layered antiferromagnetic semiconductor with resistivity anisotropies, supports a field-driven insulator-to-metal transition with a paradoxically isotropic gigantic negative magnetoresistance insensitive to magnetic field orientations. This isotropic magnetoresistance originates from the combined effects of a near-zero spin-orbit coupling of Gd3+-based half-filling f-electron system and the strong on-site f-d exchange coupling in Gd atoms. Our results not only provide a novel material system with extraordinary magnetotransport that offers a missing block for antiferromagnet-based ultrafast and efficient spintronic devices, but also demonstrate the key ingredients for designing magnetic materials with desired transport properties for advanced functionalities. △ Less

Submitted 3 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 44 pages, 18 figures

Journal ref: Adv. Mater. 2024

Van-Hove annihilation and nematic instability on a Kagome lattice

Authors: Yu-Xiao Jiang, Sen Shao, Wei Xia, M. Michael Denner, Julian Ingham, Md Shafayat Hossain, Qingzheng Qiu, Xiquan Zheng, Hongyu Chen, Zi-Jia Cheng, Xian P. Yang, Byunghoon Kim, Jia-Xin Yin, Songbo Zhang, Maksim Litskevich, Qi Zhang, Tyler A. Cochran, Yingying Peng, Guoqing Chang, Yanfeng Guo, Ronny Thomale, Titus Neupert, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Novel states of matter arise in quantum materials due to strong interactions among electrons. A nematic phase breaks the point group symmetry of the crystal lattice and is known to emerge in correlated materials. Here we report the observation of an intra-unit-cell nematic order and signatures of Pomeranchuk instability in the Kagome metal ScV6Sn6. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectrosc… ▽ More Novel states of matter arise in quantum materials due to strong interactions among electrons. A nematic phase breaks the point group symmetry of the crystal lattice and is known to emerge in correlated materials. Here we report the observation of an intra-unit-cell nematic order and signatures of Pomeranchuk instability in the Kagome metal ScV6Sn6. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, we reveal a stripe-like nematic order breaking the crystal rotational symmetry within the Kagome lattice itself. Moreover, we identify a set of van Hove singularities adhering to the Kagome layer electrons, which appear along one direction of the Brillouin zone while being annihilated along other high-symmetry directions, revealing a rotational symmetry breaking. Via detailed spectroscopic maps, we further observe an elliptical deformation of Fermi surface, which provides direct evidence for an electronically mediated nematic order. Our work not only bridges the gap between electronic nematicity and Kagome physics, but also sheds light on the potential mechanism for realizing symmetry-broken phases in correlated electron systems. △ Less

Submitted 17 July, 2024; v1 submitted 19 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 19 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Nat. Mater. (2024)

Observation of the dual quantum spin Hall insulator by density-tuned correlations in a van der Waals monolayer

Authors: Jian Tang, Thomas Siyuan Ding, Hongyu Chen, Anyuan Gao, Tiema Qian, Zumeng Huang, Zhe Sun, Xin Han, Alex Strasser, Jiangxu Li, Michael Geiwitz, Mohamed Shehabeldin, Vsevolod Belosevich, Zihan Wang, Yiping Wang, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, David C. Bell, Ziqiang Wang, Liang Fu, Yang Zhang, Xiaofeng Qian, Kenneth S. Burch, Youguo Shi, Ni Ni , et al. (3 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The convergence of topology and correlations represents a highly coveted realm in the pursuit of novel quantum states of matter. Introducing electron correlations to a quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulator can lead to the emergence of a fractional topological insulator and other exotic time-reversal-symmetric topological order, not possible in quantum Hall and Chern insulator systems. However, the QSH… ▽ More The convergence of topology and correlations represents a highly coveted realm in the pursuit of novel quantum states of matter. Introducing electron correlations to a quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulator can lead to the emergence of a fractional topological insulator and other exotic time-reversal-symmetric topological order, not possible in quantum Hall and Chern insulator systems. However, the QSH insulator with quantized edge conductance remains rare, let alone that with significant correlations. In this work, we report a novel dual QSH insulator within the intrinsic monolayer crystal of TaIrTe4, arising from the interplay of its single-particle topology and density-tuned electron correlations. At charge neutrality, monolayer TaIrTe4 demonstrates the QSH insulator that aligns with single-particle band structure calculations, manifesting enhanced nonlocal transport and quantized helical edge conductance. Interestingly, upon introducing electrons from charge neutrality, TaIrTe4 only shows metallic behavior in a small range of charge densities but quickly goes into a new insulating state, entirely unexpected based on TaIrTe4's single-particle band structure. This insulating state could arise from a strong electronic instability near the van Hove singularities (VHS), likely leading to a charge density wave (CDW). Remarkably, within this correlated insulating gap, we observe a resurgence of the QSH state, marked by the revival of nonlocal transport and quantized helical edge conduction. Our observation of helical edge conduction in a CDW gap could bridge spin physics and charge orders. The discovery of a dual QSH insulator introduces a new method for creating topological flat minibands via CDW superlattices, which offer a promising platform for exploring time-reversal-symmetric fractional phases and electromagnetism. △ Less

Submitted 23 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 23 pages, 15 figures, submitted version

Direct Visualization of a Disorder Driven Electronic Smectic Phase in Nonsymmorphic Square-Net Semimetal GdSbTe

Authors: Balaji Venkatesan, Syu-You Guan, Jen-Te Chang, Shiang-Bin Chiu, Po-Yuan Yang, Chih-Chuan Su, Tay-Rong Chang, Kalaivanan Raju, Raman Sankar, Somboon Fongchaiya, Ming-Wen Chu, Chia-Seng Chang, Guoqing Chang, Hsin Lin, Adrian Del Maestro, Ying-Jer Kao, Tien-Ming Chuang

Abstract: Electronic liquid crystal (ELC) phases are spontaneous symmetry breaking states believed to arise from strong electron correlation in quantum materials such as cuprates and iron pnictides. Here, we report a direct observation of a smectic phase in a weakly correlated nonsymmorphic square-net semimetal GdSbxTe2-x. Incommensurate smectic charge modulation and intense local unidirectional nanostructu… ▽ More Electronic liquid crystal (ELC) phases are spontaneous symmetry breaking states believed to arise from strong electron correlation in quantum materials such as cuprates and iron pnictides. Here, we report a direct observation of a smectic phase in a weakly correlated nonsymmorphic square-net semimetal GdSbxTe2-x. Incommensurate smectic charge modulation and intense local unidirectional nanostructure, which coexist with Dirac fermions across Fermi level, are visualized by using spectroscopic imaging - scanning tunneling microscopy. As materials with highly mobile carriers are mostly weakly correlated, the discovery of such an ELC phase are anomalous and raise questions on the origin of their emergence. Specifically, we demonstrate how chemical substitution generates these symmetry breaking phases before the system undergoes a charge density wave (CDW) - orthorhombic structural transition. Our results highlight the importance of impurities in realizing ELC phases and present a new material platform for exploring the interplay among quenched disorder, Dirac fermions and electron correlation. △ Less

Submitted 22 July, 2025; v1 submitted 29 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Journal ref: npj Quantum Mater. 10, 56 (2025)

Untangle charge-order dependent bulk states from surface effects in a topological kagome metal ScV$_6$Sn$_6$

