Showing 1–50 of 231 results for author: Jiao, S

One-Step Epitaxial Access to Rhombohedral Graphene Flat-Band States on Step-Bunched SiC

Authors: Hao Zhong, Xingzhe Wang, Hanbin Deng, Tianyu Yang, Haixuan Cao, Renzhe Li, Qiang Wan, Shangkun Mo, Keming Zhao, Shuming Yu, Dingkun Qin, Guang Zhu, Yifan Zhou, Jianping Shi, Shuangfeng Jia, He Zheng, Jia-Xin Yin, Nan Xu

Abstract: Rhombohedral graphene multilayers provide a moiré-free platform for correlated and topological flat-band physics, but direct, transfer-free epitaxial access to thickness-tunable multilayers remains limited. Here we report a one-step graphitization route on 4$^\circ$ off-axis 4H-SiC, in which high-temperature flash annealing simultaneously drives self-organized step bunching and multilayer graphene… ▽ More Rhombohedral graphene multilayers provide a moiré-free platform for correlated and topological flat-band physics, but direct, transfer-free epitaxial access to thickness-tunable multilayers remains limited. Here we report a one-step graphitization route on 4$^\circ$ off-axis 4H-SiC, in which high-temperature flash annealing simultaneously drives self-organized step bunching and multilayer graphene formation. Atomic-resolution cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy identify local ABC registry and distinguish rhombohedral from Bernal stacking. The thickness is tuned from bilayer to more than twenty layers by varying single parameter, the annealing temperature. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy directly tracks the thickness-dependent evolution from interface-dominated low-energy states toward pronounced near-Fermi-level flat-band spectral weight in thick multilayers. Low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy on a 17-layer film further reveal a 13.4 meV low-energy spectral reconstruction and a $\sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3}$ Kekulé-like modulation, providing microscopic signatures consistent with an intervalley-mixed electronic texture. This one-step, transfer-free approach establishes step-bunched SiC as an epitaxial platform that links stacking engineering with moiré-free correlated flat-band electronic states. △ Less

Submitted 31 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Spin-imbalanced fermion on a dynamic lattice

Authors: Jie Liu, Xiaofan Zhou, Suotang Jia

Abstract: We investigate the magnetic order of a one-dimensional spin-1/2 fermion dynamical lattice, where itinerant fermions are coupled to bond-centered localized spins via an Ising-like spin dependent hopping. The model provides an anisotropic dynamical extension of conventional spin-1/2 fermion systems, in which the motion of itinerant fermions is directly modulated by the configuration of localized spi… ▽ More We investigate the magnetic order of a one-dimensional spin-1/2 fermion dynamical lattice, where itinerant fermions are coupled to bond-centered localized spins via an Ising-like spin dependent hopping. The model provides an anisotropic dynamical extension of conventional spin-1/2 fermion systems, in which the motion of itinerant fermions is directly modulated by the configuration of localized spins. Using density matrix renormalization group simulations, we map out the ground state phase diagram in various parameter spaces. Depending on the interplay among the hopping dependent on localized spins, the longitudinal field, and the external Zeeman field, two distinct phases are obtained: a paramagnetic phase and a spin-density-wave phase. Most notably, in the partially spin-polarized fermion phase, the spin-density wave ordering wave vector exhibits two distinct phenomena, corresponding respectively to the nesting vectors $2k_{F\uparrow}$ and $2k_{F\downarrow}$ of the spin-resolved Fermi surfaces. We further demonstrate that the two spin-density wave phases are robust against the repulsive Hubbard interaction between itinerant fermions. Our results reveal a novel route for tuning magnetic modulations in one-dimensional correlated systems and enrich the microscopic understanding of dynamical lattice magnetism. △ Less

Submitted 24 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 7 pages, 8 figures

Observation of interaction-induced fast Thouless pumping of solitons

Authors: Yuqing Li, Jinxiong Jia, Yunfei Wang, Huiying Du, Zhong An, Zhenhua Qiao, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia, Qian Niu, Jie Ma

Abstract: Thouless pumping provides a paradigmatic platform for studying the effects of interactions on topological transport in periodically driven systems. However, most studies have been constrained by adiabatic conditions, which preclude exploration of interaction-driven novel topological states at high driving frequencies. Here, we experimentally investigate the interplay between interaction and modula… ▽ More Thouless pumping provides a paradigmatic platform for studying the effects of interactions on topological transport in periodically driven systems. However, most studies have been constrained by adiabatic conditions, which preclude exploration of interaction-driven novel topological states at high driving frequencies. Here, we experimentally investigate the interplay between interaction and modulation frequency in Thouless pumping realized in a periodically modulated lattice in momentum space of atomic Bose-Einstein condensate. We observe fast Thouless pumping of matterwave solitons at intermediate interactions, with no counterpart in the non- or weakly interacting regimes. Beyond the boundary of topological phase transition induced by interaction, nonadiabatic quantized pumping of solitons emerges at high modulation frequencies over a broad interaction range, in good agreement with theoretical calculations, while the solitons remain trapped in the low-frequency adiabatic pumping regime. Our work opens new avenues for accelerating topological transport in driven quantum systems and engineering fast topological devices. △ Less

Submitted 1 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures

Enhanced Anomalous Nernst Effect in the Ferromagnetic Kondo Lattice CeCo2As2

Authors: Shuyue Guan, Weian Guo, Pengyu Zheng, Xinxuan Lin, Yuqing Huang, Jiawei Li, Xiao-Bin Qiang, Longfei Li, Weiwei Xie, Hai-Zhou Lu, Zhiping Yin, Shuang Jia

Abstract: The anomalous Nernst effect (ANE), generating a voltage perpendicular to a temperature gradient due to magnetization, is closely linked to the Berry curvature (BC) near the Fermi energy in topological magnets. We report an enhanced spontaneous ANE in the ferromagnetic Kondo lattice CeCo2As2, which features Kondo-screened cerium-based 4f moments embedded in a ferromagnetic d-electron framework. The… ▽ More The anomalous Nernst effect (ANE), generating a voltage perpendicular to a temperature gradient due to magnetization, is closely linked to the Berry curvature (BC) near the Fermi energy in topological magnets. We report an enhanced spontaneous ANE in the ferromagnetic Kondo lattice CeCo2As2, which features Kondo-screened cerium-based 4f moments embedded in a ferromagnetic d-electron framework. The observed large anomalous Nernst coefficient, greater than the Seebeck coefficient, is attributed to the strong BC present in the f-orbital-dominated flat bands. The enhanced ANE in CeCo2As2 serves as a signature of the Fermi energy pinning within the topological flat band, highlighting the correlation-driven topology in the Kondo lattice. △ Less

Submitted 20 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 036505 (2026)

Electronic structure and correlation of La$_4$Co$_2$NiO$_8$Cl$_2$: a theoretical proposal for a La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$-like high-temperature superconductor

Authors: Si-Yong Jia, Jing-Xuan Wang, Jian-Hong She, Rong-Qiang He, Zhong-Yi Lu

Abstract: Based on the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in the bilayer nickelate La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, several Co-based La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$-like materials were theoretically predicted as possible high-temperature superconductors by electron doping. Motivated by these findings and the subsequent discovery of superconductivity in the trilayer nickelate La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ under high pressure, we pr… ▽ More Based on the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in the bilayer nickelate La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, several Co-based La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$-like materials were theoretically predicted as possible high-temperature superconductors by electron doping. Motivated by these findings and the subsequent discovery of superconductivity in the trilayer nickelate La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ under high pressure, we propose and investigate a Co-based La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$-like material. With electron doping to the high-pressure trilayer cobaltate La$_4$Co$_3$O$_{10}$, using density functional theory combined with dynamical mean-field theory (DFT+DMFT), we find that the resulting compound La$_4$Co$_2$NiO$_8$Cl$_2$ exhibits a crystal structure and a strongly correlated electronic structure similar to those of La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ under high pressure. This suggests that this new compound may host high-temperature superconductivity. △ Less

Submitted 1 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 7 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables

Detecting Complex-Energy Braiding Topology in a Dissipative Atomic Simulator with Transformer-Based Geometric Tomography

Authors: Yang Yue, Nan Li, Xin Zhang, Chenhao Wang, Zeming Fang, Zhonghua Ji, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia, Yanting Zhao, Liang Bai, Ying Hu

Abstract: Machine learning (ML) is shaping our exploration of topological matter, whose existence is inherently tied to the geometry of quantum states or energy spectra. In non-Hermitian systems, distinctive spectral geometry can lead to topological braiding of complex-energy bands, yet directly probing this topology-geometry interplay remains challenging. Here, we introduce a Transformer-based ML framework… ▽ More Machine learning (ML) is shaping our exploration of topological matter, whose existence is inherently tied to the geometry of quantum states or energy spectra. In non-Hermitian systems, distinctive spectral geometry can lead to topological braiding of complex-energy bands, yet directly probing this topology-geometry interplay remains challenging. Here, we introduce a Transformer-based ML framework to capture this interplay and experimentally demonstrate it in a dissipative cold-atom simulator. Using a Bose-Einstein condensate, we engineer tunable dissipative two-level systems whose complex eigenenergies form braids. Owing to the density-dependent dissipation, the instantaneous energy braids exhibit topologically distinct structures at short and long times. The Transformer not only accurately predicts topological invariants for diverse energy braids but also, through its self-attention mechanism, autonomously highlights band crossings as the governing underlying geometric feature. Our work paves the way for ML-guided exploration of non-Hermitian topological phases in cold atoms and beyond. △ Less

