Showing 1–50 of 281 results for author: Yang, A

Altermagnetism and its induced higher-order topology on the Lieb lattice

Authors: Xingmin Huo, Xingchuan Zhu, Chang-An Li, Shiping Feng, Song-Bo Zhang, Shengyuan A. Yang, Huaiming Guo

Abstract: Altermagnetism (AM) has brought renewed attention to the Lieb lattice. Here, we broaden the scope of altermagnetic models on the Lieb lattice by using a general scheme based on spin clusters. We design various altermagnetic models with d- and g-wave on the Lieb lattice, and investigate its interplay with spin-orbit coupling. While the altermagnetic unit cell reconstructs the topological edge state… ▽ More Altermagnetism (AM) has brought renewed attention to the Lieb lattice. Here, we broaden the scope of altermagnetic models on the Lieb lattice by using a general scheme based on spin clusters. We design various altermagnetic models with d- and g-wave on the Lieb lattice, and investigate its interplay with spin-orbit coupling. While the altermagnetic unit cell reconstructs the topological edge states in the strip geometry and leads to the emergence of Dirac points, the in-plane magnetic moments of AM can induce gaps at these points. In an open square geometry, corner modes emerge within these gaps, realizing higher-order topological states. We further verify that the induction of higher-order topology is applicable to all altermagnetic configurations constructed here on the Lieb lattice, and is most pronounced for AM by comparing with the other types of magnetism such as ferromagnetism and ferrimagnetism. Our results highlight the exotic properties of AM, and suggest its potential applications in engineering topological quantum states. △ Less

Submitted 19 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 11 pages, 6 figures

Anomalous shift in scattering from topological nodal-ring semimetals

Authors: Runze Li, Chaoxi Cui, Ying Liu, Zhi-Ming Yu, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: An electron beam may experience an anomalous spatial shift during an interface scattering process. Here, we investigate this phenomenon for reflection from mirror-symmetry-protected nodal-ring semimetals, which are characterized by an integer topological charge $χ_h$. We show that the shift is generally enhanced by the presence of nodal rings, and the ring's geometry can be inferred from the profi… ▽ More An electron beam may experience an anomalous spatial shift during an interface scattering process. Here, we investigate this phenomenon for reflection from mirror-symmetry-protected nodal-ring semimetals, which are characterized by an integer topological charge $χ_h$. We show that the shift is generally enhanced by the presence of nodal rings, and the ring's geometry can be inferred from the profile of shift vectors in the interface momentum plane. Importantly, the anomalous shift encodes the topological information of the ring, where the circulation of the shift vector field $κ_s$ over a semicircle is governed by the topological charge, with a simple relationship: $κ_s=-2πχ_h$. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the shift and its circulation reflect distinct features of topological phase transitions of the charged rings. This study uncovers a novel physical signature of topological nodal rings and positions anomalous scattering shifts as a powerful tool for probing topological band structures. △ Less

Submitted 16 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Accelerating discovery of infrared nonlinear optical materials with large shift current via high-throughput screening

Authors: Aiqin Yang, Dian Jin, Mingkang Liu, Daye Zheng, Qi Wang, Qiangqiang Gu, Jian-Hua Jiang

Abstract: Discovering nonlinear optical (NLO) materials with strong shift current response, particularly in the infrared (IR) regime, is essential for next-generation optoelectronics yet remains highly challenging in both experiments and theory, which still largely relies on case by case studies. Here, we employ a high-throughput screening strategy, applying a multi-step filter to the Materials Project data… ▽ More Discovering nonlinear optical (NLO) materials with strong shift current response, particularly in the infrared (IR) regime, is essential for next-generation optoelectronics yet remains highly challenging in both experiments and theory, which still largely relies on case by case studies. Here, we employ a high-throughput screening strategy, applying a multi-step filter to the Materials Project database (>154,000 materials), which yielded 2,519 candidate materials for detailed first-principle evaluation. From these calculations, we identify 32 NLO materials with strong shift current response ($σ$ > 100 $μA/V^2$). Our work reveals that layered structures with $C_{3v}$ symmetry and heavy $p$-block elements (e.g. Te, Sb) exhibit apparent superiority in enhancing shift current. More importantly, 9 of these compounds show shift current response peaks in the IR region, with the strongest reaching 616 $μA/V^2$, holding significant application potential in fields such as IR photodetection, sensing, and energy harvesting. Beyond identifying promising candidates, this work establishes a comprehensive and high-quality first-principles dataset for NLO response, providing a solid foundation for future AI-driven screening and accelerated discovery of high-performance NLO materials, as demonstrated by a prototype machine-learning application. △ Less

Submitted 4 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Out-of-Plane Nonlinear Orbital Hall Torque

Authors: Hui Wang, Xukun Feng, Jin Cao, Huiying Liu, Weibo Gao, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang, Lay Kee Ang

Abstract: Despite recent advances in orbitronics, generating out-of-plane orbital torques essential for field-free deterministic switching of perpendicular magnetization remains a key challenge. Here, we propose a strategy to produce such unconventional torques across broad classes of materials, by leveraging the nonlinear orbital Hall effect. We demonstrate that this nonlinear orbital response is dramatica… ▽ More Despite recent advances in orbitronics, generating out-of-plane orbital torques essential for field-free deterministic switching of perpendicular magnetization remains a key challenge. Here, we propose a strategy to produce such unconventional torques across broad classes of materials, by leveraging the nonlinear orbital Hall effect. We demonstrate that this nonlinear orbital response is dramatically amplified by topological band degeneracies, where it overwhelmingly dominates the spin response even in systems with strong spin-orbit coupling. These features are confirmed via a quantitative investigation of representative topological metals RhSi, YPtBi, and PbTaSe$_2$, by combining our theory with first-principles calculations. The resulting orbital torques substantially surpass those from linear mechanisms reported thus far. These findings propel the research of orbital transport into the nonlinear regime, broaden the scope of orbital source materials, and establish a new pathway towards high-performance orbitronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 13 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Giant field-tunable nonlinear Hall effect by Lorentz skew scattering in a graphene moire superlattice

Authors: Pan He, Min Zhang, Yue-Xin Huang, Jingru Li, Ruibo Wang, Shiwen Zhao, Chaoyu Pan, Yuxiao Gao, Takashi Taniguchi, Kenji Watanabe, Junxiong Hu, Yinyan Zhu, Cong Xiao, X. C. Xie, Shengyuan A. Yang, Jian Shen

Abstract: The nonlinear Hall effect (NHE) can enable rectification and energy harvesting, and its control by external fields, including gate, strain and magnetic field, has been pursued intensively. However, existing tuning pathways rely predominantly on fully quantum mechanical effects and are typically inefficient, resulting in weak NHE signals that limit further progress. In this work, we report the disc… ▽ More The nonlinear Hall effect (NHE) can enable rectification and energy harvesting, and its control by external fields, including gate, strain and magnetic field, has been pursued intensively. However, existing tuning pathways rely predominantly on fully quantum mechanical effects and are typically inefficient, resulting in weak NHE signals that limit further progress. In this work, we report the discovery of a distinct type of NHE in a graphene-hBN moire superlattice, which arises from a classical-quantum cooperative effect called Lorentz skew scattering (LSK), induced by a perpendicular magnetic field. This field-driven NHE exhibits a linear dependence on magnetic field and a pronounced unidirectional angular dependence. Remarkably, its magnitude reaches up to 32% of the linear Hall signal. We show that this giant, field-tunable NHE originating from LSK follows a unique quartic scaling law and produces a record-high nonlinear Hall conductivity (36000 μmV-1Ω-1) near van Hove singularities of moire minibands, which is over an order of magnitude larger than all previously reported NHEs. Our findings establish an efficient, magnetic-field-driven route to giant Hall rectification in high-mobility materials, offering a broadly applicable paradigm for modulating the NHE beyond electrostatic gating. △ Less

Submitted 5 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Lorentz Skew Scattering Nonreciprocal Magneto-Transport

Authors: Xiu Fang Lu, Xue-Jin Zhang, Naizhou Wang, Jin Cao, Dan Zhao, Hui Wang, Tao Wu, Xian Hui Chen, Shen Lai, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang, Weibo Gao

Abstract: In materials with broken inversion symmetry, nonreciprocal magneto-transport (NRMT) manifests as a bilinear dependence of charge conductivity on applied electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields. This phenomenon is deeply rooted in symmetry and electronic quantum geometry, holding promise for novel rectification and detector technologies. Existing experimental studies generally attribute NRMT to Zeeman… ▽ More In materials with broken inversion symmetry, nonreciprocal magneto-transport (NRMT) manifests as a bilinear dependence of charge conductivity on applied electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields. This phenomenon is deeply rooted in symmetry and electronic quantum geometry, holding promise for novel rectification and detector technologies. Existing experimental studies generally attribute NRMT to Zeeman-driven mechanisms and exhibit quadratic scaling with conductivity. Here, we report a previously unknown NRMT microscopic mechanism - Lorentz skew scattering (LSK) - revealed through the discovery of an unprecedented quartic scaling law of NRMT as well as quantitative agreement between theory and experiment in BiTeBr. LSK emerges from the interplay of Lorentz force and skew scattering, bridging classical field effect to quantum scattering effect on the Fermi surface. We demonstrate that the LSK dominates NRMT in BiTeBr, and elucidate that this dominance over other possible contributions stems from high mobility and strong Rashba splitting. The finding of LSK mechanism is of unique importance because it unveils the leading NRMT effect in high-mobility systems and suggests a universal principle towards strong NRMT by enhancing electronic relaxation time in topological materials, rendering a new designing idea for low-dissipation rectifiers and high-performance quantum electronics. △ Less

Submitted 5 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 20 pages, 4 figures

Perturbation-assisted Observation of the Lowest Vibrational Level of the $\mathrm{b}^{3}Π_{0}$ State of Ultracold LiK Molecules

Authors: Anbang Yang, Xiaoyu Nie, Hao Lin Yu, Yiming Liu, Victor Avalos, Canming He, Jacek Klos, Svetlana Kotochigova, Kai Dieckmann

