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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Flux trapping in NbTiN strips

We use scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscopy to image vortices in superconducting structures fabricated from NbTiN thin films. We repeatedly cool superconducting strips with different width in an applied magnetic field and image the individual vortices. From these images we determine the threshold field at which the first vortex enters a strip and the number and configuration of vortices beyond this threshold field. We model the behavior of the vortices with and without considering the effect of pinning using numerical methods to minimize the Gibbs free energy of vortices in the strips. Our measurements provide a first benchmark to investigate the flux trapping properties of NbTiN thin films directly relevant to NbTiN-based superconducting digital circuits.

Bai, Ruiheng [Cornell University] (ORCID:000000025↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evolution of charge correlations in the hole-doped kagome superconductor CsV 3−𝑥⁢ Ti 𝑥 ⁢Sb 5

The interplay between superconductivity and charge correlations in the kagome metal CsV 3⁢ Sb 5 can be tuned by external perturbations such as doping or pressure. Here we present a study of charge correlations and superconductivity upon hole doping via Ti substitution on the V kagome sites in CsV 3−𝑥 ⁢Ti 𝑥 ⁢Sb 5 via synchrotron x-ray diffraction and scanning superconducting quantum interference device measurements. While the superconducting phase, as viewed via the vortex structure, remains conventional and unchanged across the phase diagram, the nature of charge correlations evolves as a function of hole doping from the first superconducting dome into the second superconducting dome. For Ti doping in the first superconducting dome, competing 2×2×2 and 2×2×4 supercells form within the charge density wave state and are suppressed rapidly with carrier substitution. In the second superconducting dome, no charge correlations are detected. Here, comparing these results to those observed for CsV 3 ⁢Sb 5−𝑥 ⁢Sn 𝑥 suggests important differences between hole doping via chemical substitution on the V and Sb sites, particularly in the disorder potential associated with each dopant.

Charge density waves↗
DOE OSTI2020

Complex magnetic order in the decorated spin-chain system Rb 2 Mn 3 ( MoO 4 ) 3 ( OH ) 2

The macroscopic magnetic properties and microscopic magnetic structure of Rb 2 Mn 3 (MoO 4 ) 3 (OH) 2 (space group Pn ma) are investigated by magnetization, heat capacity, and single-crystal neutron diffraction measurements. The compound's crystal structure contains bond-alternating [Mn 3 O 11 ] ∞ chains along the b axis, formed by isosceles triangles of Mn ions occupying two crystallographically nonequivalent sites (the Mn1 site on the base and Mn2 site on the vertex). These chains are only weakly linked to each other by nonmagnetic oxyanions. Both superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry and neutron diffraction experiments show two successive magnetic transitions as a function of temperature. On cooling, it transitions from a paramagnetic phase into an incommensurate phase below 4.5 K with a magnetic wave vector near k 1 = ( 0 , 0.46 , 0 ). An additional commensurate antiferromagnetically ordered component arises with k 2 = ( 0, 0, 0), forming a complex magnetic structure below 3.5 K with two different propagation vectors of different stars. On further cooling, the incommensurate wave vector undergoes a lock-in transition below 2.3 K. The experimental results suggest that the magnetic superspace group is Pnma. 1' (0b0) s0ss for the single- k incommensurate phase and is Pn' m a ( 0 b 0 ) 00 s for the two- k magnetic phase. We propose a simplified magnetic structure model taking into account the major ordered contributions, where the commensurate k 2 defines the ordering of the c-axis component of the Mn1 magnetic moment, while the incommensurate k 1 describes the ordering of the ab -plane components of both Mn1 and Mn2 moments into elliptical cycloids.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Flat bands in the CoSn-type compounds

Quantum interference on the kagome lattice generates electronic bands with narrow bandwidth, called flat bands. Crystal structures incorporating this lattice can host strong electron correlations with nonstandard ingredients, but only if these bands lie at the Fermi level. In the six compounds with the CoSn structure type (FeGe, FeSn, CoSn, NiIn, RhPb, and PtTl) the transition metals form a kagome lattice. The two iron variants are robust antiferromagnets so we focus on the latter four and investigate their thermodynamic and transport properties. We consider these results and calculated band structures to locate and characterize the flat bands in these materials. Finally, we propose that CoSn and RhPb deserve the community's attention for exploring flat-band physics.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Scanning SQUID characterization of extremely overdoped La 2-x Sr x CuO 4