Submitted 26 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 6 figures,accepted by Nature Communications

Small-Data Machine Learning Uncovers Decoupled Control Mechanisms of Crystallinity and Surface Morphology in $β$-Ga2O3 Epitaxy

Authors: Min Peng, Yuanjun Tang, Dianmeng Dong, Yang Zhang, Cheng Wang, Shulin Jiao, Xiaotong Ma, Shichao Zhang, Jingchen Wang, Huiying Wang, Yongxin Zhang, Huiping Zhu, Yue-Wen Fang, Fan Zhang, Zhenping Wu

Abstract: The ultrawide-bandgap semiconductor $β$-Ga2O3 holds exceptional promise for next-generation power electronics and deep-ultraviolet optoelectronics, yet its widespread application is hindered by the lack of cost-effective, high-quality heteroepitaxial thin films. Here, we demonstrate an interpretable machine learning framework that efficiently navigates the complex, multiparameter process space of… ▽ More The ultrawide-bandgap semiconductor $β$-Ga2O3 holds exceptional promise for next-generation power electronics and deep-ultraviolet optoelectronics, yet its widespread application is hindered by the lack of cost-effective, high-quality heteroepitaxial thin films. Here, we demonstrate an interpretable machine learning framework that efficiently navigates the complex, multiparameter process space of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) to achieve high-crystallinity $β$-Ga2O3 epitaxy on c-plane sapphire. By systematically benchmarking nine regression algorithms under limited experimental data conditions, we identify quadratic polynomial ridge regression as the optimal surrogate model, which combines predictive accuracy (R$^2$ $\approx$ 0.86) with full physical transparency through explicit analytical coefficients. Coupling this model with SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis and iterative experimental design, we construct a closed-loop optimization workflow that progressively refines the process-performance landscape over only three experimental rounds. This data-efficient strategy reduces the X-ray rocking curve (RC) full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) by 70$\%$ from > 3$^{\circ}$ to 0.92$^{\circ}$, which is the best reported value for PLD-grown $β$-Ga2O3 on sapphire. Intriguingly, concurrent modeling of surface roughness reveals that crystalline quality and surface morphology are governed by distinct dominant factors: temperature primarily controls bulk crystallinity, whereas oxygen pressure dictates surface kinetics. This decoupled mechanism, quantitatively captured for the first time via feature importance analysis, provides actionable physical insight for independent optimization of structural and morphological properties. Our work establishes a generalizable, resource-efficient paradigm for intelligent process development in oxide epitaxy and beyond. △ Less

Submitted 23 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 31 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Applied Surface Science, 2026

Non-volatile Multistate Magnetic Switching via Spin-orbit Torque and Intrinsic Anisotropy

Authors: Fei Ye, Chunzheng Wang, Xue Zhang, Sihai Jiao, Zhongjie Wang, Long Cheng, Zhifeng Zhu, Chunlei Gao, Xiaofang Zhai

Abstract: While current-induced bistate spin-orbit torque (SOT) switching has been well established, deterministic electrical control of multiple magnetic states remains a central challenge in spintronics. Here, we realize a conceptually new multistate SOT device in a SrIrO_3/SrRuO_3 bilayer, hosting four intrinsically stable yet electrically distinguishable magnetic states, including two in-plane canted (I… ▽ More While current-induced bistate spin-orbit torque (SOT) switching has been well established, deterministic electrical control of multiple magnetic states remains a central challenge in spintronics. Here, we realize a conceptually new multistate SOT device in a SrIrO_3/SrRuO_3 bilayer, hosting four intrinsically stable yet electrically distinguishable magnetic states, including two in-plane canted (IP_c^$\pm$) and two out-of-plane canted (OP_c^$\pm$) states. Pulsed current excitations fully map all twelve deterministic transitions among the four states, establishing a robust switching protocol defined by two characteristic current densities. In-situ scanning nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center magnetometry provides direct real-space evidence for the previously unobserved IP_c^$\pm$ states, and spin dynamics simulations uncover a two-step switching pathway, driven by the concerted action of spin torques and the effective anisotropy field within the fourfold anisotropy landscape. Our demonstration of the intrinsic multistate SOT device directly addresses the density bottleneck of conventional bistate SOT technology, establishing a powerful paradigm for compact, high-speed, and energy-efficient multistate spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 12 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Geometry-driven splitting dynamics of a triply quantized vortex in a ring-shaped condensate

Authors: Sixun Jia, Xin Wang, Xiaofeng Wu, Shuhang Wang, Bo Zhang, Bo Xiong

Abstract: We study the splitting dynamics of a triply quantized vortex (TQV) confined in a ring-shaped Bose-Einstein condensate under a weakly elliptical harmonic trap. Using full 3D simulations in cylindrical coordinates, combined with a semi-analytical energy analysis, we show that the vortex preferentially splits along the long axis of the trap, a direction that minimizes the kinetic-energy cost relative… ▽ More We study the splitting dynamics of a triply quantized vortex (TQV) confined in a ring-shaped Bose-Einstein condensate under a weakly elliptical harmonic trap. Using full 3D simulations in cylindrical coordinates, combined with a semi-analytical energy analysis, we show that the vortex preferentially splits along the long axis of the trap, a direction that minimizes the kinetic-energy cost relative to the initial TQV state. Systematic parameter scans reveal that initial quantum fluctuations increase the splitting time and suppress the transient three-core pattern observed in noise-free simulations, whereas stronger nonlinear interactions accelerate the splitting. When the trap is nearly isotropic, the unstable Bogoliubov modes are dominated by both azimuthal quantum number $l_q=3$ and $l_q=2$; this leads to a dynamical sequence where three daughter vortices first form a triangular arrangement, later evolving into a linear chain. For stronger anisotropy, geometric coupling selectively enhances the $l_q=2$ mode, making it the sole dominant channel and resulting directly in linear vortex alignment -- a clear signature of geometry-induced mode competition explained through combined energy-based and Bogoliubov stability analysis. Our results provide a quantitative picture of how trap geometry can steer the instability pathway, splitting time, and final pattern of a multiply quantized vortex, offering a route toward geometry-controlled vortex engineering. △ Less

Submitted 1 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 10 pages, 6 figures

Large room temperature anomalous Nernst effect coupled with topological Nernst effect from incommensurate spin structure in a Kagome antiferromagnet

Authors: Jiajun Ma, Jiaxing Liao, Yazhou Li, Yuwei Zhang, Jialu Wang, Jinke Bao, Yan Sun, Shuang Jia, Yuke Li

Abstract: Kagome magnets exhibit a range of novel and nontrivial topological properties due to the strong interplay between topology and magnetism, which also extends to their thermoelectric applications. Recent advances in the study of magnetic topological materials have highlighted their intriguing anomalous Hall and thermoelectric effects, arising primarily from large intrinsic Berry curvature. Here, we… ▽ More Kagome magnets exhibit a range of novel and nontrivial topological properties due to the strong interplay between topology and magnetism, which also extends to their thermoelectric applications. Recent advances in the study of magnetic topological materials have highlighted their intriguing anomalous Hall and thermoelectric effects, arising primarily from large intrinsic Berry curvature. Here, we report observation of a large room-temperature (RT) anomalous Nernst effects (ANE) of S_xy^A ~ 1.3 μV K^(-1) in the kagome antiferromagnet (AFM) ErMn6Sn6, which is comparable to the largest signals observed in known magnetic materials. Surprisingly, we further found that a significant topological Nernst signal at RT and peaking a maximum of approximately 0.2 μV K^(-1) at 180 K, exactly coupling with ANE in the spiral AFM state, originates from the real-space nonzero spin chirality caused by incommensurate spin structure. This study demonstrates a potential room-temperature thermoelectric application platform based on Nernst effect, and provides insights for discovering significant anomalous and topological transverse transport effects in the incommensurate AFM system. △ Less

Submitted 13 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 12 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Advanced Science, 2026; 0:e22151

Unveiling the Phase Diagram and Nonlinear Optical Responses of a Twisted Kitaev Chain

Authors: Ya-Min Quan, Shi-Qing Jia, Xiang-Long Yu, Hai-Qing Lin, Liang-Jian Zou

Abstract: Detecting Kitaev interactions in real materials remains challenge, as conventional experimental techniques often have difficulty distinguishing fractionalized excitations from other normal contributions. Terahertz two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy (2DCS) offers a novel approach for probing many-body phenomena, such as exotic excitations in quantum magnets. Motivated by recent experiments on Co… ▽ More Detecting Kitaev interactions in real materials remains challenge, as conventional experimental techniques often have difficulty distinguishing fractionalized excitations from other normal contributions. Terahertz two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy (2DCS) offers a novel approach for probing many-body phenomena, such as exotic excitations in quantum magnets. Motivated by recent experiments on CoNb$_2$O$_6$ and the development of the terahertz spectroscopy in Kitaev quantum spin liquid, we proposed a twisted Kitaev model for CoNb$_2$O$_6$ and determined the precise twist angle according to experimental specific-heat phase diagram. With this calibrated model, we found that non-rephasing diagonal and rephasing anti-diagonal signals appear in the 2DCS nonlinear response. The $x$ and $y$ components of the spin superexchange interactions split the rephasing signals into a grid of discrete peaks. We further demonstrate that the diagonal and the discrete rephasing signals primarily originate from two-spinon and four-spinon excitation processes based on numerical projection method. These findings indicate that even weak Kitaev interactions in quantum materials can be effectively detected via two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy . △ Less