Abstract: The narrow transition from the lowest rovibrational level of the $\mathrm{X}^{1}Σ^{+}$ electronic ground state to the lowest vibrational level of the $\mathrm{b}^{3}Π_{0}$ potential provides opportunities for achieving magic-wavelength trapping of ultracold bialkali molecules for enhancing their rotational coherence times. Guided by existing spectroscopic data of several perturbed and deeply-bound… ▽ More The narrow transition from the lowest rovibrational level of the $\mathrm{X}^{1}Σ^{+}$ electronic ground state to the lowest vibrational level of the $\mathrm{b}^{3}Π_{0}$ potential provides opportunities for achieving magic-wavelength trapping of ultracold bialkali molecules for enhancing their rotational coherence times. Guided by existing spectroscopic data of several perturbed and deeply-bound rovibrational states of the $\mathrm{A}^{1}Σ^{+}$ potential [Grochola et al., Chem. Phys. Lett., 2012, 535, 17-20], we conducted a targeted spectroscopic search and report the first observation of the lowest vibrational level of the $\mathrm{b}^{3}Π_{0}$ state in $^{6}\mathrm{Li}^{40}\mathrm{K}$. The transition frequency from $|\mathrm{X}^{1}Σ^{+},\,v=0,\,J=0>$ to $|\mathrm{b}^{3}Π_{0},\,v'=0,\,J'=1>$ is determined to be 314,230.5(5)GHz. Assisted by microwave spectroscopy, we resolved the rotational structure of $|\mathrm{b}^{3}Π_{0},\,v'=0>$ and extracted a rotational constant of $h\times8.576(44)$ GHz for the $\mathrm{b}^{3}Π_{0}$ state. From this, we deducted an energy separation between $|\mathrm{b}^{3}Π_{0},v'=0,J'=0>$ and $|\mathrm{X}^{1}Σ^{+},v=0,J=0>$ of $hc\times$10,481.03(2) $\mathrm{cm}^{-1}$. Our work provides timely and precise information on the deeply-bound region of the $\mathrm{b}^{3}Π_{0}$ triplet excited potential of LiK, and benefits future applications of ultracold LiK isotopologues in quantum simulation and quantum computation that demand long coherence times. △ Less

Submitted 6 December, 2025; v1 submitted 20 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Two-Dimensional Altermagnetic Iron Oxyhalides: Real Chern topology and Valley-Spin-Lattice coupling

Authors: Yong-Kun Wang, Si Li, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: Altermagnets, a novel class of collinear magnetic materials, exhibit unique spin-split band structures, yet topological insulating states in intrinsic altermagnetic systems are rare. Here, we identify monolayer Fe$_2X_2$O ($X$ = Cl, Br, I) as a new family of 2D altermagnetic real Chern insulators. These materials display robust $d$-wave altermagnetic ordering, semiconducting band gaps, and nontriv… ▽ More Altermagnets, a novel class of collinear magnetic materials, exhibit unique spin-split band structures, yet topological insulating states in intrinsic altermagnetic systems are rare. Here, we identify monolayer Fe$_2X_2$O ($X$ = Cl, Br, I) as a new family of 2D altermagnetic real Chern insulators. These materials display robust $d$-wave altermagnetic ordering, semiconducting band gaps, and nontrivial real Chern numbers per spin channel, yielding spin-polarized topological corner modes. They also feature spin-polarized valleys with strong altermagnetism-valley-spin-lattice coupling, enabling valley-selective excitation via linear dichroism and strain-induced valley polarization. In multiferroic Fe$_2$Cl$_2$O, magnetism coexists with ferroelasticity, and an applied strain can switche the Néel vector. These findings position 2D iron oxyhalides as a promising platform for exploring altermagnetism and magnetic topological states for spintronics and valleytronics. △ Less

Submitted 15 October, 2025; v1 submitted 14 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Projective crystal symmetry and topological phases

Authors: Chen Zhang, Shengyuan A. Yang, Y. X. Zhao

Abstract: Quantum states naturally represent symmetry groups, though often in a projective sense. Intriguingly, the projective nature of crystalline symmetries has remained underexplored until very recently. A series of groundbreaking theoretical and experimental studies have now brought this to light, demonstrating that projective representations of crystal symmetries lead to remarkable consequences in con… ▽ More Quantum states naturally represent symmetry groups, though often in a projective sense. Intriguingly, the projective nature of crystalline symmetries has remained underexplored until very recently. A series of groundbreaking theoretical and experimental studies have now brought this to light, demonstrating that projective representations of crystal symmetries lead to remarkable consequences in condensed matter physics and various artificial crystals, particularly in their connection to topological phenomena. In this article, we explain the basic ideas and notions underpinning these recent developments and share our perspective on this emerging research area. We specifically highlight that the appearance of momentum-space nonsymmorphic symmetry is a unique feature of projective crystal symmetry representations. This, in turn, has the profound consequence of reducing the fundamental domain of momentum space to all possible flat compact manifolds, which include torus and Klein bottle in 2D and the ten platycosms in 3D, presenting a significantly richer landscape for topological structures than conventional settings. Finally, the ongoing efforts and promising future research directions are discussed. △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 3 figures, to be published in Materials Today Quantum

Scaling High-Performance Nanoribbon Transistors with Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Authors: Tara Peña, Anton E. O. Persson, Andrey Krayev, Áshildur Friðriksdóttir, Kathryn Neilson, Zhepeng Zhang, Anh Tuan Hoang, Jerry A. Yang, Lauren Hoang, Andrew J. Mannix, Paul C. McIntyre, Eric Pop

Abstract: Nanoscale transistors require aggressive reduction of all channel dimensions: length, width, and thickness. While monolayer two-dimensional semiconductors (2DS) offer ultimate thickness scaling, good performance has largely been achieved only in micrometer-wide channels. Here, we demonstrate both $\it{n}$- and $\it{p}$-type nanoribbon transistors based on monolayer 2DS, fabricated using a multi-pa… ▽ More Nanoscale transistors require aggressive reduction of all channel dimensions: length, width, and thickness. While monolayer two-dimensional semiconductors (2DS) offer ultimate thickness scaling, good performance has largely been achieved only in micrometer-wide channels. Here, we demonstrate both $\it{n}$- and $\it{p}$-type nanoribbon transistors based on monolayer 2DS, fabricated using a multi-patterning process, reaching channel widths down to 25 nm and lengths down to 50 nm. 'Anchored' contacts improve device yield, while nanoscale imaging, including tip-enhanced photoluminescence, reveals minimal edge degradation. The devices reach on-state currents up to 560, 420, and 130 $μ$A $μ$m$^{-1}$ at 1 V drain-to-source voltage for $\it{n}$-type MoS$_{2}$, WS$_{2}$, and $\it{p}$-type WSe$_{2}$, respectively, integrated with thin high-$κ$ dielectrics. These results surpass prior reports for single-gated nanoribbons, the WS$_{2}$ by over 100 times, even in normally-off (enhancement-mode) transistors. Taken together, these findings suggest that top down patterned 2DS nanoribbons are promising building blocks for future nanosheet transistors. △ Less

Submitted 12 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 16 pages, 4 figures

Intrinsic nonlinear valley Nernst effect

Authors: Xue-Jin Zhang, Jin Cao, Lulu Xiong, Hui Wang, Shen Lai, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: We investigate the intrinsic nonlinear valley Nernst effect, which induces a transverse valley current via a second-order thermoelectric response to a longitudinal temperature gradient. The effect arises from the Berry connection polarizability dipole of valley electrons and is permissible in both inversion-symmetric and inversion-asymmetric materials. We demonstrate that the response tensor is co… ▽ More We investigate the intrinsic nonlinear valley Nernst effect, which induces a transverse valley current via a second-order thermoelectric response to a longitudinal temperature gradient. The effect arises from the Berry connection polarizability dipole of valley electrons and is permissible in both inversion-symmetric and inversion-asymmetric materials. We demonstrate that the response tensor is connected to the intrinsic nonlinear valley Hall conductivity through a generalized Mott relation, with the two being directly proportional at low temperatures, scaled by the Lorenz number. We elucidate the symmetry constraints governing this effect and develop a theory for its nonlocal measurement, revealing a nonlocal second-harmonic signal with a distinct $ρ^2$ scaling. This signal comprises two scaling terms, with their ratio corresponding to the square of the thermopower normalized by the Lorenz number. Key characteristics are demonstrated using a tilted Dirac model and first-principles calculations on bilayer WTe$_2$. Possible extrinsic contributions and alternative experimental detection methods, e.g., by valley pumping and by nonreciprocal directional dichroism, are discussed. These findings underscore the significance of band quantum geometry on electron dynamics and establish a theoretical foundation for nonlinear valley caloritronics. △ Less

Submitted 27 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Type-II Antiferroelectricity

Authors: Yang Wang, Chaoxi Cui, Yilin Han, Tingli He, Weikang Wu, Run-Wu Zhang, Zhi-Ming Yu, Shengyuan A. Yang, Yugui Yao

Abstract: Antiferroelectricity (AFE) is a fundamental concept in physics and materials science. Conventional AFEs have the picture of alternating local electric dipoles defined in real space. Here, we discover a new class of AFEs, termed type-II AFEs, which possess opposite polarizations defined in momentum space across a pair of symmetry decoupled subspaces. Unlike conventional AFEs, the order parameter of… ▽ More Antiferroelectricity (AFE) is a fundamental concept in physics and materials science. Conventional AFEs have the picture of alternating local electric dipoles defined in real space. Here, we discover a new class of AFEs, termed type-II AFEs, which possess opposite polarizations defined in momentum space across a pair of symmetry decoupled subspaces. Unlike conventional AFEs, the order parameter of type-II AFEs is rigorously formulated through Berry-phase theory and can be quantitatively extracted from the electronic band structure. Focusing on a subclass of type-II AFEs that preserve spin-rotation symmetry, we establish the relevant symmetry constraints and identify all compatible spin point groups. Remarkably, we find that type-II AFE order intrinsically coexists with antiferromagnetism, revealing a robust form of magnetoelectric coupling. We construct an altermagnetic model and identify several concrete antiferromagnetic/altermagnetic materials, such as FeS, Cr2O3, MgMnO3, monolayer MoICl2 and bilayer CrI3, that exhibit this novel ordering. Furthermore, we uncover unique physical phenomena associated with type-II spin-AFE systems, including spin current generation upon AFE switching and localized spin polarization at boundaries and domain walls. Our findings reveal a previously hidden class of quantum materials with intertwined ferroic orders, offering exciting opportunities for both fundamental exploration and technological applications. △ Less

Submitted 28 August, 2025; v1 submitted 27 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Giant magneto-cubic in-plane Hall effect in a nonmagnetic material