Authors: Zi-Jia Cheng, Sen Shao, Byunghoon Kim, Tyler A. Cochran, Xian P. Yang, Changjiang Yi, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Junyi Zhang, Md Shafayat Hossain, Subhajit Roychowdhury, Turgut Yilmaz, Elio Vescovo, Alexei Fedorov, Shekhar Chandra, Claudia Felser, Guoqing Chang, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Kagome metals with charge density wave (CDW) order exhibit a broad spectrum of intriguing quantum phenomena. The recent discovery of the novel kagome CDW compound ScV$_6$Sn$_6$ has spurred significant interest. However, understanding the interplay between CDW and the bulk electronic structure has been obscured by a profusion of surface states and terminations in this quantum material. Here, we emp… ▽ More Kagome metals with charge density wave (CDW) order exhibit a broad spectrum of intriguing quantum phenomena. The recent discovery of the novel kagome CDW compound ScV$_6$Sn$_6$ has spurred significant interest. However, understanding the interplay between CDW and the bulk electronic structure has been obscured by a profusion of surface states and terminations in this quantum material. Here, we employ photoemission spectroscopy and potassium dosing to elucidate the complete bulk band structure of ScV$_6$Sn$_6$, revealing multiple van Hove singularities near the Fermi level. We surprisingly discover a robust spin-polarized topological Dirac surface resonance state at the M point within the two-fold van Hove singularities. Assisted by the first-principle calculations, the temperature dependence of the $k_z$- resolved ARPES spectrum provides unequivocal evidence for the proposed $\sqrt{3}$$\times$$\sqrt{3}$$\times3$ charge order over other candidates. Our work not only enhances the understanding of the CDW-dependent bulk and surface states in ScV$_6$Sn$_6$ but also establishes an essential foundation for potential manipulation of the CDW order in kagome materials. △ Less

Submitted 3 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: To appear in PRB

Discovery of a Topological Charge Density Wave

Authors: Maksim Litskevich, Md Shafayat Hossain, Songbo Zhang, Zi-Jia Cheng, Satya N. Guin, Nitesh Kumar, Chandra Shekhar, Zhiwei Wang, Yongkai Li, Guoqing Chang, Jia-Xin Yin, Qi Zhang, Guangming Cheng, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Tyler A. Cochran, Nana Shumiya, Xian P. Yang, Daniel Multer, Xiaoxiong Liu, Nan Yao, Yugui Yao, Claudia Felser, Titus Neupert, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Charge density waves (CDWs) appear in numerous condensed matter platforms, ranging from high-Tc superconductors to quantum Hall systems. Despite such ubiquity, there has been a lack of direct experimental study on boundary states that can uniquely stem from the charge order. Here, using scanning tunneling microscopy, we directly visualize the bulk and boundary phenomenology of CDW in a topological… ▽ More Charge density waves (CDWs) appear in numerous condensed matter platforms, ranging from high-Tc superconductors to quantum Hall systems. Despite such ubiquity, there has been a lack of direct experimental study on boundary states that can uniquely stem from the charge order. Here, using scanning tunneling microscopy, we directly visualize the bulk and boundary phenomenology of CDW in a topological material, Ta2Se8I. Below the transition temperature (TCDW = 260 K), tunneling spectra on an atomically resolved lattice reveal a large insulating gap in the bulk and on the surface, exceeding 500 meV, surpassing predictions from standard weakly-coupled mean-field theory. Spectroscopic imaging confirms the presence of CDW, with LDOS maxima at the conduction band corresponding to the LDOS minima at the valence band, thus revealing a π phase difference in the respective CDW order. Concomitantly, at a monolayer step edge, we detect an in-gap boundary mode with modulations along the edge that match the CDW wavevector along the edge. Intriguingly, the phase of the edge state modulation shifts by π within the charge order gap, connecting the fully gapped bulk (and surface) conduction and valence bands via a smooth energy-phase relation. This bears similarity to the topological spectral flow of edge modes, where the boundary modes bridge the gapped bulk modes in energy and momentum magnitude but in Ta2Se8I, the connectivity distinctly occurs in energy and momentum phase. Notably, our temperature-dependent measurements indicate a vanishing of the insulating gap and the in-gap edge state above TCDW, suggesting their direct relation to CDW. The theoretical analysis also indicates that the observed boundary mode is topological and linked to CDW. △ Less

Submitted 25 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Comments: Nature Physics (2024); in press

Journal ref: Nature Physics 20, 1253 (2024)

Discovery of a hybrid topological quantum state in an elemental solid

Authors: Md Shafayat Hossain, Frank Schindler, Rajibul Islam, Zahir Muhammad, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Zi-Jia Cheng, Qi Zhang, Tao Hou, Hongyu Chen, Maksim Litskevich, Brian Casas, Jia-Xin Yin, Tyler A. Cochran, Mohammad Yahyavi, Xian P. Yang, Luis Balicas, Guoqing Chang, Weisheng Zhao, Titus Neupert, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Topology and interactions are foundational concepts in the modern understanding of quantum matter. Their nexus yields three significant research directions: competition between distinct interactions, as in the multiple intertwined phases, interplay between interactions and topology that drives the phenomena in twisted layered materials and topological magnets, and the coalescence of multiple topol… ▽ More Topology and interactions are foundational concepts in the modern understanding of quantum matter. Their nexus yields three significant research directions: competition between distinct interactions, as in the multiple intertwined phases, interplay between interactions and topology that drives the phenomena in twisted layered materials and topological magnets, and the coalescence of multiple topological orders to generate distinct novel phases. The first two examples have grown into major areas of research, while the last example remains mostly untouched, mainly because of the lack of a material platform for experimental studies. Here, using tunneling microscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, and theoretical analysis, we unveil a "hybrid" and yet novel topological phase of matter in the simple elemental solid arsenic. Through a unique bulk-surface-edge correspondence, we uncover that arsenic features a conjoined strong and higher-order topology, stabilizing a hybrid topological phase. While momentum-space spectroscopy measurements show signs of topological surface states, real-space microscopy measurements unravel a unique geometry of topology-induced step edge conduction channels revealed on various forms of natural nanostructures on the surface. Using theoretical models, we show that the existence of gapless step edge states in arsenic relies on the simultaneous presence of both a nontrivial strong Z2 invariant and a nontrivial higher-order topological invariant, providing experimental evidence for hybrid topology and its realization in a single crystal. Our discovery highlights pathways to explore the interplay of different kinds of band topology and harness the associated topological conduction channels in future engineered quantum or nano-devices. △ Less

Submitted 9 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Comments: Nature (2024); in press

Journal ref: Nature 628, 527 (2024)

Spinor-dominated magnetoresistance driven by the topological phase transition in $β$-Ag$_2$Se

Authors: Cheng-Long Zhang, Yilin Zhao, Yiyuan Chen, Ziquan Lin, Sen Shao, Zhen-Hao Gong, Junfeng Wang, Hai-Zhou Lu, Guoqing Chang, Shuang Jia

Abstract: A topological insulator is a quantum material which possesses conducting surfaces and an insulating bulk. Despite extensive researches on the properties of Dirac surface states, the characteristics of bulk states have remained largely unexplored. Here we report the observation of spinor-dominated magnetoresistance anomalies in the topological insulator $β$-Ag$_2$Se, induced by a magnetic-field-dri… ▽ More A topological insulator is a quantum material which possesses conducting surfaces and an insulating bulk. Despite extensive researches on the properties of Dirac surface states, the characteristics of bulk states have remained largely unexplored. Here we report the observation of spinor-dominated magnetoresistance anomalies in the topological insulator $β$-Ag$_2$Se, induced by a magnetic-field-driven band topological phase transition. These anomalies are caused by intrinsic orthogonality in the wave-function spinors of the last Landau bands of the bulk states, in which backscattering is strictly forbidden during a band topological phase transition. This new type of longitudinal magnetoresistance, purely controlled by the wave-function spinors of the last Landau bands, highlights a unique signature of electrical transport around the band topological phase transition. With further reducing the quantum limit and gap size in $β$-Ag$_2$Se, our results may also suggest possible device applications based on this spinor-dominated mechanism and signify a rare case where topology enters the realm of magnetoresistance control. △ Less

Submitted 7 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: 16 pages, 4 figures; Version of original submission

Journal ref: Commun Phys 7, 395 (2024)