Submitted 23 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Probing the Crossover between Dynamical Phases with Local Correlations in a Rydberg Atom Array

Authors: Xiaofeng Wu, Xin Wang, Sixun Jia, Bo Xiong

Abstract: The experimental detection of non-equilibrium quantum criticality remains a challenge, as traditional signatures like dynamical quantum phase transitions rely on hard-to-measure global properties. Here, we demonstrate that local connected correlation functions provide a superior, practical means to directly probe the dynamics of magnetic order in a quenched Rydberg atom array. Using a Magnus expan… ▽ More The experimental detection of non-equilibrium quantum criticality remains a challenge, as traditional signatures like dynamical quantum phase transitions rely on hard-to-measure global properties. Here, we demonstrate that local connected correlation functions provide a superior, practical means to directly probe the dynamics of magnetic order in a quenched Rydberg atom array. Using a Magnus expansion formalism, we derive analytic expressions for these correlations that capture a smooth crossover from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic dominance. Our analytic results, which reveal the critical parameter relationship $U_{c}(δ)$, are validated against exact numerical simulations and exhibit robustness to finite-size effects. By shifting the focus from global singularities to local correlations, our protocol establishes a direct and feasible path to observe the rich critical dynamics in scalable quantum simulators. △ Less

Submitted 14 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 6+9 pages, 4+2 figures

Electric-field control of pure spin photocurrent in germanene

Authors: Yaqing Yang, Zhen Zhang, Liwen Zhang, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia, Jun Chen, Lei Zhang

Abstract: The electrical control of pure spin current remains a central challenge in spintronics, particularly in time-reversal symmetric systems composed of nonmagnetic elements, where spin and electric fields interact only indirectly. In this work, we develop a theoretical framework for electrically tuning pure spin photocurrent in two-dimensional materials with time-reversal symmetry via a gate electric… ▽ More The electrical control of pure spin current remains a central challenge in spintronics, particularly in time-reversal symmetric systems composed of nonmagnetic elements, where spin and electric fields interact only indirectly. In this work, we develop a theoretical framework for electrically tuning pure spin photocurrent in two-dimensional materials with time-reversal symmetry via a gate electric field. Through theoretical analysis, we demonstrate that in systems with spin-orbit coupling and in-plane mirror symmetry, an out-of-plane electric field induces spin splitting and reversal in the band structure near the Fermi energy, enabling magnitude control and direction reversal of the pure spin photocurrent. To validate this mechanism, we perform first-principles calculations on germanene, an experimentally realized two-dimensional material. Beyond amplitude modulation, we reveal that reversing the direction of the applied electric field leads to a corresponding reversal of the pure spin photocurrent. Furthermore, we show that the pure spin photocurrent can be tuned by varying the photon energy and the incident angle of light, providing additional degrees of control over spin transport. These findings establish a robust strategy for electric-field-controlled pure spin transport in two-dimensional materials, offering new possibilities for the development of optospintronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 29 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Observation of topological switch between Weyl semimetal and third-order topological insulator phases

Authors: Yu-Hong Han, Yi Li, Feng Mei, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia

Abstract: Weyl semimetals and higher-order topological insulators represent two fundamental yet distinct classes of topological matter. While both have been extensively studied in classical-wave systems, their coexistence and controllable transition within a single platform remain largely unexplored. Meanwhile, implementing three-dimensional spin-orbit couplings, which is crucial for realizing a broad class… ▽ More Weyl semimetals and higher-order topological insulators represent two fundamental yet distinct classes of topological matter. While both have been extensively studied in classical-wave systems, their coexistence and controllable transition within a single platform remain largely unexplored. Meanwhile, implementing three-dimensional spin-orbit couplings, which is crucial for realizing a broad class of higher-dimensional topological phases, continues to pose significant experimental challenges. Here, we experimentally realize three-dimensional spin-orbit couplings and demonstrate that tuning the dimerized spin-orbit coupling strength enables both the coexistence of and a controllable switch between Weyl semimetal and third-order topological insulator phases. By engineering a three-dimensional circuit metamaterial, we synthesize the required spin-orbit interactions and observe hallmark signatures of both phases: frequency spectroscopy reveals the Fermi arcs, while local density of states measurements identify the topological corner modes. Interestingly, the corner mode degeneracy doubles compared to that in the canonical Benalcazar-Bernevig-Hughes model, signaling an enriched topological structure. Our study establishes a fundamental connection between two paradigmatic topological phases and paves the way for further exploring spin-orbit-coupling induced exotic higher-dimensional topological phases. △ Less

Submitted 26 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 17 pages, 7 figures,

Anti-Sisyphus driving in a matter-wave swing

Authors: Wen L. Liu, Jun Jian, Ning X. Zheng, Hui Tang, Ji Z. Wu, Yu Q. Li, Wen X. Zhang, Jie Ma, Suo T. Jia

Abstract: Dilute-gas Bose-Einstein condensates are an exceptionally versatile testbed for the investigation of physics phenomenon especially the well-known classical system. Here we use a degenerate Bose gas of sodium atoms confined in an optical dipole trap to simulate the matter-wave on the swing. Under the driving of Anti-Sisyphus process, the swing was excited successfully. Moreover, the spin echo like… ▽ More Dilute-gas Bose-Einstein condensates are an exceptionally versatile testbed for the investigation of physics phenomenon especially the well-known classical system. Here we use a degenerate Bose gas of sodium atoms confined in an optical dipole trap to simulate the matter-wave on the swing. Under the driving of Anti-Sisyphus process, the swing was excited successfully. Moreover, the spin echo like behavior and collective-mode excitation appear during the oscillation of matter-wave swing, manifesting the quantum nature of the system beyond its classical counterpart. Our work lays the foundation for matter-wave on the swing and more generally points to a future of practical applications for the motional quantum states linked with quantum information science. △ Less

Submitted 19 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Stable self-charged perovskite quantum rods for liquid laser with near-zero threshold

Authors: Jialu Li, Xue Han, Wenjie Wang, Jinhui Wang, Tingting Zhang, Yuting Wu, Guofeng Zhang, Bin Li, Changgang Yang, Wenli Guo, Mi Zhang, Ruiyun Chen, Chengbing Qin, Jianyong Hu, Zhichun Yang, Shaoding Liu, Yue Wang, Yunan Gao, Jie Ma, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia

Abstract: Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are promising optical gain materials that require further threshold reduction to realize their full potential. While QD charging theoretically reduces the threshold to zero, its effectiveness has been limited by strong Auger recombination and unstable charging. Here we theoretically reveal the optimal combination of charging number and Auger recombination to minimize t… ▽ More Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are promising optical gain materials that require further threshold reduction to realize their full potential. While QD charging theoretically reduces the threshold to zero, its effectiveness has been limited by strong Auger recombination and unstable charging. Here we theoretically reveal the optimal combination of charging number and Auger recombination to minimize the lasing threshold. Experimentally, we develop stable self-charged perovskite quantum rods (QRs) as an alternative to QDs via state engineering and Mn-doping strategy. An unprecedented two-order-of-magnitude reduction in nonradiative Auger recombination enables QRs to support a sufficient charging number of up to 6. The QR liquid lasing is then achieved with a near-zero threshold of 0.098 using quasi-continuous pumping of nanosecond pulses, which is the lowest threshold among all reported QD lasers. These achievements demonstrate the potential of the specially engineered QRs as an excellent gain media and pave the way for their prospective applications. △ Less

Submitted 1 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Observation of gauge field induced non-Hermitian helical skin effects

Authors: Yu-Hong Han, Yi Li, Jia-Hui Zhang, Yang Kou, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia, Linhu Li, Feng Mei

Abstract: Synthetic gauge fields and non-Hermitian skin effects are pivotal to topological phases and non-Hermitian physics, each recently attracting great interest across diverse research fields. Realizing skin effects typically require nonreciprocal couplings or on-site gain and loss. Here, we theoretically and experimentally report that, under gauge fields, reciprocal dissipative couplings can nontrivial… ▽ More Synthetic gauge fields and non-Hermitian skin effects are pivotal to topological phases and non-Hermitian physics, each recently attracting great interest across diverse research fields. Realizing skin effects typically require nonreciprocal couplings or on-site gain and loss. Here, we theoretically and experimentally report that, under gauge fields, reciprocal dissipative couplings can nontrivially give rise to an unprecedented nonreciprocal skin effect, hosting pseudospin degree of freedom and featuring helical transport, dubbed as the ``helical pseudospin skin effect". Before introducing the gauge fields, this model exhibits localized pseudospin edge modes and extended bulk modes, without skin effects. As the gauge field strength is applied from $0$ to $π$, we observe the emergence of two distinct pseudospin skin effects and their topological transitions: the hybrid-order and second-order helical pseudospin skin effects. Our findings not only highlight gauge field enriched non-Hermitian topology, but also brings pseudospin-momentum locking into skin effects. △ Less