Recently, advances in film synthesis methods have enabled a study of extremely overdoped La 2 - x Sr x Cu O 4 . This has revealed a surprising behavior of the superfluid density as a function of doping and temperature, the explanation of which is vividly debated. One popular class of models posits electronic phase separation, where the superconducting phase fraction decreases with doping, while some competing phase (e.g., ferromagnetic) progressively takes over. A problem with this scenario is that all the way up to the dome edge the superconducting transition remains sharp, according to mutual inductance measurements. However, the physically relevant scale is the Pearl penetration depth Λ P , and this technique probes the sample on a length scale L that is much larger than Λ P . In the present paper, we use local scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements that probe the susceptibility of the sample on the scale L << Λ P . Our SQUID maps show uniform landscapes of susceptibility and excellent overall agreement of the local penetration depth data with the bulk measurements. Overall, these results contribute an important piece to the puzzle of how high-temperature superconductivity vanishes on the overdoped side of the cuprate phase diagram.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Vortex dynamics induced by scanning SQUID susceptometry

In this work, we measured the local magnetic response of a niobium thin film by applying a millitesla-scale AC magnetic field using a micron-scale field coil and detecting the response with a micron-scale pickup loop in a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) susceptometry measurement. Near the film's critical temperature, we observed a steplike nonlinear and dissipative magnetic response due to the dynamics of a small number of vortex-antivortex pairs induced in the film by the local applied AC field. We modeled the dynamics of the measurement using a combined two-dimensional London-Maxwell and time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau approach, allowing us to construct a detailed real-space picture of the vortex motion causing the observed dissipative response. This work pushes scanning SQUID susceptometry of two-dimensional superconductors beyond the regime of linear response and lays the foundation for microscopic studies of vortex dynamics and pinning in superconducting devices and more exotic materials systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Magnetic structure and magnetoelectric effect in the centrosymmetric antiferromagnet Cu 2 ( MoO 4 ) ( SeO 3 )

Magnetic properties of Cu 2 ⁢(MoO 4 )⁢(SeO 3 ), an S = $\frac{1}{2}$ centrosymmetric antiferromagnet (AFM), were investigated using superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, neutron diffraction, and magnetoelectric (ME) measurements. Here, the magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a broad peak at ~50 K, followed by a phase transition into AFM order at T N = 23.6⁢(1) K. Above T N , a fit to the Curie-Weiss law gives a Curie-Weiss temperature Θ CW = -68⁢(1) K, suggesting the dominant AFM coupling. Neutron powder diffraction reveals that the C⁢u 2+ spins are aligned AFM along the c axis with weak noncollinearity under the magnetic space group of P2$^{'}_{1}$/c. The ME response indicates that a nondiagonal component of a ME tensor is active, supporting the simultaneous spatial and time reversal symmetry breaking under P2$^{'}_{1}$/c.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quantum stabilization and flat hydrogen-based bands of nitrogen-doped lutetium hydride

We explore the electronic and structural properties of Lu-H-N structures with specific N,H ordering due to their remarkably narrow hydrogen-based bands at the Fermi level. Although exhibits a classical instability persisting up to 17 GPa, it is anharmonically stable near ambient pressure when accounting for quantum nuclear effects. The presence of flat bands near is understood to arise from destructive quantum interference between and surrounding orbitals, with certain types of defects leaving the flat bands unaffected. The results suggest that if this system is superconducting, there is an optimal pressure near ambient where the superconducting is maximized by anharmonically stabilized low-frequency and nonadiabatically coupled high-frequency hydrogen modes. Despite the metastability of this structure, its dynamical stability when modeled beyond a classical harmonic approach suggests the narrow bands near do not cause structural distortions in certain Lu-H-N stoichiometries.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Transverse spin asymmetries and the electron Yukawa coupling at an FCC-ee

We show that measurements of single transverse-spin asymmetries at an 𝑒 + ⁢𝑒 − collider can enhance the sensitivity to the electron Yukawa coupling, possibly enabling observation of the Standard Model value for this quantity. We demonstrate that the significance in both the 𝑏⁢$\overline{𝑏}$ and semileptonic 𝑊⁢𝑊 final states can be enhanced by factors of up to 3 compared to inclusive cross-section determinations of this coupling for transversely polarized electrons. If the positrons can be simultaneously longitudinally polarized, even at the level of 30%, the significance can be enhanced by a factor of 5 or more. The method utilizes quantum interference between the Higgs signal and the continuum background and is also applicable in other 𝑊⁢𝑊 and 𝑍⁢𝑍 final states.