Topological chiral kagome lattice

Authors: Jing-Yang You, Xiaoting Zhou, Tao Hou, Mohammad Yahyavi, Yuanjun Jin, Yi-Chun Hung, Bahadur Singh, Chun Zhang, Jia-Xin Yin, Arun Bansil, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: Chirality, a fundamental structural property of crystals, can induce many unique topological quantum phenomena. In kagome lattice, unconventional transports have been reported under tantalizing chiral charge order. Here, we show how by deforming the kagome lattice to obtain a three-dimensional (3D) chiral kagome lattice in which the key band features of the non-chiral 2D kagome lattice - flat ener… ▽ More Chirality, a fundamental structural property of crystals, can induce many unique topological quantum phenomena. In kagome lattice, unconventional transports have been reported under tantalizing chiral charge order. Here, we show how by deforming the kagome lattice to obtain a three-dimensional (3D) chiral kagome lattice in which the key band features of the non-chiral 2D kagome lattice - flat energy bands, van Hove singularities (VHSs), and degeneracies - remain robust in both the $k_z$ = 0 and $π$ planes in momentum space. Given the handedness of our kagome lattice, degenerate momentum points possess quantized Chern numbers, ushering in the realization of Weyl fermions. Our 3D chiral kagome lattice surprisingly exhibits 1D behavior on its surface, where topological surface Fermi arc states connecting Weyl fermions are dispersive in one momentum direction and flat in the other direction. These 1D Fermi arcs open up unique possibilities for generating unconventional non-local transport phenomena at the interfaces of domains with different handedness, and the associated enhanced conductance as the separation of the leads on the surface is increased. Employing first-principles calculations, we investigate in-depth the electronic and phononic structures of representative materials within the ten space groups that can support topological chiral kagome lattices. Our study opens a new research direction that integrates the advantages of structural chirality with those of a kagome lattice and thus provides a new materials platform for exploring unique aspects of correlated topological physics in chiral lattices. △ Less

Submitted 31 August, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: 7 pages, 4 figures

Midgap states induced by Zeeman field and $p$ wave superconductor pairing

Authors: Yuanjun Jin, XingYu Yue, Yong Xu, Xiang-Long Yu, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: The one-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model is central to band topology in condensed matter physics, which allows us to understand and design distinct topological states. In this work, we find another mechanism to analogize the SSH model in a spinful system, realizing an obstructed atomic insulator by introducing intrinsic spin-orbit coupling and in-plane Zeeman field. In our model, the m… ▽ More The one-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model is central to band topology in condensed matter physics, which allows us to understand and design distinct topological states. In this work, we find another mechanism to analogize the SSH model in a spinful system, realizing an obstructed atomic insulator by introducing intrinsic spin-orbit coupling and in-plane Zeeman field. In our model, the midgap states originate from a quantized hidden polarization with invariant index $\mathbb{Z}_2$ (0; 01) due to the local inversion symmetry breaking. When the global inversion symmetry is broken, a charge pumping is designed by tuning the polarization. Moreover, by introducing the $p+ip$ superconductor pairing potential, a new topological phase dubbed obstructed superconductor (OSC) is identified. This new state is characterized by invariant index $\mathbb{Z}_2$ (0; 01) and nonchiral midgap states. More interestingly, these nonchiral edge states result in a chiral-like nonlocal conductance, which is different from the traditional chiral topological superconductor. Our findings not only find another strategy to achieve a spinful SSH model but also predict the existence of OSC, providing a promising avenue for further exploration of its transport properties. △ Less

Submitted 21 May, 2024; v1 submitted 28 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Real Space Characterization of Nonlinear Hall Effect in Confined Directions

Authors: Sheng Luo, Chuang-Han Hsu, Guoqing Chang, Arun Bansil, Hsin Lin, Gengchiau Liang

Abstract: The nonlinear Hall effect (NLHE) is a phenomenon which could produce a transverse Hall voltage in a time-reversal-invariant material. Here, we report the real space characterization of NLHE evaluated through quantum transport in TaIrTe4 nanoribbon without the explicit Berry curvature dipole (BCD) information. We first characterize the NLHE in both transverse confined directions in global-level mea… ▽ More The nonlinear Hall effect (NLHE) is a phenomenon which could produce a transverse Hall voltage in a time-reversal-invariant material. Here, we report the real space characterization of NLHE evaluated through quantum transport in TaIrTe4 nanoribbon without the explicit Berry curvature dipole (BCD) information. We first characterize the NLHE in both transverse confined directions in global-level measurement. The impact of quantum confinement in NLHE is evaluated by adjusting the width of nanoribbons. Then, the probing area is trimmed to the atomic scale to evaluate the local texture, where we discover its unique patterns among the probed atomic groups for the first time. The analysis of charge distribution reveals the connections between NLHE's local patterns and its non-centrosymmetric nature, rendering nearly an order of Hall voltage enhancement through probe positioning. Our work paves the way to expand the range of NLHE study and unveil its physics in more versatile material systems. △ Less

Submitted 24 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Journal ref: npj Comput Mater 10, 40 (2024)

Visualizing magnetic field-induced rotational electronic symmetry breaking in a spinel oxide superconductor

Authors: Yuita Fujisawa, Anjana Krishnadas, Chia-Hsiu Hsu, Barnaby R. M. Smith, Markel Pardo-Almanza, Yukiko Obata, Dyon van Dinter, Guoqing Chang, Yuki Nagai, Tadashi Machida, Yoshinori Okada

Abstract: The spinel oxide superconductor LiTi2O4 (LTO) is an intriguing material platform where the electronic structure near the Fermi energy (EF) is derived from 3d elections on the geometrically frustrated Ti pyrochlore network. A recent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study has revealed the existence of an exotic quasiparticle state arising from the competition between instability tow… ▽ More The spinel oxide superconductor LiTi2O4 (LTO) is an intriguing material platform where the electronic structure near the Fermi energy (EF) is derived from 3d elections on the geometrically frustrated Ti pyrochlore network. A recent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study has revealed the existence of an exotic quasiparticle state arising from the competition between instability towards orbital ordering and geometrical frustration below 150 K. An intriguing remaining challenge is the imaging of Abrikosov vortices, which generally inherits the symmetry of the Fermi surface at k_z=0. Here, we observe surprising triangular-shaped Abrikosov vortices on an LTO(111) film, deviating from the conventional expectations of the six-fold symmetric Fermi surface at k_z=0. In combination with the experimentally observed isotropic pairing, we propose magnetic field-driven rotational electronic symmetry breaking of the underlying Fermi surface. Consequently, we observe Josephson vortices along the crystalline domain boundary, across which quasiparticle hopping is suppressed due to the symmetry-broken Fermi surface in each domain. Our discoveries point to the existence of unique physics of magnetic field-induced electronic rotational symmetry breaking in the spinel oxide superconductor LTO. This picture is in stark contrast to the other exotic superconductors with partial gap opening or long-range ordering with broken symmetry above the superconducting critical temperature at zero magnetic field. △ Less

Submitted 11 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Imaging emergent exotic quasiparticle state in a frustrated transition metal oxide

Authors: Yuita Fujisawa, Anjana Krishnadas, Chia-Hsiu Hsu, Takahito Takeda, Sheng Liu, Markel Pardo-Almanza, Yukiko Obata, Dyon van Dinter, Kohei Yamagami, Guoqing Chang, Masaki Kobayashi, Chang-Yang Kuo, Yoshinori Okada