Authors: Jie Chen, Jin Cao, Yue Lu, Hang Li, Xiaodong Zhou, Xuekui Xi, Orest Pavlosiuk, Piotr Wiśniewski, Dariusz Kaczorowski, Yong-Chang Lau, Cong Xiao, Yue Li, Yong Jiang, Wenhong Wang, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: In-plane Hall effect (IPHE) triggered by an external magnetic field applied in the transport plane has attracted significant experimental attentions in recent few years 1-6. However, most experiments focus on magnetic materials, where the existence of magnetic ordering may complicate understanding the physics behind, and the relatively small signal magnitudes limit the application of the effect. H… ▽ More In-plane Hall effect (IPHE) triggered by an external magnetic field applied in the transport plane has attracted significant experimental attentions in recent few years 1-6. However, most experiments focus on magnetic materials, where the existence of magnetic ordering may complicate understanding the physics behind, and the relatively small signal magnitudes limit the application of the effect. Here, we report a giant IPHE in a nonmagnetic half-Heusler compound LuAuSn, with a magnitude exceeding all the previously reported values. A -period of IPHE and the consistent cubic dependence on the magnetic field are observed, realizing the long-sought theoretical prediction of magneto-cubic IPHE under threefold rotational symmetry7-9 in an unexpected material. The scaling law analysis and first-principles calculations indicate that extrinsic side jump and skew scattering processes from both impurity and phonon scatterings dominate the observed effect. These findings unravel a new type of magneto-nonlinear IPHE, and its large magnitude and wide-temperature operation may open the door to practical applications of IPHE. △ Less

Submitted 22 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Engineering Spin Splitting in Antiferromagnets by Superatoms with Internal Degree of Freedom

Authors: Fengxian Ma, Zeying Zhang, Zhen Gao, Xiaobei Wan, Yandong Ma, Yalong Jiao, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: Superatoms, stable atomic clusters acting as building blocks for new materials, offer unique opportunities due to their rich properties and potential for 2D material assembly. While extensive research has focused on their similarities to ordinary atoms, the role of their internal degrees of freedom (IDOF) remains largely unexplored. Concurrently, compensated antiferromagnets (AFMs) with intrinsic… ▽ More Superatoms, stable atomic clusters acting as building blocks for new materials, offer unique opportunities due to their rich properties and potential for 2D material assembly. While extensive research has focused on their similarities to ordinary atoms, the role of their internal degrees of freedom (IDOF) remains largely unexplored. Concurrently, compensated antiferromagnets (AFMs) with intrinsic spin-split band structures have emerged as a promising class of materials for spintronics, yet their experimental realization, particularly in two dimensions, is limited. Here, we bridge these two fields by proposing a novel strategy to achieve spin-split AFMs using superatoms with IDOFs. We establish our core concept using a simple model, demonstrating how superatom IDOFs can be leveraged to engineer system symmetry and induce spin splitting in AFM states. We concretely illustrate this strategy by first-principles calculations on a Mo-decorated carborophene sheets, constructed from closo-carborane superatoms. We show that the distinct IDOFs of carborane isomers (electric-dipole-like and nematic) are critical in determining the symmetry of the resulting 2D superatomic crystal and, consequently, the spin splitting pattern of its AFM states. Our findings underscore the profound significance of superatom IDOFs-a feature absent in ordinary atoms-and introduce a new paradigm for engineering spin splitting in AFM lattices. This work opens novel avenues for the design of advanced spintronic and quantum materials based on superatoms. △ Less

Submitted 20 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Algebraic States in Continuum in $ d\gt 1$ Dimensional Non-Hermitian Systems

Authors: Ao Yang, Kai Zhang, Chen Fang

Abstract: We report the existence of algebraically localized eigenstates embedded within the continuum spectrum of 2D non-Hermitian systems with a single impurity. These modes, which we term algebraic states in continuum (AICs), decay algebraically as $1/|r|$ from the impurity site, and their energies lie within the bulk continuum spectrum under periodic boundary conditions. We analytically derive the thres… ▽ More We report the existence of algebraically localized eigenstates embedded within the continuum spectrum of 2D non-Hermitian systems with a single impurity. These modes, which we term algebraic states in continuum (AICs), decay algebraically as $1/|r|$ from the impurity site, and their energies lie within the bulk continuum spectrum under periodic boundary conditions. We analytically derive the threshold condition for the impurity strength required to generate such states. Remarkably, AICs are forbidden in Hermitian systems and in 1D non-Hermitian systems, making them unique to non-Hermitian systems in two and higher dimensions. To detect AICs, we introduce a local density of states as an experimental observable, which is readily accessible in photonic/acoustic platforms. △ Less

Submitted 8 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 9 pages, 3 figures

Room-temperature intrinsic nonlinear planar Hall effect in TaIrTe$_4$

Authors: Chang Jiang, Fan Yang, Jinshan Yang, Peng Yu, Huiying Liu, Yuda Zhang, Zehao Jia, Xiangyu Cao, Jingyi Yan, Zheng Liu, Xian-Lei Sheng, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang, Shaoming Dong, Faxian Xiu

Abstract: Intrinsic responses are of paramount importance in physics research, as they represent the inherent properties of materials, independent of extrinsic factors that vary from sample to sample, and often reveal the intriguing quantum geometry of the band structure. Here, we report the experimental discovery of a new intrinsic response in charge transport, specifically the intrinsic nonlinear planar H… ▽ More Intrinsic responses are of paramount importance in physics research, as they represent the inherent properties of materials, independent of extrinsic factors that vary from sample to sample, and often reveal the intriguing quantum geometry of the band structure. Here, we report the experimental discovery of a new intrinsic response in charge transport, specifically the intrinsic nonlinear planar Hall effect (NPHE), in the topological semimetal TaIrTe$_4$. This effect is characterized by an induced Hall current that is quadratic in the driving electric field and linear in the in-plane magnetic field. The response coefficient is determined by the susceptibility tensor of Berry-connection polarizability dipole, which is an intrinsic band geometric quantity. Remarkably, the signal persists up to room temperature. Our theoretical calculations show excellent agreement with the experimental results and further elucidate the significance of a previously unknown orbital mechanism in intrinsic NPHE. This finding not only establishes a novel intrinsic material property but also opens a new route toward innovative nonlinear devices capable of operating at room temperature. △ Less

Submitted 21 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Nonlinear Néel Spin-Orbit Torque in Centrosymmetric Antiferromagnets

Authors: Jin Cao, Weikang Wu, Huiying Liu, Shen Lai, Cong Xiao, X. C. Xie, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: Electric control of Néel vector is a central task of antiferromagnetic (AFM) spintronics. The major scheme so far relies on the linear Néel torque, which however is restricted to AFMs with broken inversion symmetry. Here, we propose a nonlinear Néel spin-orbit torque, uniquely enabling electric control in the vast class of centrosymmetric AFMs, where the existing scheme fails. Importantly, its int… ▽ More Electric control of Néel vector is a central task of antiferromagnetic (AFM) spintronics. The major scheme so far relies on the linear Néel torque, which however is restricted to AFMs with broken inversion symmetry. Here, we propose a nonlinear Néel spin-orbit torque, uniquely enabling electric control in the vast class of centrosymmetric AFMs, where the existing scheme fails. Importantly, its intrinsic component, rooted in sublattice-resolved band quantum geometry, offers two additional advantages: It operates also in $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric AFM insulators, where linear torque is forbidden; and it has anti-damping character, making it more efficient in driving magnetic dynamics. Combined with first-principles calculations, we predict large effect in MnRh and MnBi$_{2}$Te$_{4}$, which can be readily detected in experiment. Our work unveils a new fundamental effect, offers a new strategy of electric control in AFM systems beyond the existing paradigm, and opens the door to the field of nonlinear AFM spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 11 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures and 1 table

Orbital enhanced intrinsic nonlinear planar Hall effect for probing topological phase transition in CuTlSe$_{2}$

Authors: Fan Yang, Xu-Tao Zeng, Huiying Liu, Cong Xiao, Xian-Lei Sheng, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: The intrinsic nonlinear planar Hall effect proposed in recent studies offers a new way to probe intrinsic band geometric properties in a large class of materials. However, the search of material platforms with a large response remains a problem. Here, we suggest that topological Weyl semimetals can host enhanced intrinsic nonlinear planar Hall effect. From a model study, we show that the enhanceme… ▽ More The intrinsic nonlinear planar Hall effect proposed in recent studies offers a new way to probe intrinsic band geometric properties in a large class of materials. However, the search of material platforms with a large response remains a problem. Here, we suggest that topological Weyl semimetals can host enhanced intrinsic nonlinear planar Hall effect. From a model study, we show that the enhancement is mainly from the orbital contribution, and the response coefficient exhibits a characteristic resonance-like lineshape around the Weyl-point energy. Using first-principles calculations, we confirm these features for the concrete material CuTlSe$_{2}$. Previous studies have reported two different topological states of CuTlSe$_{2}$. We find this difference originates from two slightly different structures with different lattice parameters. We show that the nonlinear planar Hall response is much stronger in the Weyl semimetal state than in the topological insulator state, and the large response is indeed dominated by orbital contribution amplified by Weyl points. Our work reveals a close connection between nonlinear orbital responses and topological band features, and suggests CuTlSe$_{2}$ as a suitable platform for realizing enhanced nonlinear planar Hall effect. △ Less

Submitted 28 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 7 figures

An Absorption Correction for Reliable Pair-Distribution Functions from Low Energy X-ray Sources

Authors: Yucong Chen, Till Schertenleib, Andrew Yang, Pascal Schouwink, Wendy L. Queen, Simon J. L. Billinge

Abstract: This paper explores the development and testing of a simple absorption correction model for processing x-ray powder diffraction data from Debye-Scherrer geometry laboratory x-ray experiments. This may be used as a pre-processing step before using PDFgetX3 to obtain reliable pair distribution functions (PDFs). The correction was found to depend only on muD, the product of the x-ray attenuation coef… ▽ More This paper explores the development and testing of a simple absorption correction model for processing x-ray powder diffraction data from Debye-Scherrer geometry laboratory x-ray experiments. This may be used as a pre-processing step before using PDFgetX3 to obtain reliable pair distribution functions (PDFs). The correction was found to depend only on muD, the product of the x-ray attenuation coefficient and capillary diameter. Various experimental and theoretical methods for estimating muD were explored, and the most appropriate muD values for correction were identified for different capillary diameters and x-ray beam sizes. We identify operational ranges of muD where reasonable signal to noise is possible after correction. A user-friendly software package, diffpy.labpdfproc, is presented that can help estimate muD and perform absorption corrections, with a rapid calculation for efficient processing. △ Less

