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DOE OSTI2026

Contrasting structural reversibility and magnetic correlations in isostructural honeycomb magnets CrCl3 and 𝛼−RuCl3

We report a comparative neutron single crystal diffraction study of the structural and magnetic properties of layered halides CrCl3 and 𝛼−RuCl3. They host a honeycomb arrangement of transition metal ions with distinct electronic configurations and undergo a first-order structural transition between high-temperature 𝐶⁢2/𝑚 and low-temperature 𝑅⁢‾‾‾3. Both compounds show a step-like change in the 𝑐-lattice parameter across the structure transition. In contrast, the in-plane lattice response is quite different: 𝛼−RuCl3 exhibits an abrupt hysteretic change across the transition accompanied by progressive crystalline degradation upon thermal cycling, whereas CrCl3 shows a smooth in-plane lattice evolution and remains structurally robust. Magnetically, CrCl3 orders into an A-type antiferromagnetic structure at 𝑇𝑁=14 K and exhibits pronounced diffuse magnetic scattering extending up to about 40 K. 𝛼−RuCl3 shows no observable magnetic diffuse scattering above its zigzag antiferromagnetic ordering temperature 𝑇𝑁=7.6 K. These results suggest that the contrasting structural responses arise from an interplay between interlayer sliding energetics, stacking-strain coupling, and elastic accommodation of the stacking transition. The distinct chemical bonding and electronic configurations of the two compounds provide a microscopic basis for their different lattice responses to the structure transition and magnetic correlations.

Morgan, Zachary [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000243625911)↗

DOE OSTI2026

Magnetic order in the van der Waals magnet VCl 3

Here, we investigated the structural and magnetic properties of single-crystalline VCl 3 , a newly synthesized member of the vanadium trihalide family. High-quality single crystals were grown by the chemical vapor transport method, and their behavior was characterized using neutron diffraction and thermodynamic measurements. We show that VCl 3 crystallizes in the BiI 3 -type structure at room temperature and undergoes a structural phase transition at 𝑇 𝑆 = 103.7⁢(5)⁢K that lowers the lattice symmetry, followed by a zigzag antiferromagnetic order with a propagation vector 𝑘 = (0,0.5,1) below 𝑇 𝑁 = 21.8⁢(1)⁢K. Neutron diffraction experiments indicate that the ordered moments are canted by approximately 21° away from the 𝑐 axis toward the 𝑎 axis, yielding a total moment of approximately 1.09⁢(2) ⁢𝜇 B /V 3+ . Field-dependent magnetization along the 𝑐 axis exhibits a half magnetization plateau, indicative of a field-stabilized fractional state. These results establish VCl 3 as a new platform for exploring structural transitions, anisotropic magnetism, and field-induced phases in vanadium-based honeycomb magnets.

Kao, Zeyu [Fudan Univ., Shanghai (China)]↗

DOE OSTI2022

Observation of quenching-induced magnetic flux trapping using a magnetic field and temperature mapping system

Highly efficient superconducting radio-frequency cavities exhibit low heat loss and are used as components in accelerators and superconducting devices due to their high Q-values. The precise location of magnetic flux trapping in cavities is necessary to identify its effects on the performance of superconducting cavities. In this study, we report a new combined mapping system to measure the temperature and magnetic field on the equator. The proposed system comprehensively maps local magnetic field changes as magnetic flux trapping due to quenching. Our experimental results show that magnetic flux trapping due to quenching increases the local surface resistance of superconducting cavities at 2 K. Thus, the proposed system elucidates the relationship between local flux trapping due to quenching and surface resistance in superconducting cavities and highlights the effect of quenching on the surface resistance. This system can aid in the development of superconducting cavities with higher Q values.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2018

Robust non-Abelian spin liquid and a possible intermediate phase in the antiferromagnetic Kitaev model with magnetic field