Abstract: The existence of rich Fermiology in anomalous metal phase in exotic superconductors has attracted considerable interests, as exemplified in copper, iron-based, and intermetallic frustrated kagome-based compounds. A common feature in these cases is pseudo-gap opening or long-range lattice/electronic ordering above superconducting critical temperature Tc. As yet developed area is the potential exist… ▽ More The existence of rich Fermiology in anomalous metal phase in exotic superconductors has attracted considerable interests, as exemplified in copper, iron-based, and intermetallic frustrated kagome-based compounds. A common feature in these cases is pseudo-gap opening or long-range lattice/electronic ordering above superconducting critical temperature Tc. As yet developed area is the potential existence of exotic Fermiology in superconducting transition metal oxides on a geometrically frustrated lattice. Here, we focus on the spinel oxide superconductor LiTi2O4, which can be viewed as the hole-doped side of the orbital ordered 3d1 Mott system on the Ti-derived pyrochlore frustrated network. By the in-situ combination of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and epitaxial thin film growth, we discovered the abrupt flattening of near Fermi energy dispersion below the characteristic temperature T* ~ 150 K. While the emergent negative thermal expansion below T* strongly supports a distinct phase at low-temperature, absence of energy gap opening, splitting/folding of bands, nor long-range lattice distortion are seen across T*. We propose that the competition between growing instability towards orbital ordering and its inherent geometric frustration in the Ti-pyrochlore network results in a new quantum state of matter with robust high entropic nature below T*. Our findings collectively point to a unique Fermiology in frustrated three-dimensional transition metal oxides, and its connection to superconductivity below Tc is open as an interesting future challenge. Also, a potential guideline is unexpectedly provided for designing zero thermal expansion metal to develop future solid-state devices. △ Less

Submitted 11 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Observation of Flat Bands and Dirac Cones in a Pyrochlore Lattice Superconductor

Authors: Jianwei Huang, Chandan Setty, Liangzi Deng, Jing-Yang You, Hongxiong Liu, Sen Shao, Ji Seop Oh, Yucheng Guo, Yichen Zhang, Ziqin Yue, Jia-Xin Yin, Makoto Hashimoto, Donghui Lu, Sergey Gorovikov, Pengcheng Dai, Jonathan D. Denlinger, M. Zahid Hasan, Yuan-Ping Feng, Robert J. Birgeneau, Youguo Shi, Ching-Wu Chu, Guoqing Chang, Qimiao Si, Ming Yi

Abstract: Emergent phases often appear when the electronic kinetic energy is comparable to the Coulomb interactions. One approach to seek material systems as hosts of such emergent phases is to realize localization of electronic wavefunctions due to the geometric frustration inherent in the crystal structure, resulting in flat electronic bands. Recently, such efforts have found a wide range of exotic phases… ▽ More Emergent phases often appear when the electronic kinetic energy is comparable to the Coulomb interactions. One approach to seek material systems as hosts of such emergent phases is to realize localization of electronic wavefunctions due to the geometric frustration inherent in the crystal structure, resulting in flat electronic bands. Recently, such efforts have found a wide range of exotic phases in the two-dimensional kagome lattice, including magnetic order, time-reversal symmetry breaking charge order, nematicity, and superconductivity. However, the interlayer coupling of the kagome layers disrupts the destructive interference needed to completely quench the kinetic energy. Here we demonstrate that an interwoven kagome network-a pyrochlore lattice-can host a three dimensional (3D) localization of electron wavefunctions. Meanwhile, the nonsymmorphic symmetry of the pyrochlore lattice guarantees all band crossings at the Brillouin zone X point to be 3D gapless Dirac points, which was predicted theoretically but never yet observed experimentally. Through a combination of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, fundamental lattice model and density functional theory calculations, we investigate the novel electronic structure of a Laves phase superconductor with a pyrochlore sublattice, CeRu$_2$. We observe flat bands originating from both the Ce 4$f$ orbitals as well as from the 3D destructive interference of the Ru 4$d$ orbitals. We further observe the nonsymmorphic symmetry-protected 3D gapless Dirac cones at the X point. Our work establishes the pyrochlore structure as a promising lattice platform to realize and tune novel emergent phases intertwining topology and many-body interactions. △ Less

Submitted 14 December, 2023; v1 submitted 18 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

Comments: 27 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: npj Quantum Materials 9, 71 (2024)

Observation of Kondo lattice and Kondo-enhanced anomalous Hall effect in an itinerant ferromagnet

Authors: Zi-Jia Cheng, Yuqing Huang, Pengyu Zheng, Lei Chen, Tyler A. Cochran, Haoyu Hu, Jia-Xin Yin, Xian P. Yang, Md Shafayat Hossain, Qi Zhang, Ilya Belopolski, Rui Liu, Guangming Cheng, Makoto Hashimoto, Donghui Lu, Xitong Xu, Huibin Zhou, Wenlong Ma, Guoqing Chang, Nan Yao, Zhiping Yin, M. Zahid Hasan, Shuang Jia

Abstract: The interplay between Kondo screening and magnetic interactions is central to comprehending the intricate phases in heavy-fermion compounds. However, the role of the itinerant magnetic order, which is driven by the conducting (c) electrons, has been largely uncharted in the context of heavy-fermion systems due to the scarcity of material candidates. Here we demonstrate the coexistence of the coher… ▽ More The interplay between Kondo screening and magnetic interactions is central to comprehending the intricate phases in heavy-fermion compounds. However, the role of the itinerant magnetic order, which is driven by the conducting (c) electrons, has been largely uncharted in the context of heavy-fermion systems due to the scarcity of material candidates. Here we demonstrate the coexistence of the coherent Kondo screening and d-orbital ferromagnetism in material system La$_{1-x}$Ce$_x$Co$_2$As$_2$, through comprehensive thermodynamic and electrical transport measurements. Additionally, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we further observe the f-orbit-dominated bands near the Fermi level ($E_f$) and signatures of the f-c hybridization below the magnetic transition temperature, providing strong evidence of Kondo lattice state in the presence of ferromagnetic order. Remarkably, by changing the ratio of Ce/La, we observe a substantial enhancement of the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in the Kondo lattice regime. The value of the Hall conductivity quantitatively matches with the first-principle calculation that optimized with our ARPES results and can be attributed to the large Berry curvature (BC) density engendered by the topological nodal rings composed of the Ce-4f and Co-3d orbitals at $E_f$. Our findings point to the realization of a new platform for exploring correlation-driven topological responses in a novel Kondo lattice environment. △ Less

Submitted 23 February, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

Comments: 4 Figs and 22 pages. This is the submitted version and the work will be presented in March meeting (section T19). All comments are welcome!

Anomalously high supercurrent density in a two-dimensional topological material

Authors: Qi Zhang, Md Shafayat Hossain, Brian Casas, Wenkai Zheng, Zi-Jia Cheng, Zhuangchai Lai, Yi-Hsin Tu, Guoqing Chang, Yao Yao, Siyuan Li, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Sougata Mardanya, Tay-Rong Chang, Jing-Yang You, Yuan-Ping Feng, Guangming Cheng, Jia-Xin Yin, Nana Shumiya, Tyler A. Cochran, Xian P. Yang, Maksim Litskevich, Nan Yao, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Hua Zhang , et al. (2 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Ongoing advances in superconductors continue to revolutionize technology thanks to the increasingly versatile and robust availability of lossless supercurrent. In particular high supercurrent density can lead to more efficient and compact power transmission lines, high-field magnets, as well as high-performance nanoscale radiation detectors and superconducting spintronics. Here, we report the disc… ▽ More Ongoing advances in superconductors continue to revolutionize technology thanks to the increasingly versatile and robust availability of lossless supercurrent. In particular high supercurrent density can lead to more efficient and compact power transmission lines, high-field magnets, as well as high-performance nanoscale radiation detectors and superconducting spintronics. Here, we report the discovery of an unprecedentedly high superconducting critical current density (17 MA/cm2 at 0 T and 7 MA/cm2 at 8 T) in 1T'-WS2, exceeding those of all reported two-dimensional superconductors to date. 1T'-WS2 features a strongly anisotropic (both in- and out-of-plane) superconducting state that violates the Pauli paramagnetic limit signaling the presence of unconventional superconductivity. Spectroscopic imaging of the vortices further substantiates the anisotropic nature of the superconducting state. More intriguingly, the normal state of 1T'-WS2 carries topological properties. The band structure obtained via angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations points to a Z2 topological invariant. The concomitance of topology and superconductivity in 1T'-WS2 establishes it as a topological superconductor candidate, which is promising for the development of quantum computing technology. △ Less