Submitted 16 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Design of altermagnetic models from spin clusters

Authors: Xingchuan Zhu, Xingmin Huo, Shiping Feng, Song-Bo Zhang, Shengyuan A. Yang, Huaiming Guo

Abstract: Altermagnetism, a new class of collinear compensated magnetic phase, has garnered tremendous interest because of its rich physics and promising applications. Physical models and verified material candidates for altermagnetism remain limited. Here, we propose a general scheme to construct altermagnetic models, which explicitly exhibits the blend of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic correlations i… ▽ More Altermagnetism, a new class of collinear compensated magnetic phase, has garnered tremendous interest because of its rich physics and promising applications. Physical models and verified material candidates for altermagnetism remain limited. Here, we propose a general scheme to construct altermagnetic models, which explicitly exhibits the blend of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic correlations in real space via the design of spin clusters, echoing the observation that properties of altermagnets resemble a mixture of ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. We show that in some of our models, the desired altermagnetic order can be spontaneously realized by electron-electron interaction in a broad range of the phase diagram. This development facilitates the study of fascinating physics of altermagnetism and sheds light on the discovery of new altermagnetic materials. △ Less

Submitted 25 April, 2025; v1 submitted 12 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 6 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 166701 (2025)

2D transmons with lifetimes and coherence times exceeding 1 millisecond

Authors: Matthew P. Bland, Faranak Bahrami, Jeronimo G. C. Martinez, Paal H. Prestegaard, Basil M. Smitham, Atharv Joshi, Elizabeth Hedrick, Alex Pakpour-Tabrizi, Shashwat Kumar, Apoorv Jindal, Ray D. Chang, Ambrose Yang, Guangming Cheng, Nan Yao, Robert J. Cava, Nathalie P. de Leon, Andrew A. Houck

Abstract: Materials improvements are a powerful approach to reducing loss and decoherence in superconducting qubits because such improvements can be readily translated to large scale processors. Recent work improved transmon coherence by utilizing tantalum (Ta) as a base layer and sapphire as a substrate. The losses in these devices are dominated by two-level systems (TLSs) with comparable contributions fro… ▽ More Materials improvements are a powerful approach to reducing loss and decoherence in superconducting qubits because such improvements can be readily translated to large scale processors. Recent work improved transmon coherence by utilizing tantalum (Ta) as a base layer and sapphire as a substrate. The losses in these devices are dominated by two-level systems (TLSs) with comparable contributions from both the surface and bulk dielectrics, indicating that both must be tackled to achieve major improvements in the state of the art. Here we show that replacing the substrate with high-resistivity silicon (Si) dramatically decreases the bulk substrate loss, enabling 2D transmons with time-averaged quality factors (Q) exceeding 1.5 x 10^7, reaching a maximum Q of 2.5 x 10^7, corresponding to a lifetime (T_1) of up to 1.68 ms. This low loss allows us to observe decoherence effects related to the Josephson junction, and we use improved, low-contamination junction deposition to achieve Hahn echo coherence times (T_2E) exceeding T_1. We achieve these material improvements without any modifications to the qubit architecture, allowing us to readily incorporate standard quantum control gates. We demonstrate single qubit gates with 99.994% fidelity. The Ta-on-Si platform comprises a simple material stack that can potentially be fabricated at wafer scale, and therefore can be readily translated to large-scale quantum processors. △ Less

Submitted 18 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Origin and emergent features of many-body dynamical localization

Authors: Ang Yang, Zekai Chen, Yanliang Guo, Manuele Landini, Hanns-Christoph Nägerl, Lei Ying

Abstract: The question of whether interactions can break dynamical localization in quantum kicked rotor systems has been the subject of a long--standing debate. Here, we introduce an extended mapping from the kicked Lieb--Liniger model to a high--dimensional lattice model and reveal universal features: on--site pseudorandomness and hybrid exponential--algebraic decay couplings with increasing momenta. We fi… ▽ More The question of whether interactions can break dynamical localization in quantum kicked rotor systems has been the subject of a long--standing debate. Here, we introduce an extended mapping from the kicked Lieb--Liniger model to a high--dimensional lattice model and reveal universal features: on--site pseudorandomness and hybrid exponential--algebraic decay couplings with increasing momenta. We find that the exponent and the amplitude of the algebraic decay undergo a crossover as the interaction strength increases. This mapping predicts the existence of dynamical localization and its breakdown at large kick strengths and intermediate interaction strengths. An analysis of the generalized fractal dimension and level--spacing ratio supports these findings, highlighting the presence of near integrability and multifractality in different regions of parameter space. Our results offer an explanation for the occurrence of many--body dynamical localization, particularly in strongly correlated quantum gases, and are anticipated to generalize to systems of many particles. △ Less

Submitted 16 November, 2025; v1 submitted 6 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 21 pages, 16 figures

Sign reversal of Berry curvature triple driven by magnetic phase transition in a ferromagnetic polar metal

Authors: Xuyang Sha, Xuejin Zhang, Hao Liu, Jin Cao, Ruohan Chen, Jinfeng Zhai, Dingfu Shao, Shiwei Wu, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang, Pan He, Hangwen Guo, Jian Shen

Abstract: While the time-reversal-even (T-even) nonlinear Hall effect has been extensively discussed in nonmagnetic materials, the impact of magnetic phase transition on it remains largely overlooked. Here, we report an abrupt enhancement of the T-even nonlinear Hall effect in non-centrosymmetric SrRuO3(111) thin films during the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition. Scaling analysis reveals a sign reversa… ▽ More While the time-reversal-even (T-even) nonlinear Hall effect has been extensively discussed in nonmagnetic materials, the impact of magnetic phase transition on it remains largely overlooked. Here, we report an abrupt enhancement of the T-even nonlinear Hall effect in non-centrosymmetric SrRuO3(111) thin films during the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition. Scaling analysis reveals a sign reversal of both the skew scattering and side jump contributions upon the emergence of magnetism, which we attribute to the sign change of Berry curvature triple on the Fermi surface. Density functional theory calculations support this interpretation, ascribing this behavior to distinctive origins of Berry curvature hot spots in paramagnetic and ferromagnetic phases. Our findings unveil the exchange-induced dramatic nonperturbative change of nonlinear Hall effect, and establish SrRuO3(111) thin films as a promising platform for exploring magnetically tunable nonlinear transport effects. △ Less

Submitted 5 April, 2025; v1 submitted 6 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Observation of giant nonlinear valley Hall effect

Authors: Pan He, Min Zhang, Jin Cao, Jingru Li, Hao Liu, Jinfeng Zhai, Ruibo Wang, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang, Jian Shen

Abstract: The valley Hall effect (VHE) holds great promise for valleytronic applications by leveraging the valley degree of freedom. To date, research on VHE has focused on its linear response to an applied current, leaving nonlinear valley responses undetected and nonlinear valleytronic devices undeveloped. Here, we report the experimental observation of a nonlinear VHE in a graphene-hBN moire superlattice… ▽ More The valley Hall effect (VHE) holds great promise for valleytronic applications by leveraging the valley degree of freedom. To date, research on VHE has focused on its linear response to an applied current, leaving nonlinear valley responses undetected and nonlinear valleytronic devices undeveloped. Here, we report the experimental observation of a nonlinear VHE in a graphene-hBN moire superlattice, evidenced by the generation of second-harmonic nonlocal voltages under AC currents. Remarkably, the nonlinear VHE has magnitude surpassing the linear VHE and is highly tunable via a gate voltage, which exhibits a pair of opposite peaks on the two sides of a Dirac gap. The nonlinear signal shows quadratic scaling with driving current and quartic scaling with local resistance, setting it apart from the linear counterpart. These experimental features are consistent with the theoretical picture of nonlocal transport mediated by nonlinear VHE and linear inverse VHE. We further reveal a nonlinear inverse VHE by observing the third- and fourth-harmonic nonlocal voltages. The nonlinear VHE provides a novel mechanism for valley manipulation and enables a novel valleytronic device, the valley rectifier, that converts AC charge current into DC valley current. △ Less

Submitted 4 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Theory of Nonlocal Transport from Nonlinear Valley Responses

Authors: Jin Cao, Hui Wang, Shen Lai, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: We develop a theory for the nonlocal measurement of nonlinear valley Hall effect. Different from the linear case where the direct and the inverse processes are reciprocal, we unveil that the nonlinear inverse valley Hall effect needed to generate nonlocal voltage signal must have a distinct symmetry character and involve distinct mechanisms compared to the nonlinear valley Hall response it probes.… ▽ More We develop a theory for the nonlocal measurement of nonlinear valley Hall effect. Different from the linear case where the direct and the inverse processes are reciprocal, we unveil that the nonlinear inverse valley Hall effect needed to generate nonlocal voltage signal must have a distinct symmetry character and involve distinct mechanisms compared to the nonlinear valley Hall response it probes. Particularly, it must be valley-even, in contrast to both linear and nonlinear valley Hall effects which are valley-odd. Layer groups that permit such nonlocal valley responses are obtained via symmetry analysis, and formulas for the nonlocal signals are derived. In the presence of both linear and nonlinear valley responses, we show that the different responses can be distinguished by their distinct scaling behaviors in the different harmonic components, under a low-frequency ac driving. Combined with first-principles calculations, we predict sizable nonlocal transport signals from nonlinear valley responses in bilayer $T_{d}$-WTe$_{2}$. Our work lays a foundation for nonlocal transport studies on the emerging nonlinear valleytronics. △ Less

Submitted 24 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 112, L121404 (2025)

Skin-inspired in-sensor encoding of strain vector using tunable quantum geometry

Authors: Zenglin Liu, Jingwen Shi, Jin Cao, Zecheng Ma, Zaizheng Yang, Yanwei Cui, Lizheng Wang, Yudi Dai, Moyu Chen, Pengfei Wang, Yongqin Xie, Fanqiang Chen, Youguo Shi, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang, Bin Cheng, Shi-Jun Liang, Feng Miao