Submitted 13 December, 2025; v1 submitted 25 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures,

Electronic Structure Guided Inverse Design Using Generative Models

Authors: Shuyi Jia, Panchapakesan Ganesh, Victor Fung

Abstract: The electronic structure of a material fundamentally determines its underlying physical, and by extension, its functional properties. Consequently, the ability to identify or generate materials with desired electronic properties would enable the design of tailored functional materials. Traditional approaches relying on human intuition or exhaustive computational screening of known materials remain… ▽ More The electronic structure of a material fundamentally determines its underlying physical, and by extension, its functional properties. Consequently, the ability to identify or generate materials with desired electronic properties would enable the design of tailored functional materials. Traditional approaches relying on human intuition or exhaustive computational screening of known materials remain inefficient and resource-prohibitive for this task. Here, we introduce DOSMatGen, the first instance of a machine learning method which generates crystal structures that match a given desired electronic density of states. DOSMatGen is an E(3)-equivariant joint diffusion framework, and utilizes classifier-free guidance to accurately condition the generated materials on the density of states. Our experiments find this approach can successfully yield materials which are both stable and match closely with the desired density of states. Furthermore, this method is highly flexible and allows for finely controlled generation which can target specific templates or even individual sites within a material. This method enables a more physics-driven approach to designing new materials for applications including catalysts, photovoltaics, and superconductors. △ Less

Submitted 8 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Giant Self Spin-Valve Effect in the Kagome Helimagnet

Authors: Xitong Xu, Yonglai Liu, Kesen Zhao, Che-Min Lin, Miao He, Haitian Zhao, Qingqi Zeng, Yubin Hou, Qingyou Lu, Ding-Fu Shao, Shuang Jia, Haifeng Du, Wenjie Meng, Tay-Rong Chang, Zhe Qu

Abstract: Kagome magnets can combine non-trivial band topology and electron correlations, offering a versatile playground for various quantum phenomena. In this work we propose that kagome magnets with frustrated interlayer interactions can intrinsically support a self spin-valve effect, and experimentally confirm this in the kagome helimagnet TmMn$_6$Sn$_6$. Under a magnetic field perpendicular to the heli… ▽ More Kagome magnets can combine non-trivial band topology and electron correlations, offering a versatile playground for various quantum phenomena. In this work we propose that kagome magnets with frustrated interlayer interactions can intrinsically support a self spin-valve effect, and experimentally confirm this in the kagome helimagnet TmMn$_6$Sn$_6$. Under a magnetic field perpendicular to the helical axis, using magnetic force microscopy we observed stripe domains that stack strictly along the helical axis, which we attribute to the stability loss of the kagome helimagnetic state. Such a domain pattern spontaneously mimics the artificial multilayered structure in traditional spin valves, which, combined with the high spin polarization, leads to a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) ratio over 160%. This discovery opens an avenue to realize inherent spin valves in a variety of quantum magnets, and can hold promise in future spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 20 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: Accepted version

Journal ref: Nat. Commun. 16, 2630 (2025)

On-demand manipulation of superbunching emission from colloidal quantum dots and its application in noise-resistance correlated biphoton imaging

Authors: Yunrui Song, Chengbing Qin, Yuanyuan Li, Xiangdong Li, Xuedong Zhang, Aoni Wei, Zhichun Yang, Xinghui Liu, Jianyong Hu, Ruiyun Chen, Guofeng Zhang, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia

Abstract: Superbunching effect with second-order correlations larger than 2, $g^{(2)}(0)>2$, indicating the N-photon bundles emission and strong correlation among photons, has a broad range of fascinating applications in quantum illumination, communication, and computation. However, the on-demand manipulation of the superbunching effect in colloidal quantum dots (QDs) under pulsed excitation, which is benef… ▽ More Superbunching effect with second-order correlations larger than 2, $g^{(2)}(0)>2$, indicating the N-photon bundles emission and strong correlation among photons, has a broad range of fascinating applications in quantum illumination, communication, and computation. However, the on-demand manipulation of the superbunching effect in colloidal quantum dots (QDs) under pulsed excitation, which is beneficial to integrated photonics and lab-on-a-chip quantum devices, is still challenging. Here, we disclosed the evolution of $g^{(2)}(0)$ with the parameters of colloidal QDs by Mento Carlo simulations and performed second-order correlation measurements on CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs under both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed lasers. The photon statistics of a single colloidal QD have been substantially tailored from sub-Poissonian distribution $g^{(2)}(0) <1$) to superbunching emission, with the maximum $g^{(2)}(0)$ reaching 69 and 20 under CW and pulsed excitation, respectively. We have achieved correlated biphoton imaging (CPI), employing the coincidence of the biexciton and bright exciton in one laser pulse, with the stray light and background noise up to 53 times stronger than PL emission of single colloidal QDs. By modulating the PL intensity, the Fourier-domain CPI with reasonably good contrast has been determined, with the stray light noise up to 107 times stronger than PL emission and 75600 times stronger than the counts of biphotons. Our noise-resistance CPI may enable laboratory-based quantum imaging to be applied to real-world applications with the highly desired suppression of strong background noise and stray light. △ Less

Submitted 16 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 5 figures

Pre-training Graph Neural Networks with Structural Fingerprints for Materials Discovery

Authors: Shuyi Jia, Shitij Govil, Manav Ramprasad, Victor Fung

Abstract: In recent years, pre-trained graph neural networks (GNNs) have been developed as general models which can be effectively fine-tuned for various potential downstream tasks in materials science, and have shown significant improvements in accuracy and data efficiency. The most widely used pre-training methods currently involve either supervised training to fit a general force field or self-supervised… ▽ More In recent years, pre-trained graph neural networks (GNNs) have been developed as general models which can be effectively fine-tuned for various potential downstream tasks in materials science, and have shown significant improvements in accuracy and data efficiency. The most widely used pre-training methods currently involve either supervised training to fit a general force field or self-supervised training by denoising atomic structures equilibrium. Both methods require datasets generated from quantum mechanical calculations, which quickly become intractable when scaling to larger datasets. Here we propose a novel pre-training objective which instead uses cheaply-computed structural fingerprints as targets while maintaining comparable performance across a range of different structural descriptors. Our experiments show this approach can act as a general strategy for pre-training GNNs with application towards large scale foundational models for atomistic data. △ Less

Submitted 3 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Microwave-coupled optical bistability in driven and interacting Rydberg gases

Authors: Zhehua Zhang, Zeyan Zhang, Shaoxing Han, Yuqing Zhang, Guoqing Zhang, Jizhou Wu, Vladimir B. Sovkov, Wenliang Liu, Yuqing Li, Linjie Zhang, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia, Weibin Li, Jie Ma

Abstract: Nonequilibrium dynamics are closely related to various fields of research, in which vastly different phases emerge when parameters are changed. However, it is difficult to construct nonequilibrium systems that have sufficiently tunable controllable parameters. Using microwave field coupling induced optical bistability, Rydberg gases exhibit a range of significantly different optical responses. In… ▽ More Nonequilibrium dynamics are closely related to various fields of research, in which vastly different phases emerge when parameters are changed. However, it is difficult to construct nonequilibrium systems that have sufficiently tunable controllable parameters. Using microwave field coupling induced optical bistability, Rydberg gases exhibit a range of significantly different optical responses. In conjunction with electromagnetically induced transparency, the microwave coupling can create versatile nonequilibrium dynamics. In particular, the microwave coupling of two Rydberg states provides an additional handle for controlling the dynamics. And the microwave-controlled nonequilibrium phase transition has the potential to be applied in microwave field measurement. This study opens a new avenue to exploring bistable dynamics using microwave-coupled Rydberg gases, and developing quantum technological applications. △ Less

Submitted 27 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: 10 page,5 figure

Journal ref: npj Quantum Inf (2025)

SolarDesign: An Online Photovoltaic Device Simulation and Design Platform

Authors: Wei E. I. Sha, Xiaoyu Wang, Wenchao Chen, Yuhao Fu, Lijun Zhang, Liang Tian, Minshen Lin, Shudi Jiao, Ting Xu, Tiange Sun, Dongxue Liu

Abstract: SolarDesign (https://solardesign.cn/) is an online photovoltaic device simulation and design platform that provides engineering modeling analysis for crystalline silicon solar cells, as well as emerging high-efficiency solar cells such as organic, perovskite, and tandem cells. The platform offers user-updatable libraries of basic photovoltaic materials and devices, device-level multi-physics simul… ▽ More SolarDesign (https://solardesign.cn/) is an online photovoltaic device simulation and design platform that provides engineering modeling analysis for crystalline silicon solar cells, as well as emerging high-efficiency solar cells such as organic, perovskite, and tandem cells. The platform offers user-updatable libraries of basic photovoltaic materials and devices, device-level multi-physics simulations involving optical-electrical-thermal interactions, and circuit-level compact model simulations based on detailed balance theory. Employing internationally advanced numerical methods, the platform accurately, rapidly, and efficiently solves optical absorption, electrical transport, and compact circuit models. It achieves multi-level photovoltaic simulation technology from ``materials to devices to circuits'' with fully independent intellectual property rights. Compared to commercial software, the platform achieves high accuracy and improves speed by more than an order of magnitude. Additionally, it can simulate unique electrical transport processes in emerging solar cells, such as quantum tunneling, exciton dissociation, and ion migration. △ Less