Submitted 26 January, 2023; originally announced January 2023.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Materials 7, L071801 (2023)

Transverse circular photogalvanic effect associated with Lorentz-violating Weyl fermions

Authors: Mohammad Yahyavi, Yuanjun Jin, Yilin Zhao, Zi-Jia Cheng, Tyler A. Cochran, Yi-Chun Hung, Tay-Rong Chang, Qiong Ma, Su-Yang Xu, Arun Bansil, M. Zahid Hasan, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: Nonlinear optical responses of quantum materials have recently undergone dramatic developments to unveil nontrivial geometry and topology. A remarkable example is the quantized longitudinal circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE) associated with the Chern number of Weyl fermions, while the physics of transverse CPGE in Weyl semimetals remains exclusive. Here, we show that the transverse CPGE of Loren… ▽ More Nonlinear optical responses of quantum materials have recently undergone dramatic developments to unveil nontrivial geometry and topology. A remarkable example is the quantized longitudinal circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE) associated with the Chern number of Weyl fermions, while the physics of transverse CPGE in Weyl semimetals remains exclusive. Here, we show that the transverse CPGE of Lorentz invariant Weyl fermions is forced to be zero. We find that the transverse photocurrents of Weyl fermions are associated not only with the Chern numbers but also with the degree of Lorentz-symmetry breaking in condensed matter systems. Based on the generic two-band model analysis, we provide a new powerful equation to calculate the transverse CPGE based on the tilting and warping terms of Weyl fermions. Our results are more capable in designing large transverse CPGE of Weyl semimetals in experiments and are applied to more than tens of Weyl materials to estimate their photocurrents. Our method paves the way to study the CPGE of massless or massive quasiparticles to design next-generation quantum optoelectronics. △ Less

Submitted 3 January, 2023; originally announced January 2023.

Evidence for electronic signature of magnetic transition in topological magnet HoSbTe

Authors: Nana Shumiya, Jia-Xin Yin, Guoqing Chang, Meng Yang, Sougata Mardanya, Tay-Rong Chang, Hsin Lin, Md Shafayat Hossain, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Tyler A. Cochran, Qi Zhang, Xian P. Yang, Youguo Shi, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Topological insulators with intrinsic magnetic order are emerging as an exciting platform to realize fundamentally new excitations from topological quantum states of matter. To study these systems and their physics, people have proposed a variety of magnetic topological insulator systems, including HoSbTe, an antiferromagnetic weak topological insulator candidate. In this work, we use scanning tun… ▽ More Topological insulators with intrinsic magnetic order are emerging as an exciting platform to realize fundamentally new excitations from topological quantum states of matter. To study these systems and their physics, people have proposed a variety of magnetic topological insulator systems, including HoSbTe, an antiferromagnetic weak topological insulator candidate. In this work, we use scanning tunneling microscopy to probe the electronic structure of HoSbTe with antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic orders that are tuned by applying an external magnetic field. Although around the Fermi energy, we find minor differences between the quasi-particle interferences under the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic orders, deep inside the valance region, a new quasi-particle interference signal emerges with ferromagnetism. This observation is consistent with our first-principles calculations indicating the magnetism-driven transition of the electronic states in this spin-orbit coupled topological magnet. △ Less

Submitted 21 July, 2022; originally announced July 2022.

Comments: 13 pages, 7 figures

Intertwining of magnetism and charge ordering in kagome FeGe

Authors: Sen Shao, Jia-Xin Yin, Ilya Belopolski, Jing-Yang You, Tao Hou, Hongyu Chen, Yuxiao Jiang, Md Shafayat Hossain, Mohammad Yahyavi, Chia-Hsiu Hsu, Yuan Ping Feng, Arun Bansil, M. Zahid Hasan, Guoqing Chang

Abstract: Recent experiments report a charge density wave (CDW) in the antiferromagnet FeGe, but the nature of the charge ordering and the associated structural distortion remains elusive. We discuss the structural and electronic properties of FeGe. Our proposed ground state phase accurately captures atomic topographies acquired by scanning tunneling microscopy. We show that the 2$\times$2$\times$1 CDW like… ▽ More Recent experiments report a charge density wave (CDW) in the antiferromagnet FeGe, but the nature of the charge ordering and the associated structural distortion remains elusive. We discuss the structural and electronic properties of FeGe. Our proposed ground state phase accurately captures atomic topographies acquired by scanning tunneling microscopy. We show that the 2$\times$2$\times$1 CDW likely results from the Fermi surface nesting of hexagonal-prism-shaped kagome states. FeGe is found to exhibit distortions in the positions of the Ge atoms instead of the Fe atoms in the kagome layers. Using in-depth first-principles calculations and analytical modeling, we demonstrate that this unconventional distortion is driven by the intertwining of magnetic exchange coupling and CDW interactions in this kagome material. Movement of Ge atoms from their pristine positions also enhances the magnetic moment of the Fe kagome layers. Our study indicates that magnetic kagome lattices provide a material candidate for exploring the effects of strong electronic correlations on the ground state and their implications for transport, magnetic, and optical responses in materials. △ Less

Submitted 16 May, 2023; v1 submitted 23 June, 2022; originally announced June 2022.

Journal ref: ACS NANO 2023

Magnetic Kagome Superconductor CeRu$_2$

Authors: L. Z. Deng, M. Gooch, H. X. Liu, T. Bontke, J. Y. You, S. Shao, J. X. Yin, D. Schulze, Y. G. Shi, Y. P. Feng, G. Chang, Q. M. Si, C. W. Chu

Abstract: Materials with a kagome lattice provide a platform for searching for new electronic phases and investigating the interplay between correlation and topology. Various probes have recently shown that the kagome lattice can host diverse quantum phases with intertwined orders, including charge density wave states, bond density wave states, chiral charge order, and, rarely, superconductivity. However, r… ▽ More Materials with a kagome lattice provide a platform for searching for new electronic phases and investigating the interplay between correlation and topology. Various probes have recently shown that the kagome lattice can host diverse quantum phases with intertwined orders, including charge density wave states, bond density wave states, chiral charge order, and, rarely, superconductivity. However, reports of the coexistence of superconductivity and magnetic order in kagome materials remain elusive. Here we revisit a magnetic superconductor CeRu$_2$ with a kagome network formed by Ru atoms. Our first-principles calculations revealed a kagome flat band near the Fermi surface, indicative of flat-band magnetism. At ambient pressure, CeRu$_2$ exhibits a superconducting transition temperature ($T_{\text{c}}$) up to ~ 6 K and a magnetic order at ~ 40 K. Notably, superconductivity and related behavior can be tuned by adjusting the amount of Ru. We conducted a systematic investigation of the superconductivity and magnetic order in CeRu$_2$ via magnetic, resistivity, and structural measurements under pressure up to ~ 168 GPa. An unusual phase diagram that suggests an intriguing interplay between the compound's superconducting order parameters has been constructed. A $T_{\text{c}}$ resurgence was observed above pressure of ~ 28 GPa, accompanied by the sudden appearance of a secondary superconducting transition. Our experiments have identified tantalizing phase transitions driven by high pressure and suggest that the superconductivity and magnetism in CeRu$_2$ are strongly intertwined. △ Less

Submitted 5 April, 2022; v1 submitted 1 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Comments: 11 pages, 6 figures; v2: corrected author order