Abstract: Human skin provides crucial tactile feedback, allowing us to skillfully perceive various objects by sensing and encoding complex deformations through multiple parameters in each tactile receptor. However, replicating this high-dimensional tactile perception with conventional materials' electronic properties remains a daunting challenge. Here, we present a skin-inspired method to encode strain vect… ▽ More Human skin provides crucial tactile feedback, allowing us to skillfully perceive various objects by sensing and encoding complex deformations through multiple parameters in each tactile receptor. However, replicating this high-dimensional tactile perception with conventional materials' electronic properties remains a daunting challenge. Here, we present a skin-inspired method to encode strain vectors directly within a sensor. This is achieved by leveraging the strain-tunable quantum properties of electronic bands in the van der Waals topological semimetal Td -WTe2. We observe robust and independent responses from the second-order and third-order nonlinear Hall signals in Td -WTe2 when subjected to variations in both the magnitude and direction of strain. Through rigorous temperature-dependent measurements and scaling law analysis, we establish that these strain responses primarily stem from quantum geometry-related phenomena, including the Berry curvature and Berry-connection polarizability tensor. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that the strain-dependent nonlinear Hall signals can efficiently encode high-dimensional strain information using a single device. This capability enables accurate and comprehensive sensing of complex strain patterns in the embossed character "NJU". Our findings highlight the promising application of topological quantum materials in advancing next-generation, bio-inspired flexible electronics. △ Less

Submitted 7 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: Published in Advanced Functional Materials (2024)

Tunable linear and nonlinear anomalous Hall transport in two-dimensional CrPS$_{4}$

Authors: Lulu Xiong, Jin Cao, Fan Yang, Xiaoxin Yang, Shen Lai, Xian-Lei Sheng, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: Few-layer CrPS$_{4}$ is a two-dimensional (2D) magnetic material with excellent stability in ambient environment, which attracted significant interest in recent research. Here, via first-principles calculations, we show that 2D CrPS$_{4}$ hosts a variety of anomalous Hall transport phenomena, owing to its layer-dependent magnetism and symmetry character. Monolayer CrPS$_{4}$ can display a sizable… ▽ More Few-layer CrPS$_{4}$ is a two-dimensional (2D) magnetic material with excellent stability in ambient environment, which attracted significant interest in recent research. Here, via first-principles calculations, we show that 2D CrPS$_{4}$ hosts a variety of anomalous Hall transport phenomena, owing to its layer-dependent magnetism and symmetry character. Monolayer CrPS$_{4}$ can display a sizable linear anomalous Hall effect, while its nonlinear anomalous Hall response is forbidden. In contrast, bilayer CrPS$_{4}$ can produce pronounced intrinsic nonlinear anomalous Hall response from Berry-connection polarizability, in the absence of linear anomalous Hall effect. We clarify that the large peaks in these responses originate from gapped Dirac points in the band structure. Furthermore, we show that linear anomalous Hall effect can be induced and controlled in bilayer CrPS$_{4}$ by gate electric field or in-plane magnetic field, which break the spacetime inversion symmetry. Our findings unveil the interesting layer-dependent Hall transport physics in 2D CrPS$_{4}$ magnets, suggesting its potential in electronic and spintronic device applications. △ Less

Submitted 15 October, 2025; v1 submitted 6 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 8 figures

Journal ref: J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 37 415501 (2025)

Lorentz Skew Scattering and Giant Nonreciprocal Magneto-Transport

Authors: Cong Xiao, Yue-Xin Huang, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: Skew scattering is the well-known dominant mechanism for anomalous Hall transport in highly conductive systems. However, despite extensive research, the primary mechanism governing nonlinear (nonreciprocal) magneto-transport in clean samples remains unknown. This theoretical gap has impeded the development of design principles for efficient nonreciprocal devices. Here, we unveil a hitherto unexplo… ▽ More Skew scattering is the well-known dominant mechanism for anomalous Hall transport in highly conductive systems. However, despite extensive research, the primary mechanism governing nonlinear (nonreciprocal) magneto-transport in clean samples remains unknown. This theoretical gap has impeded the development of design principles for efficient nonreciprocal devices. Here, we unveil a hitherto unexplored effect in nonreciprocal magneto-transport from cooperative action of Lorentz force and skew scattering. The significance of this Lorentz skew scattering mechanism lies in that it dominates both longitudinal and transverse responses in highly conductive systems, and it exhibits a scaling behavior distinct from all known mechanisms. At low temperature, it shows a cubic scaling in linear conductivity, whereas the scaling becomes quartic at elevated temperature when phonon scattering kicks in. Applying our developed microscopic theory to surface transport in topological crystalline insulator SnTe and bulk transport in Weyl semimetals leads to significant results, suggesting a new route to achieve giant transport nonreciprocity in high-mobility materials with topological band features. △ Less

Submitted 13 May, 2025; v1 submitted 12 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 7 pages, 4 figures, 1 table

Phonon-mediated superconductivity in transition-metal trioxides XO3 (X = Ru, Re, Os, Ir, Pt) under pressure

Authors: Aiqin Yang, Xiangru Tao, Yundi Quan, Peng Zhang

Abstract: A recent experiment by Shan {\it et al} [arXiv:2304.09011] found that rhenium trioxide ReO$_3$, a simple metal at the ambient pressure, becomes superconducting with a transition temperature as high as 17 K at 30 GPa. In this paper, we analyze the electron-phonon origin of superconductivity in rhombohedral ReO$_3$ in detail. In addition, we also conduct a high-throughout screening of isostructural… ▽ More A recent experiment by Shan {\it et al} [arXiv:2304.09011] found that rhenium trioxide ReO$_3$, a simple metal at the ambient pressure, becomes superconducting with a transition temperature as high as 17 K at 30 GPa. In this paper, we analyze the electron-phonon origin of superconductivity in rhombohedral ReO$_3$ in detail. In addition, we also conduct a high-throughout screening of isostructural transition-metal trioxides XO$_3$ in searching for potential pressure-induced superconductors. Totally twenty-eight XO$_3$ compounds have been studied, in which four candidates RuO$_3$, OsO$_3$, IrO$_3$ and PtO$_3$ are predicted superconducting with the transition temperatures of 26.4, 30.3, 0.9 and 2.8 K at 30 GPa, respectively. Both IrO$_3$ and PtO$_3$ stay superconducting even at the ambient pressure. In ReO$_3$, RuO$_3, $OsO$_3$ and IrO$_3$, the conduction electrons around the Fermi level are dominantly from the X-d and the O-2p orbitals, and their electron-phonon coupling originates from the lattice dynamics of both the heavier transition-metal-atom and the oxygen-atom. Inclusion of spin-orbital coupling would mildly suppress the transition temperatures of these transition-metal trioxide superconductors except RuO$_3$. △ Less

Submitted 23 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 110, 174504 (2024)

Highly anisotropic Drude-weight-reduction and enhanced linear-dichroism in van der Waals Weyl semimetal Td-MoTe2 with coherent interlayer electronic transport

Authors: Bo Su, Weikang Wu, Jianzhou Zhao, Xiutong Deng, Wenhui Li, Shengyuan A. Yang, Youguo Shi, Qiang Li, Jianlin Luo, Genda Gu, Zhi-Guo Chen

Abstract: Weyl semimetal (WSM) states can be achieved by breaking spatial-inversion symmetry or time reversal symmetry. However, the anisotropy of the energy reduction contributing to the emergence of WSM states has seldom been investigated by experiments. A van der Waals metal MoTe2 exhibits a type-II WSM phase below the monoclinic-to-orthorhombic-phase-transition temperature Tc ~ 250 K. Here, we report a… ▽ More Weyl semimetal (WSM) states can be achieved by breaking spatial-inversion symmetry or time reversal symmetry. However, the anisotropy of the energy reduction contributing to the emergence of WSM states has seldom been investigated by experiments. A van der Waals metal MoTe2 exhibits a type-II WSM phase below the monoclinic-to-orthorhombic-phase-transition temperature Tc ~ 250 K. Here, we report a combined linearly-polarized optical-spectroscopy and electrical-transport study of MoTe2 at different temperatures. The Drude components in the a-axis, b-axis and c-axis optical conductivity spectra, together with the metallic out-of-plane and in-plane electrical resistivities, indicate the coherent inter-layer and in-plane charge transports. Moreover, the Drude weight in σ1a(ω), rather than the Drude weights in σ1b(ω) and σ1c(ω), decreases dramatically below Tc, which exhibits a highly anisotropic decrease in its Drude weight and thus suggests a strongly anisotropic reduction of the electronic kinetic energy in the WSM phase. Furthermore, below Tc, due to the in-plane anisotropic spectral-weight transfer from Drude component to high-energy region, the in-plane inter-band-absorption anisotropy increases remarkably around 770 meV, and has the largest value (~ 0.68) of normalized linear dichroism among the reported type-II WSMs. Our work sheds light on seeking new WSMs and developing novel photonic devices based on WSMs. △ Less

Submitted 16 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: Accepted by Laser & Photonics Reviews

Journal ref: Laser & Photonics Reviews, 2400599 (2024)

Anomalously extended Floquet prethermal lifetimes and applications to long-time quantum sensing

Authors: Kieren A. Harkins, Cooper Selco, Christian Bengs, David Marchiori, Leo Joon Il Moon, Zhuo-Rui Zhang, Aristotle Yang, Angad Singh, Emanuel Druga, Yi-Qiao Song, Ashok Ajoy

Abstract: Floquet prethermalization is observed in periodically driven quantum many-body systems where the system avoids heating and maintains a stable, non-equilibrium state, for extended periods. Here we introduce a novel quantum control method using off-resonance and short-angle excitation to significantly extend Floquet prethermal lifetimes. This is demonstrated on randomly positioned, dipolar-coupled,… ▽ More Floquet prethermalization is observed in periodically driven quantum many-body systems where the system avoids heating and maintains a stable, non-equilibrium state, for extended periods. Here we introduce a novel quantum control method using off-resonance and short-angle excitation to significantly extend Floquet prethermal lifetimes. This is demonstrated on randomly positioned, dipolar-coupled, 13C nuclear spins in diamond, but the methodology is broadly applicable. We achieve a lifetime $T_2'~800 s at 100 K while tracking the transition to the prethermal state quasi-continuously. This corresponds to a >533,000-fold extension over the bare spin lifetime without prethermalization, and constitutes a new record both in terms of absolute lifetime as well as the total number of Floquet pulses applied (here exceeding 7 million). Using Laplace inversion, we develop a new form of noise spectroscopy that provides insights into the origin of the lifetime extension. Finally, we demonstrate applications of these extended lifetimes in long-time, reinitialization-free quantum sensing of time-varying magnetic fields continuously for ~10 minutes at room temperature. Our work facilitates new opportunities for stabilizing driven quantum systems through Floquet control, and opens novel applications for continuously interrogated, long-time responsive quantum sensors. △ Less