Submitted 27 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 12 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables

Journal ref: Chinese Physics B 34(1): 018801, 2024

Topological phases protected by projective space-time inversion symmetry in alkaline-earth-metal-like atoms

Authors: Xiaofan Zhou, Suotang Jia, Jian-Song Pan

Abstract: An important aspect in categorizing topological phases is whether the system is spinless or spinful, given that these classes exhibit distinct symmetry algebras, leading to disparate topological classifications. By utilizing the projective presentation strategy, the topological phases of spinless (or spinful) systems can be emulated using spinful (or spinless) systems augmented with gauge fields.… ▽ More An important aspect in categorizing topological phases is whether the system is spinless or spinful, given that these classes exhibit distinct symmetry algebras, leading to disparate topological classifications. By utilizing the projective presentation strategy, the topological phases of spinless (or spinful) systems can be emulated using spinful (or spinless) systems augmented with gauge fields. In this study, we propose to implement the topological phases safeguarded by the unique projective space-time inversion symmetry inherent to spinful models, using synthetic spinless alkaline-earth-metal-like atoms. Employing the separation of orbital and nuclear-spin degrees of freedom, the model is configured as a rectangular tube penetrated by a uniform magnetic flux through each plaquette, which simulates a spinless ladder endowed with projective space-time inversion symmetry satisfying the algebraic properties of a spinful model. For interacting topological phases with interorbital spin-exchange interactions, which also adhere to space-time inversion symmetry, the four-fold degeneracy of edge modes is split into two pairs of edge modes with two-fold degeneracy.We map the complete phase diagram in the end and discover that these interacting topological phases ultimately evolve into distinct charge-density-wave phases via spontaneous symmetry breaking. △ Less

Submitted 17 January, 2026; v1 submitted 24 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 8 pages+6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 111, 063301 (2025)

Bosonic Peierls state emerging from the one-dimensional Ising-Kondo interaction

Authors: Jingtao Fan, Xiaofan Zhou, Suotang Jia

Abstract: As an important effect induced by the particle-lattice interaction, the Peierls transition, a hot topic in condensed matter physics, is usually believed to occur in the one-dimensional fermionic systems. We here study a bosonic version of the one-dimensional Ising-Kondo lattice model, which describes itinerant bosons interact with the localized magnetic moments via only longitudinal Kondo exchange… ▽ More As an important effect induced by the particle-lattice interaction, the Peierls transition, a hot topic in condensed matter physics, is usually believed to occur in the one-dimensional fermionic systems. We here study a bosonic version of the one-dimensional Ising-Kondo lattice model, which describes itinerant bosons interact with the localized magnetic moments via only longitudinal Kondo exchange.\ We show that, by means of perturbation analysis and numerical density-matrix renormalization group method, a bosonic analog of the Peierls state can occur in proper parameters regimes. The Peierls state here is characterized by the formation of a long-range spin-density-wave order, the periodicity of which is set by the density of the itinerant bosons. The ground-state phase diagram is mapped out by extrapolating the finite-size results to thermodynamic limit. Apart from the bosonic Peierls state, we also reveal the presence of some other magnetic orders, including a paramagnetic phase and a ferromagnetic phase. We finally propose a possible experimental scheme with ultracold atoms in optical lattices. Our results broaden the frontiers of the current understanding of the one-dimensional particle-lattice interaction system. △ Less

Submitted 25 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 12 pages, 11 figures

Journal ref: PhysRevB.111.06411 (2025)

Collective Pinning and Vortex Dynamics in type 2 superconducting thin films with Varying Magnetic Field

Authors: Yu Wu, Liangliang Guo, Renfei Wang, Jiawei Guo, Shuang Jia, Mingliang Tian, Xiaobo Lu, Hangwen Guo, Jian Shen, Yang Liu

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic field penetrating a thin type-II superconductor slab produces vortices, with one vortex per flux quantum, h/2e. The vortices interact repulsively and form an ordered array (Abrikosov lattice) in clean systems, while strong disorder changes the lattice into a vortex glass. Here we investigate type-II superconducting films (PdBi2 and NbSe2) with surface acoustic waves (SAWs)… ▽ More A perpendicular magnetic field penetrating a thin type-II superconductor slab produces vortices, with one vortex per flux quantum, h/2e. The vortices interact repulsively and form an ordered array (Abrikosov lattice) in clean systems, while strong disorder changes the lattice into a vortex glass. Here we investigate type-II superconducting films (PdBi2 and NbSe2) with surface acoustic waves (SAWs) at mK temperature. When sweeping the magnetic field at an extremely slow rate, we observe a series of spikes in the attenuation and velocity of the SAW, on average separated in field by approximately Hc1. We suspect the following scenario: The vortex-free region at the edges of the film produces an edge barrier across which the vortices can enter or leave. When the applied field changes, the induced supercurrents flowing along this edge region lowers this barrier until there is an instability. At that point, vortices avalanche into (or out of) the bulk and change the vortex crystal, suggested by the sharp jump in each such spike. The vortices then gradually relax to a new stable pinned configuration, leading to a ~30s relaxation after the jump. Our observation enriches the limited experimental evidence on the important topic of real-time vortex dynamics in superconductors. △ Less

Submitted 11 November, 2024; v1 submitted 8 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Many-body nonequilibrium dynamics in a self-induced Floquet system

Authors: Yuechun Jiao, Yu Zhang, Jingxu Bai, Suotang Jia, C. Stuart Adams, Zhengyang Bai, Heng Shen, Jianming Zhao

Abstract: Floquet systems are periodically driven systems. In this framework, the system Hamiltonian and associated spectra of interest are modified, giving rise to new quantum phases of matter and nonequilibrium dynamics without static counterparts. Here we experimentally demonstrate a self-induced Floquet system in the interacting Rydberg gas. This originates from the photoionization of thermal Rydberg ga… ▽ More Floquet systems are periodically driven systems. In this framework, the system Hamiltonian and associated spectra of interest are modified, giving rise to new quantum phases of matter and nonequilibrium dynamics without static counterparts. Here we experimentally demonstrate a self-induced Floquet system in the interacting Rydberg gas. This originates from the photoionization of thermal Rydberg gases in a static magnetic field. Importantly, by leveraging the Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency spectrum, we probe the nonequilibrium dynamics in the bistable regime and identify the emergence of a discrete time crystalline phase. Our work fills the experimental gap in the understanding the relation of multistability and dissipative discrete time crystalline phase. In this regard, it constitutes a highly controlled platform for exploring exotic nonequilibrium physics in dissipative interacting systems. △ Less

Submitted 20 November, 2024; v1 submitted 7 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 163603 (2025)

Interaction-induced phase transitions at topological quantum criticality of an extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model

Authors: Xiaofan Zhou, Suotang Jia, Jian-Song Pan

Abstract: Topological phases at quantum criticality attract much attention recently. Here we numerically study the interaction-induced phase transitions at around the topological quantum critical points of an extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) chain with next-nearest-neighbor hopping. This extended SSH model shows topological phase transitions between the topologically trivial and nontrivial critical phase… ▽ More Topological phases at quantum criticality attract much attention recently. Here we numerically study the interaction-induced phase transitions at around the topological quantum critical points of an extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) chain with next-nearest-neighbor hopping. This extended SSH model shows topological phase transitions between the topologically trivial and nontrivial critical phases when interaction is absent. So long as the interaction terms are turned on, the topologically nontrivial (trivial) critical phases are driven into topologically nontrivial (trivial) insulator phases with finite energy gaps. Particularly, we find the trivial insulator phase is further driven to the nontrivial insulator phase, through interaction-induced topological phase transition, although interaction generally is harmful to nontrivial topology. The stability of trivial insulator phase against interaction tends to vanish at the multicritical point that separates the trivial and nontrivial critical phases. Our work provides a concrete example for manifesting the impact of interaction on topological quantum criticality. △ Less

Submitted 9 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 111, 195117 (2025)

A topological Hund nodal line antiferromagnet

Authors: Xian P. Yang, Yueh-Ting Yao, Pengyu Zheng, Shuyue Guan, Huibin Zhou, Tyler A. Cochran, Che-Min Lin, Jia-Xin Yin, Xiaoting Zhou, Zi-Jia Cheng, Zhaohu Li, Tong Shi, Md Shafayat Hossain, Shengwei Chi, Ilya Belopolski, Yu-Xiao Jiang, Maksim Litskevich, Gang Xu, Zhaoming Tian, Arun Bansil, Zhiping Yin, Shuang Jia, Tay-Rong Chang, M. Zahid Hasan