Phenomenology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Building the case for forward muon detection at a muon collider

We survey the opportunities offered by the detection of the forward muons that accompany the creation of neutral effective vector bosons at a muon collider, in different kinematic regimes. Vectors with relatively low energy produce the Higgs boson and the extended muon angular coverage enables studies of the Higgs properties, such as the measurement of the inclusive production cross section and the branching ratio to invisible final states. New heavy particles could be produced by vectors of higher energy, through Higgs portal interactions. If the new particles are invisible, the detection of the forward muons is essential in order to search for this scenario. The angular correlations of the forward muons are sensitive to the quantum interference between the vector-boson helicity amplitudes and can be exploited for the characterization of vector-boson scattering and fusion processes. This is illustrated by analyzing the C P properties of the Higgs coupling to the Z boson. Our findings provide a physics case and a set of benchmarks for the design of a dedicated forward muon detector. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Ruhdorfer, Maximilian (ORCID:0000000288973223)↗
DOE OSTI2021

Nonclassical Spin Transfer Effects in an Antiferromagnet

We simulate scattering of electrons by a chain of antiferromagnetically coupled quantum Heisenberg spins, to analyze spin-transfer effects not described by the classical models of magnetism. Our simulations demonstrate efficient excitation of dynamical states that would be forbidden by the semiclassical symmetries, such as generation of multiple magnetic excitation quanta by a single electron. Furthermore, quantum interference of spin wave functions enables generation of magnetization dynamics with amplitudes exceeding the transferred magnetic moment. Here, the efficiency of excitation is almost independent of the electron spin polarization, and is governed mainly by the transfer of energy. Nonclassical spin transfer may thus enable efficient electronic control of antiferromagnets not limited by the classical constraints.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

New Structures in the J / ψ J / ψ Mass Spectrum in Proton-Proton Collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search is reported for near-threshold structures in the J / ψ J / ψ invariant mass spectrum produced in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV from data collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 135 fb − 1 . Three structures are found, and a model with quantum interference among these structures provides a good description of the data. A new structure is observed with a local significance above 5 standard deviations at a mass of 6638 − 38 + 43 ( stat ) − 31 + 16 ( syst ) MeV . Another structure with even higher significance is found at a mass of 6847 − 28 + 44 ( stat ) − 20 + 48 ( syst ) MeV , which is consistent with the X ( 6900 ) resonance reported by the LHCb experiment and confirmed by the ATLAS experiment. Evidence for another new structure, with a local significance of 4.7 standard deviations, is found at a mass of 7134 − 25 + 48 ( stat ) − 15 + 41 ( syst ) MeV . Results are also reported for a model without interference, which does not fit the data as well and shows mass shifts up to 150 MeV relative to the model with interference. © 2024 CERN, for the CMS Collaboration 2024 CERN

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Local strain-dependent electronic structure and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of a MnGaN 2D magnetic monolayer

Local strain-dependent spin-polarized electronic structure of a two-dimensional (2D) magnetic layer is an exciting property for practical applications. For example, it holds the promise for advanced ultrathin spintronic nanodevices with customized electronic and magnetic properties by local strain engineering. Here, we demonstrate that the spin-polarized electronic structure of a 2D manganese gallium nitride (MnGaN-2D) magnetic monolayer is sensitive to intrinsic local lattice strain, as proven by first-principles calculations and indicated by scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements. Atomic resolution images reveal a highly non-Gaussian lattice spacing/strain distribution, while the spectroscopy reveals variations in the electronic density of states. Simulations of the MnGaN-2D monolayer based on first-principles calculations, including both isotropic and anisotropic strains, confirm a highly strain-dependent manganese partial density of states. Spin-orbit coupling is included which indicates either out-of-plane perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) or in-plane magnetic anisotropy, dependent on the type of strain whether compressive or tensile, suggesting that MnGaN-2D is magnetoelastic. The MnGaN-2D PMA is further supported by superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry measurements which reveal a high spin polarization of ~ 79 % at room temperature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Scanning SQUID study of ferromagnetism and superconductivity in infinite-layer nickelates