Submitted 11 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures

Constructions and Applications of Irreducible Representations of Spin-Space Groups

Authors: Ziyin Song, A. Z. Yang, Yi Jiang, Zhong Fang, Jian Yang, Chen Fang, Hongming Weng, Zheng-Xin Liu

Abstract: Spin-space groups (SSGs), including the traditional space groups (SGs) and magnetic space groups (MSGs) as subsets, describe the complete symmetries of magnetic materials with weak spin-orbit coupling (SOC). In the present work, we systematically study the irreducible representations (irreps) of SSGs by focusing on the projective irreps of the little co-group $L(k)$ of any momentum point $\pmb k$.… ▽ More Spin-space groups (SSGs), including the traditional space groups (SGs) and magnetic space groups (MSGs) as subsets, describe the complete symmetries of magnetic materials with weak spin-orbit coupling (SOC). In the present work, we systematically study the irreducible representations (irreps) of SSGs by focusing on the projective irreps of the little co-group $L(k)$ of any momentum point $\pmb k$. We analysis the factor systems of $L(k)$, and then reduce the projective regular representation of $L(k)$ into direct sum of irreps using the Hamiltonian approach. Especially, for collinear SSGs which contain continuous spin rotation operations, we adopt discrete subgroups to effectively capture their characteristics. Furthermore, we apply the representation theory of SSGs to study the band structure of electrons and magnons in magnetic materials. After identifying the SSG symmetry group, we extract relevant irreps and determine the $k\cdot p$ models. As an example, we illustrate how our approach works for the material \ch{Mn3Sn}. Degeneracies facilitated by SSG symmetry are observed, underscoring the effectiveness of application in material analysis. The SSG recognition and representation code is uploaded to GitHub, the information of irreps of all SSGs is also available in the online Database. Our work provides a practical toolkit for exploring the intricate symmetries of magnetic materials and paves the way for future advances in materials science. △ Less

Submitted 20 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Three-dimensional valley-contrasting sound

Authors: Haoran Xue, Yong Ge, Zheyu Cheng, Yi-jun Guan, Jiaojiao Zhu, Hong-yu Zou, Shou-qi Yuan, Shengyuan A. Yang, Hong-xiang Sun, Yidong Chong, Baile Zhang

Abstract: Spin and valley are two fundamental properties of electrons in crystals. The similarity between them is well understood in valley-contrasting physics established decades ago in two-dimensional (2D) materials like graphene--with broken inversion symmetry, the two valleys in graphene exhibit opposite orbital magnetic moments, similar to the spin-1/2 behaviors of electrons, and opposite Berry curvatu… ▽ More Spin and valley are two fundamental properties of electrons in crystals. The similarity between them is well understood in valley-contrasting physics established decades ago in two-dimensional (2D) materials like graphene--with broken inversion symmetry, the two valleys in graphene exhibit opposite orbital magnetic moments, similar to the spin-1/2 behaviors of electrons, and opposite Berry curvature that leads to a half topological charge. However, valley-contrasting physics has never been explored in 3D crystals. Here, we develop a 3D acoustic crystal exhibiting 3D valley-contrasting physics. Unlike spin that is fundamentally binary, valley in 3D can take six different values, each carrying a vortex in a distinct direction. The topological valley transport is generalized from the edge states of 2D materials to the surface states of 3D materials, with interesting features including robust propagation, topological refraction, and valley-cavity localization. Our results open a new route for wave manipulation in 3D space. △ Less

Submitted 18 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Sci. Adv. 10, eadp0377 (2024)

Intrinsic Dynamic Generation of Spin Polarization by Time-Varying Electric Field

Authors: Xukun Feng, Jin Cao, Zhi-Fan Zhang, Lay Kee Ang, Shen Lai, Hua Jiang, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: Electric control of spin in insulators is desired for low-consumption and ultrafast spintronics, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unexplored. Here, we propose an intrinsic effect of dynamic spin generation driven by time-varying electric field. In the intraband response regime, it can be nicely formulated as a Berry curvature effect and leads to two phenomena that are forbidden in the… ▽ More Electric control of spin in insulators is desired for low-consumption and ultrafast spintronics, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unexplored. Here, we propose an intrinsic effect of dynamic spin generation driven by time-varying electric field. In the intraband response regime, it can be nicely formulated as a Berry curvature effect and leads to two phenomena that are forbidden in the $dc$ limit: linear spin generation in nonmagnetic insulators and intrinsic N{é}el spin-orbit torque in $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric antiferromagnetic insulators. These phenomena are driven by the time derivative of field rather than the field itself, and have a quantum origin in the first-order dynamic anomalous spin polarizability. Combined with first-principles calculations, we predict sizable effects driven by terahertz field in nonmagnetic monolayer Bi and in antiferromagnetic even-layer MnBi$_2$Te$_4$, which can be detected in experiment. △ Less

Submitted 15 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 106301 (2025)

Intrinsic Nonlinear Spin Hall Effect and Manipulation of Perpendicular Magnetization

Authors: Hui Wang, Huiying Liu, Xukun Feng, Jin Cao, Weikang Wu, Shen Lai, Weibo Gao, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: We propose an intrinsic nonlinear spin Hall effect, which enables the generation of collinearly-polarized spin current in a large class of nonmagnetic materials with the corresponding linear response being symmetry-forbidden. This opens a new avenue for field-free switching of perpendicular magnetization, which is required for the next-generation information storage technology. We develop the micr… ▽ More We propose an intrinsic nonlinear spin Hall effect, which enables the generation of collinearly-polarized spin current in a large class of nonmagnetic materials with the corresponding linear response being symmetry-forbidden. This opens a new avenue for field-free switching of perpendicular magnetization, which is required for the next-generation information storage technology. We develop the microscopic theory of this effect, and clarify its quantum origin in band geometric quantities which can be enhanced by topological nodal features. Combined with first-principles calculations, we predict pronounced effects at room temperature in topological metals $\mathrm{PbTaSe_{2}}$ and PdGa. Our work establishes a fundamental nonlinear response in spin transport, and opens the door to exploring spintronic applications based on nonlinear spin Hall effect. △ Less

Submitted 25 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Excitation laser energy dependence of the gap-mode TERS spectra of WS$_2$ and MoS$_2$ on silver

Authors: Andrey Krayev, Eleonora Isotta, Lauren Hoang, Jerry A. Yang, Kathryn Neilson, Minyuan Wang, Noah Haughn, Eric Pop, Andrew Mannix, Oluwaseyi Balogun, Chih-Feng Wang

Abstract: We present a systematic study of the dependence of gap mode tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) of mono- and bi-layer WS$_2$ and MoS$_2$ as a function of excitation laser energy. We collected consecutive TERS maps of mono-and bi-layer regions with 6 different excitation lasers. To decrease the acquisition time, we used for the first time concurrent excitation and collection with two lasers simult… ▽ More We present a systematic study of the dependence of gap mode tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) of mono- and bi-layer WS$_2$ and MoS$_2$ as a function of excitation laser energy. We collected consecutive TERS maps of mono-and bi-layer regions with 6 different excitation lasers. To decrease the acquisition time, we used for the first time concurrent excitation and collection with two lasers simultaneously. We found that the E$_{2g}$/A$_{1g}$ peak intensity ratio for bilayer WS$_2$@Ag and the A'/A$_{1g}$ peak intensity ratio of the out-of-plane modes for mono- and bilayer change in a significantly non-monotonous way with excitation laser energies from 1.58 to 2.62 eV. The former ratio increases at energies corresponding to A and B excitons in bilayer WS$_2$. The intensity of the A peak in the monolayer, and hence the A/A$_{1g}$ ratio, is surprisingly high at low excitation energies, dips dramatically at energy corresponding to the A exciton, and is restored partially in between A and B excitons, though still showing a descending trend with increasing energy. A similar picture was observed in mono- and bi-layer MoS$_2$, though the existing set of lasers did not match its excitonic profile as nicely as for WS$_2$. We attribute the observed behavior to intermediate (Fano resonance) or strong (Rabi splitting) coupling between the excitons in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and the plasmons in the tip-substrate nanocavity. This is akin to the so-called Fano (Rabi) transparency experimentally observed in far field scattering from TMDs between two plasmonic metals. The possibility of intermediate/strong coupling between excitonic resonances in TMDs and the nanocavity re-evaluates the role of resonances in gap-mode TERS and should become an important factor to be considered by TERS practitioners when planning experiments. Finally, we propose the ideal substrate for efficient TERS and tip enhanced photoluminescence measurements. △ Less

Submitted 18 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 21 pages, 10 figures

Hilbert band complexes and their applications

Authors: Zeying Zhang, Y. X. Zhao, Yugui Yao, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: The study of band connectivity is a fundamental problem in condensed matter physics. Here, we develop a new method for analyzing band connectivity, which completely solves the outstanding questions of the reducibility and decomposition of band complexes. By translating the symmetry conditions into a set of band balance equations, we show that all possible band structure solutions can be described… ▽ More The study of band connectivity is a fundamental problem in condensed matter physics. Here, we develop a new method for analyzing band connectivity, which completely solves the outstanding questions of the reducibility and decomposition of band complexes. By translating the symmetry conditions into a set of band balance equations, we show that all possible band structure solutions can be described by a positive affine monoid structure, which has a unique minimal set of generators, called Hilbert basis. We show that Hilbert basis completely determine whether a band complex is reducible and how it can be decomposed. The band complexes corresponding to Hilbert basis vectors, termed as Hilbert band complexes (HBCs), can be regarded as elementary building blocks of band structures. We develop algorithms to construct HBCs, analyze their graph features, and merge them into large complexes. We find some interesting examples, such as HBCs corresponding to complete bipartite graphs, and complexes which can grow without bound by successively merging a HBC. △ Less

Submitted 3 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 9 pages, 7 figures