Abstract: The interplay of topology, magnetism, and correlations gives rise to intriguing phases of matter. In this study, through state-of-the-art angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, density functional theory and dynamical mean-field theory calculations, we visualize a fourfold degenerate Dirac nodal line at the boundary of the bulk Brillouin zone in the antiferromagnet YMn2Ge2. We further demonstra… ▽ More The interplay of topology, magnetism, and correlations gives rise to intriguing phases of matter. In this study, through state-of-the-art angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, density functional theory and dynamical mean-field theory calculations, we visualize a fourfold degenerate Dirac nodal line at the boundary of the bulk Brillouin zone in the antiferromagnet YMn2Ge2. We further demonstrate that this gapless, antiferromagnetic Dirac nodal line is enforced by the combination of magnetism, space-time inversion symmetry and nonsymmorphic lattice symmetry. The corresponding drumhead surface states traverse the whole surface Brillouin zone. YMn2Ge2 thus serves as a platform to exhibit the interplay of multiple degenerate nodal physics and antiferromagnetism. Interestingly, the magnetic nodal line displays a d-orbital dependent renormalization along its trajectory in momentum space, thereby manifesting Hund coupling. Our findings offer insights into the effect of electronic correlations on magnetic Dirac nodal lines, leading to an antiferromagnetic Hund nodal line. △ Less

Submitted 15 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Journal ref: Nature Communications volume 15, Article number: 7052 (2024)

Representation-space diffusion models for generating periodic materials

Authors: Anshuman Sinha, Shuyi Jia, Victor Fung

Abstract: Generative models hold the promise of significantly expediting the materials design process when compared to traditional human-guided or rule-based methodologies. However, effectively generating high-quality periodic structures of materials on limited but diverse datasets remains an ongoing challenge. Here we propose a novel approach for periodic structure generation which fully respect the intrin… ▽ More Generative models hold the promise of significantly expediting the materials design process when compared to traditional human-guided or rule-based methodologies. However, effectively generating high-quality periodic structures of materials on limited but diverse datasets remains an ongoing challenge. Here we propose a novel approach for periodic structure generation which fully respect the intrinsic symmetries, periodicity, and invariances of the structure space. Namely, we utilize differentiable, physics-based, structural descriptors which can describe periodic systems and satisfy the necessary invariances, in conjunction with a denoising diffusion model which generates new materials within this descriptor or representation space. Reconstruction is then performed on these representations using gradient-based optimization to recover the corresponding Cartesian positions of the crystal structure. This approach differs significantly from current methods by generating materials in the representation space, rather than in the Cartesian space, which is made possible using an efficient reconstruction algorithm. Consequently, known issues with respecting periodic boundaries and translational and rotational invariances during generation can be avoided, and the model training process can be greatly simplified. We show this approach is able to provide competitive performance on established benchmarks compared to current state-of-the-art methods. △ Less

Submitted 13 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Hysteresis loops in spinor BECs subject to synthetic gauge fields

Authors: Shuji Jia, Jintao Xu, Qian Jia, Haibo Qiu, Antonio Muñoz Mateo

Abstract: We explore the hysteretic dynamics of spinor Bose-Einstein condensates of ultracold atoms loaded in static 2D ring geometries and subjected to varying synthetic magnetic fields. Electrically neutral, pseudo-spin-$1/2$ condensates are probed by one-component weak-link potentials that make available paths for the transit of vortices into and out of the ring in both components, and thus can control t… ▽ More We explore the hysteretic dynamics of spinor Bose-Einstein condensates of ultracold atoms loaded in static 2D ring geometries and subjected to varying synthetic magnetic fields. Electrically neutral, pseudo-spin-$1/2$ condensates are probed by one-component weak-link potentials that make available paths for the transit of vortices into and out of the ring in both components, and thus can control the number of flux quanta threading the ring hole. For perpendicular fields, domain walls that are dynamically generated in the relative phase of the spin components are shown to play a key role in driving the hysteretic behaviour of the whole system through changes in the net magnetic flux. In the presence of spin-orbit-coupling, hysteresis is exhibited around the phase transitions found by the metastable current states for varying fields. △ Less

Submitted 7 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 9 pages, 8 figures

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

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

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

Submitted 17 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 16 pages, 4 figures

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

LLMatDesign: Autonomous Materials Discovery with Large Language Models

Authors: Shuyi Jia, Chao Zhang, Victor Fung

Abstract: Discovering new materials can have significant scientific and technological implications but remains a challenging problem today due to the enormity of the chemical space. Recent advances in machine learning have enabled data-driven methods to rapidly screen or generate promising materials, but these methods still depend heavily on very large quantities of training data and often lack the flexibil… ▽ More Discovering new materials can have significant scientific and technological implications but remains a challenging problem today due to the enormity of the chemical space. Recent advances in machine learning have enabled data-driven methods to rapidly screen or generate promising materials, but these methods still depend heavily on very large quantities of training data and often lack the flexibility and chemical understanding often desired in materials discovery. We introduce LLMatDesign, a novel language-based framework for interpretable materials design powered by large language models (LLMs). LLMatDesign utilizes LLM agents to translate human instructions, apply modifications to materials, and evaluate outcomes using provided tools. By incorporating self-reflection on its previous decisions, LLMatDesign adapts rapidly to new tasks and conditions in a zero-shot manner. A systematic evaluation of LLMatDesign on several materials design tasks, in silico, validates LLMatDesign's effectiveness in developing new materials with user-defined target properties in the small data regime. Our framework demonstrates the remarkable potential of autonomous LLM-guided materials discovery in the computational setting and towards self-driving laboratories in the future. △ Less

Submitted 18 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

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

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

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

Submitted 14 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 17 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: National Science Review 11: nwae220, 2024

Electric field controlled valley-polarized photocurrent switch based on the circular bulk photovoltaic effect

Authors: Yaqing Yang, Xiaoyu Cheng, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia, Jun Chen, Lei Zhang, Jian Wang

Abstract: Efficient electric manipulation of valley degrees of freedom is critical and challenging for the advancement of valley-based information science and technology. We put forth an electrical scheme, based on a two-band Dirac model, that can switch the fully valley-polarized photocurrent between K and K' valleys using the circular bulk electro-photovoltaic effect. This is accomplished by applying an o… ▽ More Efficient electric manipulation of valley degrees of freedom is critical and challenging for the advancement of valley-based information science and technology. We put forth an electrical scheme, based on a two-band Dirac model, that can switch the fully valley-polarized photocurrent between K and K' valleys using the circular bulk electro-photovoltaic effect. This is accomplished by applying an out-of-plane electric field to the two-dimensional valley materials, which enables continuous tuning of the Berry curvature and its sign flip. We found that the switch of the fully valley-polarized photocurrent is directly tied to the sign change of Berry curvature, which accompanies a topological phase transition, for instance, the quantum spin Hall effect and the quantum valley Hall effect. This scheme has been confirmed in monolayer BiAsI2 and germanene through first-principles calculations. Our paper offers a promising strategy for the development of a volatile valley-addressable memory device and could inspire further research in this area. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2024; v1 submitted 12 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 109, 235403 (2024)

Observation of higher-order time-dislocation topological modes

Authors: Jia-Hui Zhang, Feng Mei, Yi Li, Ching Hua Lee, Jie Ma, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia

Abstract: Topological dislocation modes resulting from the interplay between spatial dislocations and momentum-space topology have recently attracted significant interest. Here, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate time-dislocation topological modes which are induced by the interplay between temporal dislocations and Floquet-band topology. By utilizing an extra physical dimension to represent the… ▽ More Topological dislocation modes resulting from the interplay between spatial dislocations and momentum-space topology have recently attracted significant interest. Here, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate time-dislocation topological modes which are induced by the interplay between temporal dislocations and Floquet-band topology. By utilizing an extra physical dimension to represent the frequency-space lattice, we implement a two-dimensional Floquet higher-order topological phase and observe time-dislocation induced $π$-mode topological corner modes in a three-dimensional circuit metamaterial. Intriguingly, the realized time-dislocation topological modes exhibit spatial localization at the temporal dislocation, despite homogeneous in-plane lattice couplings across it. Our study opens a new avenue to explore the topological phenomena enabled by the interplay between real-space, time-space and momentum-space topology. △ Less

Submitted 7 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 9 pages, 4 figures

1/3 and other magnetization plateaus in a quasi-one-dimensional Ising magnet $\mathbf{TbTi_3Bi_4}$ with zigzag spin chain

Authors: Kaizhen Guo, Zeyu Ma, Hongxiong Liu, Ziyang Wu, Junfeng Wang, Youguo Shi, Yuan Li, Shuang Jia

Abstract: We report the magnetic properties of newly synthesized, single crystals of $\mathrm{TbTi_3Bi_4}$ whose crystal structure is highlighted by the stacking of terbium-based zigzag chains and titanium-based kagome lattices. This compound demonstrates extreme easy-axis magnetic anisotropy due to the crystalline-electric-field effect which aligns the $\mathrm{Tb^{3+}}$ moments along the zigzag chain dire… ▽ More We report the magnetic properties of newly synthesized, single crystals of $\mathrm{TbTi_3Bi_4}$ whose crystal structure is highlighted by the stacking of terbium-based zigzag chains and titanium-based kagome lattices. This compound demonstrates extreme easy-axis magnetic anisotropy due to the crystalline-electric-field effect which aligns the $\mathrm{Tb^{3+}}$ moments along the zigzag chain direction. As the result of the strong single-ion anisotropy and multiple magnetic interactions, $\mathrm{TbTi_3Bi_4}$ behaves as a quasi-one-dimensional Ising magnet with a remarkable antiferromagnetic ordering at $T_\mathrm{N}$ = 20.4 K. When a magnetic field is applied along the direction of the zigzag chain, multiple meta-magnetic transitions occur between 1/3 and other magnetization plateaus. We have created a field-temperature phase diagram and mapped out the complex magnetic structures resulting from frustration. △ Less