Magnetization-direction-tunable kagome Weyl line

Authors: Zi-Jia Cheng, Ilya Belopolski, Tyler A. Cochran, Hung-Ju Tien, Xian P. Yang, Wenlong Ma, Jia-Xin Yin, Junyi Zhang, Chris Jozwiak, Aaron Bostwick, Eli Rotenberg, Guangming Cheng, Md. Shafayat Hossain, Qi Zhang, Nana Shumiya, Daniel Multer, Maksim Litskevich, Yuxiao Jiang, Nan Yao, Biao Lian, Guoqing Chang, Shuang Jia, Tay-Rong Chang, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Kagome magnets provide a fascinating platform for a plethora of topological quantum phenomena. Here, utilizing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we demonstrate Weyl lines with strong out-of-plane dispersion in an A-A stacked kagome magnet TbxGd1-xMn6Sn6. On the Gd rich side, the Weyl line remains nearly spin-orbit-gapless due to a remarkable cooperative interplay between Kane-Mele spin-or… ▽ More Kagome magnets provide a fascinating platform for a plethora of topological quantum phenomena. Here, utilizing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we demonstrate Weyl lines with strong out-of-plane dispersion in an A-A stacked kagome magnet TbxGd1-xMn6Sn6. On the Gd rich side, the Weyl line remains nearly spin-orbit-gapless due to a remarkable cooperative interplay between Kane-Mele spin-orbit-coupling, low site symmetry and in-plane magnetic order. Under Tb substitution, the kagome Weyl line gaps due to a magnetic reorientation to out-of-plane order. Our results illustrate the magnetic moment direction as an efficient tuning knob for realizing distinct three-dimensional topological phases. △ Less

Submitted 20 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: 12 pages, 4 figures. Comments are welcome!

Discovery of charge order and corresponding edge state in kagome magnet FeGe

Authors: Jia-Xin Yin, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Xiaokun Teng, Md. Shafayat Hossain, Sougata Mardanya, Tay-Rong Chang, Zijin Ye, Gang Xu, M. Michael Denner, Titus Neupert, Benjamin Lienhard, Han-Bin Deng, Chandan Setty, Qimiao Si, Guoqing Chang, Zurab Guguchia, Bin Gao, Nana Shumiya, Qi Zhang, Tyler A. Cochran, Daniel Multer, Ming Yi, Pengcheng Dai, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Kagome materials often host exotic quantum phases, including spin liquids, Chern gap, charge order, and superconductivity. Existing scanning microscopy studies of the kagome charge order have been limited to non-kagome surface layers. Here we tunnel into the kagome lattice of FeGe to uncover features of the charge order. Our spectroscopic imaging identifes a 2x2 charge order in the magnetic kagome… ▽ More Kagome materials often host exotic quantum phases, including spin liquids, Chern gap, charge order, and superconductivity. Existing scanning microscopy studies of the kagome charge order have been limited to non-kagome surface layers. Here we tunnel into the kagome lattice of FeGe to uncover features of the charge order. Our spectroscopic imaging identifes a 2x2 charge order in the magnetic kagome lattice, resembling that discovered in kagome superconductors. Spin-mapping across steps of unit-cell-height demonstrates that this charge order emerges from spin-polarized electrons with an antiferromagnetic stacking order. We further uncover the correlation between antiferromagnetism and charge order anisotropy, highlighting the unusual magnetic coupling of the charge order. Finally, we detect a pronounced edge state within the charge order energy gap, which is robust against the irregular shape of the kagome lattice edges. We discuss our results with the theoretically considered topological features of the kagome charge order including orbital magnetism and bulk-boundary correspondence. △ Less

Submitted 1 November, 2022; v1 submitted 3 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 166401 (2022)

Nonlinear Hall effect with non-centrosymmetric topological phase in ZrTe$_5$

Authors: Naizhou Wang, Jing-Yang You, Aifeng Wang, Xiaoyuan Zhou, Zhaowei Zhang, Shen Lai, Hung-Ju Tien, Tay-Rong Chang, Yuan-Ping Feng, Hsin Lin, Guoqing Chang, Wei-bo Gao

Abstract: The non-centrosymmetric topological material has attracted intense attention due to its superior characters as compared to the centrosymmetric one. On one side, the topological phase coming from global geometric properties of the quantum wave function remains unchanged, on the other side, abundant exotic phenomena are predicted to be merely emerged in non-centrosymmetric ones, due to the redistrib… ▽ More The non-centrosymmetric topological material has attracted intense attention due to its superior characters as compared to the centrosymmetric one. On one side, the topological phase coming from global geometric properties of the quantum wave function remains unchanged, on the other side, abundant exotic phenomena are predicted to be merely emerged in non-centrosymmetric ones, due to the redistribution of local quantum geometry. Whereas, probing the local quantum geometry in non-centrosymmetric topological material remains challenging. Here, we report a non-centrosymmetric topological phase in ZrTe$_5$, probed by the nonlinear Hall (NLH) effect. The angle-resolved and temperature-dependent NLH measurement reveals the inversion and ab-plane mirror symmetries breaking under 30 K, consistent with our theoretical calculation. Our findings identify a new non-centrosymmetric phase of ZrTe$_5$ and provide a platform to probe and control local quantum geometry via crystal symmetries. △ Less

Submitted 14 February, 2022; originally announced February 2022.

Comments: 7 pages, 4 figures

Nonreciprocal transport in a bilayer of MnBi2Te4 and Pt

Authors: Chen Ye, Xiangnan Xie, Wenxing Lv3, Ke Huang, Allen Jian Yang, Sicong Jiang, Xue Liu, Dapeng Zhu, Xuepeng Qiu, Mingyu Tong, Tong Zhou, Chuang-Han Hsu, Guoqing Chang, Hsin Lin, Peisen Li, Kesong Yang, Zhenyu Wang, Tian Jiang, Xiao Renshaw Wang

Abstract: MnBi2Te4 (MBT) is the first intrinsic magnetic topological insulator with the interaction of spin-momentum locked surface electrons and intrinsic magnetism, and it exhibits novel magnetic and topological phenomena. Recent studies suggested that the interaction of electrons and magnetism can be affected by the Mn-doped Bi2Te3 phase at the surface due to inevitable structural defects. Here we report… ▽ More MnBi2Te4 (MBT) is the first intrinsic magnetic topological insulator with the interaction of spin-momentum locked surface electrons and intrinsic magnetism, and it exhibits novel magnetic and topological phenomena. Recent studies suggested that the interaction of electrons and magnetism can be affected by the Mn-doped Bi2Te3 phase at the surface due to inevitable structural defects. Here we report an observation of nonreciprocal transport, i.e. current-direction-dependent resistance, in a bilayer composed of antiferromagnetic MBT and nonmagnetic Pt. The emergence of the nonreciprocal response below the Néel temperature confirms a correlation between nonreciprocity and intrinsic magnetism in the surface state of MBT. The angular dependence of the nonreciprocal transport indicates that nonreciprocal response originates from the asymmetry scattering of electrons at the surface of MBT mediated by magnon. Our work provides an insight into nonreciprocity arising from the correlation between magnetism and Dirac surface electrons in intrinsic magnetic topological insulators. △ Less

Submitted 9 February, 2022; originally announced February 2022.