Infinite-layer nickelates R 1-x Sr x NiO 2 (R = La, Pr, Nd) are a class of superconductors with structural similarities to cuprates. Although long-range antiferromagnetic order has not been observed for these materials, magnetic effects such as antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations and spin-glass behavior have been reported. Different experiments have drawn different conclusions about whether the pairing symmetry is s or d wave. In this paper, we applied a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) to probe the magnetic behavior of film samples of three infinite-layer nickelates (La 0.85 Sr 0.15 NiO 2 , Pr 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 , and Nd 0.775 Sr 0.225 NiO 2 ) grown on SrTiO 3 (STO), each with a nominal thickness of 20 unit cells. In all three films, we observed a ferromagnetic background. We also measured the magnetic susceptibility above the superconducting critical temperature in Pr 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 and La 0.85 Sr 0.15 NiO 2 and identified a non-Curie-Weiss dynamic susceptibility. Both magnetic features are likely due to NiO x nanoparticles. We investigated superconductivity in Pr 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 and Nd 0.775 Sr 0.225 NiO 2 , which exhibited inhomogeneous diamagnetic screening. The superfluid density inferred from the diamagnetic susceptibility in relatively homogeneous regions shows T-linear behavior in both samples. Finally, we observed superconducting vortices in Nd 0.775 Sr 0.225 NiO 2 . We determined a Pearl length of 330 µm for Nd 0.775 Sr 0.225 NiO 2 at 300 mK, both from the strength of the diamagnetism and from the size and shape of the vortices. These results highlight the importance of considering NiO x particles when interpreting experimental results for these films.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2026

Weak localization and universal conductance fluctuations in large-area twisted bilayer graphene

We study diffusive magnetotransport in highly 𝑝-doped large-area twisted bilayer graphene in 1∘, 7∘, 9∘, and 20∘ samples. All samples exhibit weak localization, from which we extract the phase coherence length and intervalley scattering lengths, and from that determine that dephasing is caused by electron-electron scattering and intervalley scattering is caused by point defects. We observe signatures of universal conductance fluctuations in the 9∘ sample, which has high mobility and is near the van Hove singularity. Further improvements in sample quality and applications to large-area moiré materials will open new avenues to observe quantum interference effects.

Talkington, Spenser [University of Pennsylvania]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Revealing Fano resonance in the Dirac material ZrTe 5 through Raman scattering

Here, we explore the Fano resonance in ZrTe 5 , using terahertz Raman scattering measurements. We identified two closely spaced B 2⁢g phonon modes, B 2⁢g I and B 2⁢g II, around 9 meV and 11 meV, respectively. Interestingly, only B 2⁢g I exhibited the Fano resonance, an outcome of quantum interference between discrete phonon modes and continuous electronic excitations. This is consistent with the much stronger electron-phonon coupling of B 2⁢g I mode demonstrated by first-principles calculations. Additionally, temperature-dependent measurements highlight an enhanced Fano asymmetry at elevated temperatures, contributed by the thermal renormalization of the band structure and electron-phonon coupling. This study offers insights into the complex interrelation of electron-phonon coupling, thermal effects, and Fano resonances in topological materials.

Cheng, Di [Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA (Unite↗
DOE OSTI2021

Method to create cuprate tunnel junctions with atomically sharp interfaces

In this work, we present a method for producing tunnel junctions from cuprate thin films grown by atomic layer-by-layer molecular beam epitaxy (ALL-MBE). Our approach utilizes microfabrication processing and relies on the atomically precise interfaces provided by the ALL-MBE synthesis technique. The method is suitable for a wide range of junction dimensions and materials and allows for more complex designs such as superconducting quantum interference devices and junction arrays. Fully superconducting electrodes ensure that the contact resistances in the devices created by this method remain very low.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

First flight performance of the Micro-X microcalorimeter X-ray sounding rocket

The flight of the Micro-X sounding rocket on July 22, 2018, marked the first operation of transition-edge sensors and their superconducting quantum interference device readouts in space. Here, the instrument combines the microcalorimeter array with an imaging mirror to take high-resolution spectra from extended X-ray sources. The first flight target was the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant. Although a rocket pointing malfunction led to no time on-target, data from the flight were used to evaluate the performance of the instrument and demonstrate the flight viability of the payload. The instrument successfully achieved a stable cryogenic environment, executed all flight operations, and observed X-rays from the on-board calibration source. The flight environment did not significantly affect the performance of the detectors compared with ground operation. The flight provided an invaluable test of the impact of external magnetic fields and the instrument configuration on detector performance. This flight provides a milestone in the flight readiness of these detector and readout technologies, both of which have been selected for future X-ray observatories.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