Submitted 15 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 10 pages, 10 figures

Dynamical Detection of Topological Spectral Density

Authors: Jia-Hui Zhang, Feng Mei, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia

Abstract: Local density of states (LDOS) is emerging as powerful means of exploring synthetic topological phases. However, the current LDOS detection method remains rare and merely works for static situations. Here, we introduce a generic dynamical method to detect both the static and Floquet LDOS, based on an elegant connection between dynamics of chiral density and local spectral densities. Moreover, we f… ▽ More Local density of states (LDOS) is emerging as powerful means of exploring synthetic topological phases. However, the current LDOS detection method remains rare and merely works for static situations. Here, we introduce a generic dynamical method to detect both the static and Floquet LDOS, based on an elegant connection between dynamics of chiral density and local spectral densities. Moreover, we find that the Floquet LDOS allows to measure out Floquet quasienergy spectra and identify topological $π$ modes. As an example, we demonstrate that both the static and Floquet higher-order topological phase can be universally identified via LDOS detection, regardless of whether the topological corner modes are in energy gaps, bands or continue energy spectra without bandgaps. Our study opens a new avenue utilizing dynamics to detect topological spectral densities and provides a universal approach of identifying static and Floquet topological phases. △ Less

Submitted 17 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 036603 (2024)

Topological optical Raman superlattices

Authors: Jia-Hui Zhang, Bei-Bei Wang, Feng Mei, Jie Ma, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia

Abstract: Topological phases of ultracold atoms recently have been intensively studied both in optical superlattices and Raman lattices. However, the topological features induced by the interplay between such two lattices remain largely unexplored. Here, we present an optical Raman superlattice system that incorporates an optical superlattice and a Raman superlattice. The Raman superlattice presented here s… ▽ More Topological phases of ultracold atoms recently have been intensively studied both in optical superlattices and Raman lattices. However, the topological features induced by the interplay between such two lattices remain largely unexplored. Here, we present an optical Raman superlattice system that incorporates an optical superlattice and a Raman superlattice. The Raman superlattice presented here supports tunable dimerized spin-orbit couplings and staggered on-site spin flips. We find that such system respects a spin-rotation symmetry and has much richer topological properties. Specifically, we show that various topological phases could emerge in the optical Raman superlattice, such as four different chiral topological insulator phases and two different quantum spin Hall insulator phases, identified by spin winding and spin Chern numbers respectively. We also demonstrate that the spin-dependent topological invariants could be directly measured by quench dynamics. △ Less

Submitted 17 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Journal ref: PRA 105, 033310 (2022)

Generalized Aubry-Andre-Harper Models in Optical Superlattices

Authors: Yi Li, Jia-Hui Zhang, Feng Mei, Jie Ma, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia

Abstract: Ultracold atoms trapped in optical superlattices provide a simple platform for realizing the seminal Aubry-André-Harper (AAH) model. However, the periodic modulations on the nearest-neighbour hoppings have been ignored in this model. In this paper, we find that optical superlattice system actually can be approximately described by a generalized AAH model in the case of $V_1\gg V_2$, with periodic… ▽ More Ultracold atoms trapped in optical superlattices provide a simple platform for realizing the seminal Aubry-André-Harper (AAH) model. However, the periodic modulations on the nearest-neighbour hoppings have been ignored in this model. In this paper, we find that optical superlattice system actually can be approximately described by a generalized AAH model in the case of $V_1\gg V_2$, with periodic modulations on both on-site energies and nearest-neighbour hoppings, supporting much richer topological properties that are absent in the standard AAH model. Specifically, by calculating Chern numbers and topological edge states, we show that the generalized AAH model possesses multifarious topological phases and topological phase transitions, as compared to the standard AAH model only supporting a single topological phase. Our findings can open up more opportunities for using optical superlattices to study topological and localization physics. △ Less

Submitted 17 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Journal ref: Chin. Phys. Lett. 39, 063701 (2022)

Layered Kagome Compound Na$_2$Ni$_3$S$_4$ with Topological Flat Band

Authors: Junyao Ye, Yihao Lin, Haozhe Wang, Zida Song, Ji Feng, Weiwei Xie, Shuang Jia

Abstract: We report structural and electronic properties of Na$_2$Ni$_3$S$_4$, a quasi-two-dimensional compound composed of alternating layers of [Ni$_3$S$_4$]$^{2-}$ and Na$^{+}$. The compound features a remarkable Ni-based kagome lattice with a square planar configuration of four surrounding S atoms for each Ni atom. Magnetization and electrical measurements reveal a weak paramagnetic insulator with a gap… ▽ More We report structural and electronic properties of Na$_2$Ni$_3$S$_4$, a quasi-two-dimensional compound composed of alternating layers of [Ni$_3$S$_4$]$^{2-}$ and Na$^{+}$. The compound features a remarkable Ni-based kagome lattice with a square planar configuration of four surrounding S atoms for each Ni atom. Magnetization and electrical measurements reveal a weak paramagnetic insulator with a gap of about 0.5 eV. Our band structure calculation highlights a set of topological flat bands of the kagome lattice derived from the rotated d$_{xz}$-orbital with $C_\mathrm{3}$ + $T$ symmetry in the presence of crystal-field splitting. △ Less

Submitted 18 April, 2024; v1 submitted 13 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Giant anomalous Hall and Nernst effects in a heavy fermion ferromagnet

Authors: Longfei Li, Shuyue Guan, Shengwei Chi, Jianzhou Zhao, Jiawei Li, Xinxuan Lin, Gang Xu, Shuang Jia

Abstract: The anomalous Hall and Nernst effects refer to the perpendicular voltage drop generated by a magnetic material's magnetization in response to an applied current and temperature gradient. These effects can be harnessed to determine the Berry curvature and hold potential for future applications in electronic devices and thermoelectric energy conversion. We investigate the anomalous Hall and Nernst e… ▽ More The anomalous Hall and Nernst effects refer to the perpendicular voltage drop generated by a magnetic material's magnetization in response to an applied current and temperature gradient. These effects can be harnessed to determine the Berry curvature and hold potential for future applications in electronic devices and thermoelectric energy conversion. We investigate the anomalous Hall and Nernst effects in the heavy-fermion ferromagnet CeCrGe$_3$ and its non-4f analog ferromagnet LaCrGe$_3$. We find that CeCrGe$_3$ exhibits a giant anomalous Hall angle and an anomalous Nernst coefficient, reaching values as high as 33% and ~ 10 $\mathrm{μV\ K}^{-1}$, respectively, among the largest reported for topological magnets. Based on electronic band-structure calculations, we identify a series of topological flat bands carrying strong Berry curvature with a pronounced Ce 4f orbital character in CeCrGe$_3$, which are absent in LaCrGe$_3$, highlighting the crucial role of Kondo flat bands in generating large anomalous transport responses. Furthermore, we identify a breakdown of the anomalous Hall scaling relation and the nonlinear anomalous Mott relation, which we attribute to the break of the topological Kondo flat bands at finite temperatures. △ Less

Submitted 2 June, 2026; v1 submitted 31 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Comments: 16 pages, 7 figures

Journal ref: Science Bulletin 71 (2026) 2463-2472

Magnetic order and strongly-correlated effects in the one-dimensional Ising-Kondo lattice

Authors: Xiaofan Zhou, Jingtao Fan, Suotang Jia

Abstract: We investigate the magnetic order and related strongly-correlated effects in an one-dimensional Ising-Kondo lattice with transverse field. This model is the anisotropic limit of the conventional isotropic Kondo lattice model, in the sense that the itinerant electrons interact with the localized magnetic moments via only longitudinal Kondo exchange. Adopting the numerical density-matrix-renormaliza… ▽ More We investigate the magnetic order and related strongly-correlated effects in an one-dimensional Ising-Kondo lattice with transverse field. This model is the anisotropic limit of the conventional isotropic Kondo lattice model, in the sense that the itinerant electrons interact with the localized magnetic moments via only longitudinal Kondo exchange. Adopting the numerical density-matrix-renormalization group method, we map out the ground-state phase diagram in various parameter spaces. Depending on the Kondo coupling and filling number, three distinct phases, including a metallic paramagnetic, a metallic ferromagnetic, and a gapped spin-density wave phase, are obtained. The spin-density wave is characterized by an ordering wave vector which coincides with the nesting wave vector of the Fermi surface. This makes the corresponding magnetic transition a spin analog of the Peierls transition occurring in the one-dimensional metal. Moreover, by analyzing the momentum distribution function and charge correlation function, the conduction electrons are shown to behave like free spinless fermions in the ferromagnetic phase. We finally discuss the effect of the repulsive Hubbard interaction between conduction electrons. Our work enriches the Kondo physics and deepens the current understanding of the heavy fermion compounds. △ Less

Submitted 31 December, 2023; originally announced January 2024.