2024 roadmap on 2D topological insulators

Authors: Bent Weber, Michael S Fuhrer, Xian-Lei Sheng, Shengyuan A Yang, Ronny Thomale, Saquib Shamim, Laurens W Molenkamp, David Cobden, Dmytro Pesin, Harold J W Zandvliet, Pantelis Bampoulis, Ralph Claessen, Fabian R Menges, Johannes Gooth, Claudia Felser, Chandra Shekhar, Anton Tadich, Mengting Zhao, Mark T Edmonds, Junxiang Jia, Maciej Bieniek, Jukka I Väyrynen, Dimitrie Culcer, Bhaskaran Muralidharan, Muhammad Nadeem

Abstract: 2D topological insulators promise novel approaches towards electronic, spintronic, and quantum device applications. This is owing to unique features of their electronic band structure, in which bulk-boundary correspondences enforces the existence of 1D spin-momentum locked metallic edge states - both helical and chiral - surrounding an electrically insulating bulk. Forty years since the first disc… ▽ More 2D topological insulators promise novel approaches towards electronic, spintronic, and quantum device applications. This is owing to unique features of their electronic band structure, in which bulk-boundary correspondences enforces the existence of 1D spin-momentum locked metallic edge states - both helical and chiral - surrounding an electrically insulating bulk. Forty years since the first discoveries of topological phases in condensed matter, the abstract concept of band topology has sprung into realization with several materials now available in which sizable bulk energy gaps - up to a few hundred meV - promise to enable topology for applications even at room-temperature. Further, the possibility of combining 2D TIs in heterostructures with functional materials such as multiferroics, ferromagnets, and superconductors, vastly extends the range of applicability beyond their intrinsic properties. While 2D TIs remain a unique testbed for questions of fundamental condensed matter physics, proposals seek to control the topologically protected bulk or boundary states electrically, or even induce topological phase transitions to engender switching functionality. Induction of superconducting pairing in 2D TIs strives to realize non-Abelian quasiparticles, promising avenues towards fault-tolerant topological quantum computing. This roadmap aims to present a status update of the field, reviewing recent advances and remaining challenges in theoretical understanding, materials synthesis, physical characterization and, ultimately, device perspectives. △ Less

Submitted 20 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Proper Definition of Intrinsic Nonlinear Current

Authors: Cong Xiao, Jin Cao, Qian Niu, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: We show that the three commonly employed approaches that define the same dc (or low-frequency) intrinsic linear anomalous Hall response actually lead to different results for intrinsic nonlinear transport. The difference is due to an intrinsic anomalous distribution (IAD). It originates from a nonlinear field effect during scattering, but its value is completely independent of scattering, because… ▽ More We show that the three commonly employed approaches that define the same dc (or low-frequency) intrinsic linear anomalous Hall response actually lead to different results for intrinsic nonlinear transport. The difference is due to an intrinsic anomalous distribution (IAD). It originates from a nonlinear field effect during scattering, but its value is completely independent of scattering, because it represents the local equilibration of electron wave packets with field corrected energy. The proper definition of intrinsic current that is detectable in experiment must incorporate the effect of IAD. We also show that IAD is indispensable for consistency with fundamental physical relations. In addition, we predict that under ac driving, the intrinsic reponses in rectified and double-frequency channels exhibit distinct frequency dependence, for which we estimate the signals that can be probed in antiferromagnetic CuMnAs. △ Less

Submitted 3 August, 2025; v1 submitted 16 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 256306 (2025)

Tailoring Bound State Geometry in High-Dimensional Non-Hermitian Systems

Authors: Ao Yang, Zixi Fang, Kai Zhang, Chen Fang

Abstract: It is generally believed that the non-Hermitian effect (NHSE), due to its non-reciprocal nature, creates barriers for the appearance of impurity bound states. In this paper, we find that in two and higher dimensions, the presence of geometry-dependent skin effect eliminates this barrier such that even an infinitesimal impurity potential can confine bound states in this type of non-Hermitian system… ▽ More It is generally believed that the non-Hermitian effect (NHSE), due to its non-reciprocal nature, creates barriers for the appearance of impurity bound states. In this paper, we find that in two and higher dimensions, the presence of geometry-dependent skin effect eliminates this barrier such that even an infinitesimal impurity potential can confine bound states in this type of non-Hermitian systems. By examining bound states around Bloch saddle points, we find that non-Hermiticity can disrupt the isotropy of bound states, resulting in concave dumbbell-shaped bound states. Our work reveals a geometry transition of bound state between concavity and convexity in high-dimensional non-Hermitian systems. △ Less

Submitted 11 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 14 pages, 4 figures

Representation Theory for Massless Quasiparticles in Bogoliubov-de Gennes Systems

Authors: Arist Zhenyuan Yang, Zheng-Xin Liu

Abstract: Gapless quasiparticles can exist in the Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) Hamiltonians in the mean field description of superconductors (SCs), fermionic superfluids (SFs) and quantum spin liquids (QSLs). The mechanism of gapless quasiparticles in superconductors was studied in literature based on the homotopy theory or symmetry-indicators. However, important properties of the gapless quasiparticles inclu… ▽ More Gapless quasiparticles can exist in the Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) Hamiltonians in the mean field description of superconductors (SCs), fermionic superfluids (SFs) and quantum spin liquids (QSLs). The mechanism of gapless quasiparticles in superconductors was studied in literature based on the homotopy theory or symmetry-indicators. However, important properties of the gapless quasiparticles including the degeneracy, the energy-momentum dispersion and the responses to external probe fields need to be determined. In the present work, we investigate gapless quasiparticles in general BdG systems by using projective representation theory for the full `symmetry' groups formed by combinations of lattice, spin and charge operations. We find that (I) charge conjugation (or effective charge conjugation) symmetry can yield gapless quasiparticles with linear, quadratic or higher order dispersions at high symmetry points of the Brillouin zone; (II) different quantum numbers protected level crossing can give rise to zero modes along high symmetry lines; (III) combined spatial inversion and time reversal symmetry can protect zero modes appearing at generic $k$ points. To obtain the low energy properties of gapless quasiparticles, the $k\cdot p$ theory is provided using a high efficient method--the Hamiltonian approach. Based on generalized band representation theory for BdG systems, several lattice models are constructed to illustrate the above results. Our theory provides a method to classify nodal SCs/SFs/QSLs with given symmetries, and enlightens the realization of Majorana type massless quasiparticles in condensed matter physics. △ Less

Submitted 9 August, 2024; v1 submitted 30 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 27 pages,11 figures

Journal ref: Physical Review B 110, 054507 (2024)

CMOS-compatible Strain Engineering for High-Performance Monolayer Semiconductor Transistors

Authors: Marc Jaikissoon, Çağıl Köroğlu, Jerry A. Yang, Kathryn M. Neilson, Krishna C. Saraswat, Eric Pop

Abstract: Strain engineering has played a key role in modern silicon electronics, having been introduced as a mobility booster in the 1990s and commercialized in the early 2000s. Achieving similar advances with two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors in a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) compatible manner would radically improve the industrial viability of 2D transistors. Here, we show silicon nit… ▽ More Strain engineering has played a key role in modern silicon electronics, having been introduced as a mobility booster in the 1990s and commercialized in the early 2000s. Achieving similar advances with two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors in a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) compatible manner would radically improve the industrial viability of 2D transistors. Here, we show silicon nitride capping layers can impart strain to monolayer MoS2 transistors on conventional silicon substrates, enhancing their electrical performance with a low thermal budget (350 °C), CMOS-compatible approach. Strained back-gated and dual-gated MoS2 transistors demonstrate median increases up to 60% and 45% in on-state current, respectively. The greatest improvements are found when both transistor channels and contacts are reduced to ~200 nm, reaching saturation currents of 488 uA/um, higher than any previous reports at such short contact pitch. Simulations reveal that most benefits arise from tensile strain lowering the contact Schottky barriers, and that further reducing device dimensions (including contacts) will continue to offer increased strain and performance improvements. △ Less

Submitted 29 June, 2024; v1 submitted 15 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Journal ref: Nature Electronics 7 (2024) 885-891

Alloyed Re$_x$Mo$_{1-x}$S$_2$ Nanoflakes with Enlarged Interlayer Distances for Hydrogen Evolution

Authors: Jing Li, René Hübner, Marielle Deconinck, Ankita Bora, Markus Göbel, Dana Schwarz, Guangbo Chen, Guangzhao Wang, Shengyuan A. Yang, Yana Vaynzof, Vladimir Lesnyak

Abstract: Molybdenum sulfide (MoS$_2$) has attracted significant attention due to its great potential as a low-cost and efficient catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Developing a facile, easily upscalable, and inexpensive approach to produce catalytically active nanostructured MoS$_2$ with a high yield would significantly advance its practical application. Colloidal synthesis offers several advant… ▽ More Molybdenum sulfide (MoS$_2$) has attracted significant attention due to its great potential as a low-cost and efficient catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Developing a facile, easily upscalable, and inexpensive approach to produce catalytically active nanostructured MoS$_2$ with a high yield would significantly advance its practical application. Colloidal synthesis offers several advantages over other preparation techniques to overcome the low reaction yield of exfoliation and drawbacks of expensive equipment and processes used in chemical vapor deposition. In this work, we report an efficient synthesis of alloyed Re$_x$Mo$_{1-x}$S$_2$ nanoflakes with an enlarged interlayer distance, among which the composition Re$_{0.55}$Mo$_{0.45}$S$_2$ exhibits excellent catalytic performance with overpotentials as low as 79 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and a small Tafel slope of 42 mV/dec. Density functional theory calculations prove that enlarging the distance between layers in the Re$_x$Mo$_{1-x}$S$_2$alloy can greatly improve its catalytic performance due to a significantly reduced free energy of hydrogen adsorption. The developed approach paves the way to design advanced transition metal dichalcogenide-based catalysts for hydrogen evolution and to promote their large-scale practical application. △ Less

Submitted 17 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Modulation of the Octahedral Structure and Potential Superconductivity of La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ through Strain Engineering

Authors: Zihao Huo, Zhihui Luo, Peng Zhang, Aiqin Yang, Zhengtao Liu, Xiangru Tao, Zihan Zhang, Shumin Guo, Qiwen Jiang, Wenxuan Chen, Dao-Xin Yao, Defang Duan, Tian Cui