Journal ref: Nano Letters 22, 3 (2022)

Relativistic horizon of interacting Weyl fermions in condensed matter systems

Authors: Wei-Chi Chiu, Guoqing Chang, Gennevieve Macam, Ilya Belopolski, Shin-Ming Huang, Robert Markiewicz, Jia-Xin Yin, Zi-jia Cheng, Chi-Cheng Lee, Tay-Rong Chang, Feng-Chuan Chuang, Su-Yang Xu, Hsin Lin, M. Zahid Hasan, Arun Bansil

Abstract: The intersections of topology, geometry and strong correlations offer many opportunities for exotic quantum phases to emerge in condensed matter systems. Weyl fermions, in particular, provide an ideal platform for exploring the dynamical instabilities of single-particle physics under interactions. Despite its fundamental role in relativistic field theory, the concept of causality and the associate… ▽ More The intersections of topology, geometry and strong correlations offer many opportunities for exotic quantum phases to emerge in condensed matter systems. Weyl fermions, in particular, provide an ideal platform for exploring the dynamical instabilities of single-particle physics under interactions. Despite its fundamental role in relativistic field theory, the concept of causality and the associated spacetime light cone and event horizon has not been considered in connection with interacting Weyl fermionic excitations in quantum matter. Here, by using charge-density wave (CDW) as an example, we unveil the behavior of interacting Weyl fermions and show that a Weyl fermion in a system can open a band gap by interacting only with other Weyl fermions that lie within its energy-momentum dispersion cone. In this sense, causal connections or interactions are only possible within overlapping dispersion cones and each dispersion cone thus constitutes a solid-state analogue of the more conventional `event horizon' of high-energy physics. Our study provides a universal framework for considering interacting relativistic quasiparticles in condensed matter by separating them into energy-like and momentum-like relationships in analogy with the time-like and space-like events in high-energy physics. Finally, we consider two different candidate materials for hosting the Weyl CDW phase: (TaSe$_4$)$_2$I and Mo$_3$Al$_2$C. Our study greatly enriches the phenomenology and unveils new connections between condensed matter and high-energy physics. △ Less

Submitted 12 January, 2022; originally announced January 2022.

Journal ref: Nature Communications 14,2228 (2023)

What's knot to like? Observation of a linked loop quantum state

Authors: Ilya Belopolski, Guoqing Chang, Tyler A. Cochran, Zi-Jia Cheng, Xian P. Yang, Cole Hugelmeyer, Kaustuv Manna, Jia-Xin Yin, Guangming Cheng, Daniel Multer, Maksim Litskevich, Nana Shumiya, Songtian S. Zhang, Chandra Shekhar, Niels B. M. Schröter, Alla Chikina, Craig Polley, Balasubramanian Thiagarajan, Mats Leandersson, Johan Adell, Shin-Ming Huang, Nan Yao, Vladimir N. Strocov, Claudia Felser, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Quantum phases can be classified by topological invariants, which take on discrete values capturing global information about the quantum state. Over the past decades, these invariants have come to play a central role in describing matter, providing the foundation for understanding superfluids, magnets, the quantum Hall effect, topological insulators, Weyl semimetals and other phenomena. Here we re… ▽ More Quantum phases can be classified by topological invariants, which take on discrete values capturing global information about the quantum state. Over the past decades, these invariants have come to play a central role in describing matter, providing the foundation for understanding superfluids, magnets, the quantum Hall effect, topological insulators, Weyl semimetals and other phenomena. Here we report a remarkable linking number (knot theory) invariant associated with loops of electronic band crossings in a mirror-symmetric ferromagnet. Using state-of-the-art spectroscopic methods, we directly observe three intertwined degeneracy loops in the material's bulk Brillouin zone three-torus, $\mathbb{T}^3$. We find that each loop links each other loop twice. Through systematic spectroscopic investigation of this linked loop quantum state, we explicitly draw its link diagram and conclude, in analogy with knot theory, that it exhibits linking number $(2,2,2)$, providing a direct determination of the invariant structure from the experimental data. On the surface of our samples, we further predict and observe Seifert boundary states protected by the bulk linked loops, suggestive of a remarkable Seifert bulk-boundary correspondence. Our observation of a quantum loop link motivates the application of knot theory to the exploration of exotic properties of quantum matter. △ Less

Submitted 23 May, 2022; v1 submitted 29 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Comments: See popular summary at https://research.princeton.edu/news/electrons-crystal-exhibit-linked-and-knotted-quantum-twists

Journal ref: Nature 604, 647-652 (2022)

Helicoid-arc van Hove singularities in topological chiral crystals

Authors: Daniel S. Sanchez, Tyler A. Cochran, Ilya Belopolski, Zi-Jia Cheng, Xian P. Yang, Yiyuan Liu, Xitong Xu, Kaustuv Manna, Jia-Xin Yin, Horst Borrmann, Alla Chikina, Jonathan Denlinger, Vladimir N. Strocov, Claudia Felser, Shuang Jia, Guoqing Chang, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Van Hove singularity are electronic instabilities that lead to many fascinating interactions, such as superconductivity and charge-density waves. And despite much interest, the nexus of emergent correlation effects from van Hove singularities and topological states of matter remains little explored in experiments. By utilizing synchrotron-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and Density… ▽ More Van Hove singularity are electronic instabilities that lead to many fascinating interactions, such as superconductivity and charge-density waves. And despite much interest, the nexus of emergent correlation effects from van Hove singularities and topological states of matter remains little explored in experiments. By utilizing synchrotron-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory, here we provide the first discovery of the helicoid quantum nature of topological Fermi arcs inducing van Hove singularities. In particular, in topological chiral conductors RhSi and CoSi we directly observed multiple types of inter- and intra-helicoid-arc mediated singularities, which includes the type-I and type-II van Hove singularity. We further demonstrate that the energy of the helicoid-arc singularities are easily tuned by chemical engineering. Taken together, our work provides a promising route to engineering new electronic instabilities in topological quantum materials. △ Less

Submitted 31 August, 2021; originally announced August 2021.

Signatures of Weyl fermion annihilation in a correlated kagome magnet

Authors: Ilya Belopolski, Tyler A. Cochran, Xiaoxiong Liu, Zi-Jia Cheng, Xian P. Yang, Zurab Guguchia, Stepan S. Tsirkin, Jia-Xin Yin, Praveen Vir, Gohil S. Thakur, Songtian S. Zhang, Junyi Zhang, Konstantine Kaznatcheev, Guangming Cheng, Guoqing Chang, Daniel Multer, Nana Shumiya, Maksim Litskevich, Elio Vescovo, Timur K. Kim, Cephise Cacho, Nan Yao, Claudia Felser, Titus Neupert, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: The manipulation of topological states in quantum matter is an essential pursuit of fundamental physics and next-generation quantum technology. Here we report the magnetic manipulation of Weyl fermions in the kagome spin-orbit semimetal Co$_3$Sn$_2$S$_2$, observed by high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy. We demonstrate the exchange collapse of spin-orbit-gapped ferromagnetic Weyl loops into… ▽ More The manipulation of topological states in quantum matter is an essential pursuit of fundamental physics and next-generation quantum technology. Here we report the magnetic manipulation of Weyl fermions in the kagome spin-orbit semimetal Co$_3$Sn$_2$S$_2$, observed by high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy. We demonstrate the exchange collapse of spin-orbit-gapped ferromagnetic Weyl loops into paramagnetic Dirac loops under suppression of the magnetic order. We further observe that topological Fermi arcs disappear in the paramagnetic phase, suggesting the annihilation of exchange-split Weyl points. Our findings indicate that magnetic exchange collapse naturally drives Weyl fermion annihilation, opening new opportunities for engineering topology under correlated order parameters. △ Less

Submitted 18 January, 2022; v1 submitted 28 May, 2021; originally announced May 2021.