Comments: 9 pages, 12 figures

Quantum Interactions in Topological R166 Kagome Magnet

Authors: Xitong Xu, Jia-Xin Yin, Zhe Qu, Shuang Jia

Abstract: Kagome magnet has been found to be a fertile ground for the search of exotic quantum states in condensed matter. Arising from the unusual geometry, the quantum interactions in the kagome lattice give rise to various quantum states, including the Chern-gapped Dirac fermion, Weyl fermion, flat band and van Hove singularity. Here we review recent advances in the study of the R166 kagome magnet (RT6E6… ▽ More Kagome magnet has been found to be a fertile ground for the search of exotic quantum states in condensed matter. Arising from the unusual geometry, the quantum interactions in the kagome lattice give rise to various quantum states, including the Chern-gapped Dirac fermion, Weyl fermion, flat band and van Hove singularity. Here we review recent advances in the study of the R166 kagome magnet (RT6E6, R = rare earths; T = transition metals; and E = Sn, Ge, etc.) whose crystal structure highlights the transition-metal-based kagome lattice and rare-earth sublattice. Compared with other kagome magnets, the R166 family owns the particularly strong interplays between the d electrons on the kagome site and the localized f electrons on the rare-earth site. In the form of spin-orbital coupling, exchange interaction and many-body effect, the quantum interactions play an essential role in the Berry curvature field in both the reciprocal and real spaces of R166 family. We discuss the spectroscopic and transport visualization of the topological electrons hosted in the Mn kagome layer of RMn6Sn6 and the various topological effects due to the quantum interactions, including the Chern-gap opening, the exchange-biased effect, the topological Hall effect and the emergent inductance. We hope this work serves as a guide for future explorations of quantum magnets. △ Less

Submitted 27 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Comments: Submitted version

Journal ref: Rep. Prog. Phys. 86, 114502 (2023)

Exceptional nexus in Bose-Einstein condensates with collective dissipation

Authors: Chenhao Wang, Nan Li, Jin Xie, Cong Ding, Zhonghua Ji, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia, Ying Hu, Yanting Zhao

Abstract: In multistate non-Hermitian systems, higher-order exceptional points and exotic phenomena with no analogues in two-level systems arise. A paradigm is the exceptional nexus (EX), a third-order EP as the cusp singularity of exceptional arcs (EAs), that has a hybrid topological nature. Using atomic Bose-Einstein condensates to implement a dissipative three-state system, we experimentally realize an E… ▽ More In multistate non-Hermitian systems, higher-order exceptional points and exotic phenomena with no analogues in two-level systems arise. A paradigm is the exceptional nexus (EX), a third-order EP as the cusp singularity of exceptional arcs (EAs), that has a hybrid topological nature. Using atomic Bose-Einstein condensates to implement a dissipative three-state system, we experimentally realize an EX within a two-parameter space, despite the absence of symmetry. The engineered dissipation exhibits density dependence due to the collective atomic response to resonant light. Based on extensive analysis of the system's decay dynamics, we demonstrate the formation of an EX from the coalescence of two EAs with distinct geometries. These structures arise from the different roles played by dissipation in the strong coupling limit and quantum Zeno regime. Our work paves the way for exploring higher-order exceptional physics in the many-body setting of ultracold atoms. △ Less

Submitted 20 June, 2024; v1 submitted 18 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: accepted by PRL

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)

Quantum phases of the biased two-chain-coupled Bose-Hubbard Ladder

Authors: Jingtao Fan, Xiaofan Zhou, Suotang Jia

Abstract: We investigate the quantum phases of bosons in a two-chain-coupled ladder. This bosonic ladder is generally in a biased configuration, meaning that the two chains of the ladder can have dramatically different on-site interactions and potential energies. Adopting the numerical density-matrix renormalization-group method, we analyze the phase transitions in various parameter spaces. We find signatur… ▽ More We investigate the quantum phases of bosons in a two-chain-coupled ladder. This bosonic ladder is generally in a biased configuration, meaning that the two chains of the ladder can have dramatically different on-site interactions and potential energies. Adopting the numerical density-matrix renormalization-group method, we analyze the phase transitions in various parameter spaces. We find signatures of both insulating-to-superfluid and superfluid-to-insulating quantum phase transitions as the interchain tunnelling is increased. Interestingly, tunning the interaction to some intermediate values, the system can exhibit a reentrant quantum phase transition between insulating and superfluid phases. We show that for infinite interaction bias, the model is amenable to some analytical treatments, whose prediction about the phase boundary is in great agreement with the numerical results. We finally clarify some critical parameters which separate the system into regimes with distinct phase behaviours, and briefly compare typical properties of the biased and unbiased bosonic ladder systems. Our work enriches the Bose-Hubbard physics. △ Less

Submitted 29 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Comments: 10 pages, 7 figures

Journal ref: PhysRevA.109.013322 (2024)

Topological Anderson amorphous insulator

Authors: Xiaoyu Cheng, Tiantao Qu, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia, Jun Chen, Lei Zhang

Abstract: The topological phase in amorphous systems adds a new dimension to the topological states of matter. Here, we present an interesting phenomenon dubbed the topological Anderson amorphous insulator (TAAI). Anderson disorder can drive topologically trivial amorphous systems with structural disorders into noncrystalline topological insulators. The gap closing and reopening, spin Bott index, robust edg… ▽ More The topological phase in amorphous systems adds a new dimension to the topological states of matter. Here, we present an interesting phenomenon dubbed the topological Anderson amorphous insulator (TAAI). Anderson disorder can drive topologically trivial amorphous systems with structural disorders into noncrystalline topological insulators. The gap closing and reopening, spin Bott index, robust edge states, and quantized conductance characterize the Anderson disorder-induced nontrivial topology in amorphous systems. More importantly, phase diagrams are given for the topological phase transition (TPT). It is found that amorphous structural disorder and Anderson disorder are synergistic to drive the s-p band inversion of the system and hence the TPT, which is further confirmed by the effective medium theory. Our findings report a disorder-induced topological phenomenon in noncrystalline systems and shed light on the physical understanding of the interplay between the coexistence of two types of disorder effects and topology. △ Less

Submitted 23 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Comments: 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B, 108, L081110 (2023)

Ferromagnetic half levitation of LK-99-like synthetic samples

Authors: Kaizhen Guo, Yuan Li, Shuang Jia

Abstract: We successfully synthesized polycrystalline LK-99-like ceramic samples with a solid-state-sintering method. Powder X-ray diffraction shows that the main contents are $\mathrm{Pb_{10-x}Cu_x(PO_4)_6O}$ and $\mathrm{Cu_2S}$, consistent with recent reports [arXiv:2307.12037; arXiv:2308.01192]. In some small flaky fragments, we successfully observed ``half levitation'' atop a $\mathrm{Nd_2Fe_{14}B}$ ma… ▽ More We successfully synthesized polycrystalline LK-99-like ceramic samples with a solid-state-sintering method. Powder X-ray diffraction shows that the main contents are $\mathrm{Pb_{10-x}Cu_x(PO_4)_6O}$ and $\mathrm{Cu_2S}$, consistent with recent reports [arXiv:2307.12037; arXiv:2308.01192]. In some small flaky fragments, we successfully observed ``half levitation'' atop a $\mathrm{Nd_2Fe_{14}B}$ magnet. Using magnetization measurements on such small pieces, as well as on a large piece which does not exhibit the half levitation, we show that the samples ubiquitously contain weak yet definitive soft ferromagnetic components. We argue that, together with the pronounced shape anisotropy of the small fragments, the soft ferromagnetism is sufficient to explain the observed half levitation in strong vertical magnetic fields. Our measurements do not indicate the presence of the Meissner effect, nor zero resistance, in our samples, leading us to believe that our samples do not exhibit superconductivity. The precise chemical composition and the physics behind the ferromagnetic component remain outstanding questions to be addressed in future research. △ Less

Submitted 15 August, 2023; v1 submitted 6 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Comments: 10 pages, 10 figures

Report number: SCPMA-2023-0458

Journal ref: SCIENCE CHINA Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy , Volume 66, Issue 10: 107411 (2023)

The fate of reentrant localization phenomenon in the one-dimensional dimerized quasiperiodic chain with long-range hopping

Authors: Haoyu Wang, Xiaohong Zheng, Jun Chen, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia, Lei Zhang

Abstract: Recently, the exciting reentrant localization transition phenomenon was found in a one-dimensional dimerized lattice with staggered quasiperiodic potentials. Usually, long-range hopping is typically important in actual physical systems. In this work, we study the effect of next-nearest neighbor hopping (NNNH) on the reentrant localization phenomenon. Due to the presence of NNNH, the broken chiral… ▽ More Recently, the exciting reentrant localization transition phenomenon was found in a one-dimensional dimerized lattice with staggered quasiperiodic potentials. Usually, long-range hopping is typically important in actual physical systems. In this work, we study the effect of next-nearest neighbor hopping (NNNH) on the reentrant localization phenomenon. Due to the presence of NNNH, the broken chiral symmetry is further enhanced and the localization properties of electron states in the upper and lower bands become quite different. It is found that the reentrant localization can still persist within a range of NNNH both in Hermitian and non-Hermitian cases. Eventually, the reentrant localization disappears as the strength of NNNH increases to some extent, since the increasing NNNH weakens the dimerization of the system and destroys its competition with the quasiperiodic disorder. Our work thus reveals the effect of long-range hopping in the reentrant localization phenomenon and deepens its physical understanding. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: 10 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 107, 075128 (2023)