Abstract: The recent transport measurement of La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ uncover a "right-triangle" shape of the superconducting dome in the pressure-temperature (P-T) phase diagram. Motivated by this, we perform theoretical first-principles studies of La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ with the pressure ranging from 0 to 100 GPa. Notably, we reveal a pressure dependence of the Ni-$d_{z^2}$ electron density at the Fermi energy (… ▽ More The recent transport measurement of La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ uncover a "right-triangle" shape of the superconducting dome in the pressure-temperature (P-T) phase diagram. Motivated by this, we perform theoretical first-principles studies of La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ with the pressure ranging from 0 to 100 GPa. Notably, we reveal a pressure dependence of the Ni-$d_{z^2}$ electron density at the Fermi energy ($n_z^{EF}$) that highly coincides with such shape. On this basis, we further explore the electronic structure under uniaxial stress. By tracking the stress response of $n_z^{EF}$, we propose that superconductivity can be achieved by applying only about 2 GPa of compression along the c axis. The idea is further exemplified from the perspectives of lattice distortion, band structure, Fermi surface and superconducting phase coherence. We also discuss the possible charge modulation under the stress and provide an insight to the relation between n_z^EF and the superconducting Tc in La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ system. Our study provides a helpful guide to the future experiment. △ Less

Submitted 8 July, 2024; v1 submitted 16 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Journal ref: Sci. China-Phys. Mech. Astron. 68, 237411(2025),

Stability and noncentered PT symmetry of real topological phases

Authors: S. J. Yue, Qing Liu, Shengyuan A. Yang, Y. X. Zhao

Abstract: Real topological phases protected by the spacetime inversion (P T) symmetry are a current research focus. The basis is that the P T symmetry endows a real structure in momentum space, which leads to Z2 topological classifications in 1D and 2D. Here, we provide solutions to two outstanding problems in the diagnosis of real topology. First, based on the stable equivalence in K-theory, we clarify tha… ▽ More Real topological phases protected by the spacetime inversion (P T) symmetry are a current research focus. The basis is that the P T symmetry endows a real structure in momentum space, which leads to Z2 topological classifications in 1D and 2D. Here, we provide solutions to two outstanding problems in the diagnosis of real topology. First, based on the stable equivalence in K-theory, we clarify that the 2D topological invariant remains well defined in the presence of nontrivial 1D invariant, and we develop a general numerical approach for its evaluation, which was hitherto unavailable. Second, under the unit-cell convention, noncentered P T symmetries assume momentum dependence, which violates the presumption in previous methods for computing the topological invariants. We clarify the classifications for this case and formulate the invariants by introducing a twisted Wilson-loop operator for both 1D and 2D. A simple model on a rectangular lattice is constructed to demonstrate our theory, which can be readily realized using artificial crystals. △ Less

Submitted 16 April, 2024; v1 submitted 11 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Interfacial magnetic spin Hall effect in van der Waals Fe3GeTe2/MoTe2 heterostructure

Authors: Yudi Dai, Junlin Xiong, Yanfeng Ge, Bin Cheng, Lizheng Wang, Pengfei Wang, Zenglin Liu, Shengnan Yan, Cuiwei Zhang, Xianghan Xu, Youguo Shi, Sang-Wook Cheong, Cong Xiao, Shengyuan A. Yang, Shi-Jun Liang, Feng Miao

Abstract: The spin Hall effect (SHE) allows efficient generation of spin polarization or spin current through charge current and plays a crucial role in the development of spintronics. While SHE typically occurs in non-magnetic materials and is time-reversal even, exploring time-reversal-odd (T-odd) SHE, which couples SHE to magnetization in ferromagnetic materials, offers a new charge-spin conversion mecha… ▽ More The spin Hall effect (SHE) allows efficient generation of spin polarization or spin current through charge current and plays a crucial role in the development of spintronics. While SHE typically occurs in non-magnetic materials and is time-reversal even, exploring time-reversal-odd (T-odd) SHE, which couples SHE to magnetization in ferromagnetic materials, offers a new charge-spin conversion mechanism with new functionalities. Here, we report the observation of giant T-odd SHE in Fe3GeTe2/MoTe2 van der Waals heterostructure, representing a previously unidentified interfacial magnetic spin Hall effect (interfacial-MSHE). Through rigorous symmetry analysis and theoretical calculations, we attribute the interfacial-MSHE to a symmetry-breaking induced spin current dipole at the vdW interface. Furthermore, we show that this linear effect can be used for implementing multiply-accumulate operations and binary convolutional neural networks with cascaded multi-terminal devices. Our findings uncover an interfacial T-odd charge-spin conversion mechanism with promising potential for energy-efficient in-memory computing. △ Less

Submitted 26 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Journal ref: Nature Communications 15, 1129 (2024)

Emergent Anomalous Hydrodynamics at Infinite Temperature in a Long-Range XXZ Model

Authors: Ang Yang, Jinlou Ma, Lei Ying

Abstract: The conventional wisdom suggests that transports of conserved quantities in non-integrable quantum many-body systems at high temperatures are diffusive. However, we discover a counterexample of this paradigm by uncovering anomalous hydrodynamics in a spin-1/2 XXZ chain with power-law couplings. This model, classified as non-integrable due to its Wigner-Dyson level-spacing statistics in the random… ▽ More The conventional wisdom suggests that transports of conserved quantities in non-integrable quantum many-body systems at high temperatures are diffusive. However, we discover a counterexample of this paradigm by uncovering anomalous hydrodynamics in a spin-1/2 XXZ chain with power-law couplings. This model, classified as non-integrable due to its Wigner-Dyson level-spacing statistics in the random matrix theory, exhibits a surprising superdiffusive-ballistic-superdiffusive transport transition by varying the power-law exponent of couplings for a fixed anisotropy. Our findings are verified by multiple observables, including the spin-spin autocorrelator, mean-square displacement, and spin conductivity. Interestingly, we further quantify the degree of quantum chaos using the Kullback-Leibler divergence between the entanglement entropy distributions of the model's eigenstates and a random state. Remarkably, an observed local maximum in the divergence near the transition boundary suggests a link between anomalous hydrodynamics and a suppression of quantum chaos. This work offers another deep understanding of emergent anomalous transport phenomena in a wider range of non-integrable quantum many-body systems △ Less

Submitted 26 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 12 pages, 10 figures

Anomalous shift in Andreev reflection from side incidence

Authors: Runze Li, Chaoxi Cui, Ying Liu, Zhi-Ming Yu, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: Andreev reflection at a normal-superconductor interface may be accompanied with an anomalous spatial shift. The studies so far are limited to the top incidence configuration. Here, we investigate this effect in the side incidence configuration, with the interface parallel to the principal axis of superconductor. We find that the shift exhibits rich behaviors reflecting the character of pair potent… ▽ More Andreev reflection at a normal-superconductor interface may be accompanied with an anomalous spatial shift. The studies so far are limited to the top incidence configuration. Here, we investigate this effect in the side incidence configuration, with the interface parallel to the principal axis of superconductor. We find that the shift exhibits rich behaviors reflecting the character of pair potential. It has two contributions: one from the $k$-dependent phase of pair potential, and the other from the evanescent mode. For chiral $p$-wave pairing, the pairing phase contribution is proportional to the chirality of pairing and is independent of excitation energy, whereas the evanescent mode contribution is independent of chirality and is nonzero only for excitation energy below the gap. The two contributions also have opposite parity with respect to the incident angle. For $d_{x^{2}-y^{2}}$-wave pairing, only the evanescent mode contribution exists, and the shift exhibits suppressed zones in incident angles, manifesting the superconducting nodes. The dependence of the shift on other factors, such as the angle of incident plane and Fermi surface anisotropy, are discussed. △ Less

Submitted 26 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Ideal spin-polarized Weyl-half-semimetal with a single pair of Weyl points in half-Heusler compounds XCrTe (X=K, Rb)

Authors: Hongshuang Liu, Jin Cao, Zeying Zhang, Jiashuo Liang, Liying Wang, Shengyuan A. Yang

Abstract: Realizing ideal Weyl semimetal state with a single pair of Weyl points has been a long-sought goal in the field of topological semimetals. Here, we reveal such a state in the Cr-based half-Heusler compounds XCrTe (X=K, Rb). We show that these materials have a half metal ground state, with Fermi level crossing only one spin channel. Importantly, the Fermi surface is clean, consisting of the minimal… ▽ More Realizing ideal Weyl semimetal state with a single pair of Weyl points has been a long-sought goal in the field of topological semimetals. Here, we reveal such a state in the Cr-based half-Heusler compounds XCrTe (X=K, Rb). We show that these materials have a half metal ground state, with Fermi level crossing only one spin channel. Importantly, the Fermi surface is clean, consisting of the minimal number (i.e., a single pair) of spin-polarized Weyl points, so the state represents an ideal Weyl half semimetal. We show that the locations of the two Weyl points and the associated Chern vector can be flexibly tuned by rotating the magnetization vector. The minimal surface Fermi arc pattern and its contribution to anomalous Hall transport are discussed. Our finding offers an ideal material platform for exploring magnetic Weyl fermions, which will also facilitate the interplay between Weyl physics and spintronics. △ Less

Submitted 24 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Discovery of superconductivity in technetium-borides at moderate pressures

Authors: Xiangru Tao, Aiqin Yang, Yundi Quan, Biao Wan, Shuxiang Yang, Peng Zhang

Abstract: Advances in theoretical calculations boosted the searches for high temperature superconductors, such as sulfur hydrides and rare-earth polyhydrides. However, the required extremely high pressures for stabilizing these superconductors handicapped further implementations. Based upon thorough structural searches, we identified series of unprecedented superconducting technetium-borides at moderate pre… ▽ More Advances in theoretical calculations boosted the searches for high temperature superconductors, such as sulfur hydrides and rare-earth polyhydrides. However, the required extremely high pressures for stabilizing these superconductors handicapped further implementations. Based upon thorough structural searches, we identified series of unprecedented superconducting technetium-borides at moderate pressures, including TcB (P6$_3$/mmc) with superconducting transition temperature $T_{\text{c}}$ = 20.2 K at ambient pressure and TcB$_2$ (P6/mmm) with $T_{\text{c}}$ = 23.1 K at 20 GPa. Superconductivity in these technetium-borides mainly originates from the coupling between the low frequency vibrations of technetium-atoms and the dominant technetium-4d electrons at the Fermi level. Our works therefore present a fresh group in the family of superconducting borides, whose diversified crystal structures suggest rich possibilities in discovery of other superconducting transition-metal-borides. △ Less

Submitted 22 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 26, 16963 (2024)