Comments: Accepted version. Comments welcome! Early version of this manuscript first submitted in January 2020. See also: arXiv:2005.02400, Co3Sn2S2

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 256403 (2021)

Electronic nature of chiral charge order in the kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5

Authors: Zhiwei Wang, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Jia-Xin Yin, Yongkai Li, Guan-Yong Wang, Hai-Li Huang, Shen Shao, Jinjin Liu, Peng Zhu, Nana Shumiya, Md Shafayat Hossain, Hongxiong Liu, Youguo Shi, Junxi Duan, Xiang Li, Guoqing Chang, Pengcheng Dai, Zijin Ye, Gang Xu, Yanchao Wang, Hao Zheng, Jinfeng Jia, M. Zahid Hasan, Yugui Yao

Abstract: Kagome superconductors with Tc up to 7K have been discovered over 40 years. Recently, unconventional chiral charge order has been reported in kagome superconductor KV3Sb5, with an ordering temperature of one order of magnitude higher than the TC. However, the chirality of the charge order has not been reported in the cousin kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5, and the electronic nature of the chirality… ▽ More Kagome superconductors with Tc up to 7K have been discovered over 40 years. Recently, unconventional chiral charge order has been reported in kagome superconductor KV3Sb5, with an ordering temperature of one order of magnitude higher than the TC. However, the chirality of the charge order has not been reported in the cousin kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5, and the electronic nature of the chirality remains elusive. In this letter, we report the observation of electronic chiral charge order in CsV3Sb5 via scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). We observe a 2x2 charge modulation and a 1x4 superlattice in both topographic data and tunneling spectroscopy. 2x2 charge modulation is highly anticipated as a charge order by fundamental kagome lattice models at van Hove filling, and is shown to exhibit intrinsic chirality. We find that the 1x4 superlattices forms various small domain walls, and can be a surface effect as supported by our first-principles calculations. Crucially, we find that the amplitude of the energy gap opened by the charge order exhibits real space modulations, and features 2x2 wave vectors with chirality, highlighting the electronic nature of the chiral charge order. STM study at 0.4K reveals a superconducting energy gap with a gap size 2Δ=0.85meV, which estimates a moderate superconductivity coupling strength with 2Δ/kBTc=3.9. When further applying a c-axis magnetic field, vortex core bound states are observed within this gap, indicative of clean-limit superconductivity. △ Less

Submitted 25 August, 2021; v1 submitted 10 May, 2021; originally announced May 2021.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 104, 075148 (2021)

Intrinsic nature of chiral charge order in the kagome superconductor RbV3Sb5

Authors: Nana Shumiya, Md Shafayat Hossain, Jia-Xin Yin, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Brenden R. Ortiz, Hongxiong Liu, Youguo Shi, Qiangwei Yin, Hechang Lei, Songtian S. Zhang, Guoqing Chang, Qi Zhang, Tyler A. Cochran, Daniel Multer, Maksim Litskevich, Zi-Jia Cheng, Xian P. Yang, Zurab Guguchia, Stephen D. Wilson, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: Superconductors with kagome lattices have been identified for over 40 years, with a superconducting transition temperature TC up to 7K. Recently, certain kagome superconductors have been found to exhibit an exotic charge order, which intertwines with superconductivity and persists to a temperature being one order of magnitude higher than TC. In this work, we use scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)… ▽ More Superconductors with kagome lattices have been identified for over 40 years, with a superconducting transition temperature TC up to 7K. Recently, certain kagome superconductors have been found to exhibit an exotic charge order, which intertwines with superconductivity and persists to a temperature being one order of magnitude higher than TC. In this work, we use scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to study the charge order in kagome superconductor RbV3Sb5. We observe both a 2x2 chiral charge order and nematic surface superlattices (predominantly 1x4). We find that the 2x2 charge order exhibits intrinsic chirality with magnetic field tunability. Defects can scatter electrons to introduce standing waves, which couple with the charge order to cause extrinsic effects. While the chiral charge order resembles that discovered in KV3Sb5, it further interacts with the nematic surface superlattices that are absent in KV3Sb5 but exist in CsV3Sb5. △ Less

Submitted 20 July, 2021; v1 submitted 2 May, 2021; originally announced May 2021.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 104, 035131 (2021)

Weyl, Dirac and high-fold chiral fermions in topological quantum materials

Authors: M. Zahid Hasan, Guoqing Chang, Ilya Belopolski, Guang Bian, Su-Yang Xu, Jia-Xin Yin

Abstract: Quantum materials hosting Weyl fermions have opened a new era of research in condensed matter physics. First proposed in 1929 in particle physics, Weyl fermions have yet to be observed as elementary particles. In 2015, Weyl fermions were detected as collective electronic excitations in the strong spin-orbit coupled material tantalum arsenide, TaAs. This discovery was followed by a flurry of experi… ▽ More Quantum materials hosting Weyl fermions have opened a new era of research in condensed matter physics. First proposed in 1929 in particle physics, Weyl fermions have yet to be observed as elementary particles. In 2015, Weyl fermions were detected as collective electronic excitations in the strong spin-orbit coupled material tantalum arsenide, TaAs. This discovery was followed by a flurry of experimental and theoretical explorations of Weyl phenomena in materials. Weyl materials naturally lend themselves to the exploration of the topological index associated with Weyl fermions and their divergent Berry curvature field, as well as the topological bulk-boundary correspondence giving rise to protected conducting surface states. Here, we review the broader class of Weyl topological phenomena in materials, starting with the observation of emergent Weyl fermions in the bulk and of Fermi arc states on the surface of the TaAs family of crystals by photoemission spectroscopy. We then discuss some of the exotic optical and magnetic responses observed in these materials, as well as the progress in developing some of the related chiral materials. We discuss the conceptual development of high-fold chiral fermions, which generalize Weyl fermions, and we review the observation of high-fold chiral fermion phases by taking the rhodium silicide, RhSi, family of crystals as a prime example. Lastly, we discuss recent advances in Weyl-line phases in magnetic topological materials. With this Review, we aim to provide an introduction to the basic concepts underlying Weyl physics in condensed matter, and to representative materials and their electronic structures and topology as revealed by spectroscopic studies. We hope this work serves as a guide for future theoretical and experimental explorations of chiral fermions and related topological quantum systems with potentially enhanced functionalities. △ Less

Submitted 2 March, 2021; originally announced March 2021.

Comments: To appear in Nature Review Materials

Journal ref: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41578-021-00301-3 (2021)

Discovery of unconventional chiral charge order in kagome superconductor KV3Sb5

Authors: Yu-Xiao Jiang, Jia-Xin Yin, M. Michael Denner, Nana Shumiya, Brenden R. Ortiz, Gang Xu, Zurab Guguchia, Junyi He, Md Shafayat Hossain, Xiaoxiong Liu, Jacob Ruff, Linus Kautzsch, Songtian S. Zhang, Guoqing Chang, Ilya Belopolski, Qi Zhang, Tyler A. Cochran, Daniel Multer, Maksim Litskevich, Zi-Jia Cheng, Xian P. Yang, Ziqiang Wang, Ronny Thomale, Titus Neupert, Stephen D. Wilson , et al. (1 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Intertwining quantum order and nontrivial topology is at the frontier of condensed matter physics. A charge density wave (CDW) like order with orbital currents has been proposed as a powerful resource for achieving the quantum anomalous Hall effect in topological materials and for the hidden phase in cuprate high-temperature superconductors. However, the experimental realization of such an order i… ▽ More Intertwining quantum order and nontrivial topology is at the frontier of condensed matter physics. A charge density wave (CDW) like order with orbital currents has been proposed as a powerful resource for achieving the quantum anomalous Hall effect in topological materials and for the hidden phase in cuprate high-temperature superconductors. However, the experimental realization of such an order is challenging. Here we use high-resolution scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) to discover an unconventional charge order in a kagome material KV3Sb5, with both a topological band structure and a superconducting ground state. Through both topography and spectroscopic imaging, we observe a robust 2x2 superlattice. Spectroscopically, an energy gap opens at the Fermi level, across which the 2x2 charge modulation exhibits an intensity reversal in real-space, signaling charge ordering. At impurity-pinning free region, the strength of intrinsic charge modulations further exhibits chiral anisotropy with unusual magnetic field response. Theoretical analysis of our experiments suggests a tantalizing unconventional chiral CDW in the frustrated kagome lattice, which can not only lead to large anomalous Hall effect with orbital magnetism, but also be a precursor of unconventional superconductivity. △ Less

Submitted 5 May, 2021; v1 submitted 31 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Comments: Orbital magnetism calculation added

Journal ref: Nature Materials (2021)