In this work, we investigate the non-Abelian topological chiral spin-liquid phase in the two-dimensional Kitaev honeycomb model subject to a magnetic field. By combining density matrix renormalization group and exact diagonalization we study the energy spectra, entanglement, topological degeneracy, and expectation values of Wilson loop operators, allowing for a robust characterization. While the ferromagnetic Kitaev spin liquid is already destroyed by a weak magnetic field with Zeeman energy $H^{FM}_\ast ≈ 0.02$, the antiferromagnetic (AFM) spin liquid remains robust up to a magnetic field that is an order of magnitude larger, $H^{AFM}_\ast ≈ 0.2$. Interestingly, for larger fields $H^{AFM}_\ast < H < H^{AFM}_{\ast\ast}$, an intermediate gapless phase is observed, before a second transition to the high-field partially polarized paramagnet. We attribute this rich phase diagram, and the remarkable stability of the chiral topological phase in the AFM Kitaev model, to the interplay of strong spin-orbit coupling and frustration enhanced by the magnetic field. Our findings suggest relevance to recent experiments on RuCl 3 under magnetic fields.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2018

Probing short-range magnetic order in a geometrically frustrated magnet by means of the spin Seebeck effect

The spin Seebeck effect (SSE) is a phenomenon where a spin current is generated from thermal excitations in magnetic materials. It is believed that magnetic long-range order (LRO) is not required for SSE, while short-ranged order (SRO) plays an important role. However, a definitive experimental demonstration of the connection between the SSE and SRO has been missing. Here, we show that the SSE is able to probe a specific SRO in a model geometrically frustrated magnet Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 (GGG). A field-induced SRO in GGG is detected by the SSE in the temperature range 2-5 K. The origin of the SRO is verified by comparing the SSE data directly to existing neutron scattering measurements at much lower temperatures (T < 0.9 K), where field-induced LRO exists. Our theoretical calculations of the magnetic structure further confirm the anisotropic field dependence of the SRO in GGG. Furthermore, these findings establish that the SSE can serve as an effective probe of SRO in geometrically frustrated magnets.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

Magnetized neutral 2SC color superconductivity and possible origin of the inner magnetic field of magnetars

In this paper, the neutral 2SC phase of color superconductivity is investigated in the presence of a magnetic field and for diquark coupling constants and baryonic densities that are expected to characterize neutron stars. Specifically, the behavior of the charged gluons Meissner masses is investigated in the parameter region of interest, taking into account, in addition, the contribution of a rotated magnetic field. It is found that up to moderately high diquark coupling constants the mentioned Meissner masses become tachyonic independently of the applied magnetic-field amplitude, hence signalizing the chromomagnetic instability of this phase. To remove the instability, the restructuring of the system ground state is proposed, which now will be formed by vortices of the rotated charged gluons. These vortices boost the applied magnetic field, having the most significant increase for relatively low applied magnetic fields. Finally, considering that with the stellar rotational frequency observed for magnetars a field of the order of 10 8 G can be generated by dynamo effect, we show that by the boosting effect just described the field can be amplified to 10 17 G that is in the range of inner core fields expected for magnetars. Thus, we conclude that the described mechanism could be the one responsible for the large fields characterizing magnetars if the cores of these compact objects are formed by neutral 2SC matter. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Yuan, Shuai↗

DOE OSTI2020

Time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau treatment of rf magnetic vortices in superconductors: Vortex semiloops in a spatially nonuniform magnetic field

We apply time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) numerical simulations to study the finite frequency electrodynamics of superconductors subjected to an intense rf magnetic field. Much recent TDGL work has focused on spatially uniform external magnetic fields and largely ignores the Meissner state screening response of the superconductor. In this paper, we solve the TGDL equations for a spatially nonuniform magnetic field created by a point magnetic dipole in the vicinity of a semi-infinite superconductor. A two-domain simulation is performed to accurately capture the effect of the inhomogeneous applied fields and the resulting screening currents. The creation and dynamics of vortex semiloops penetrating deep into the superconductor domain are observed and studied, and the resulting third-harmonic nonlinear response of the sample is calculated. Further, the effect of pointlike defects on vortex semi-loop behavior is also studied. This simulation method will assist our understanding of the limits of superconducting response to intense rf magnetic fields.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2018

Revealing the Nature of the Ultrafast Magnetic Phase Transition in Ni by Correlating Extreme Ultraviolet Magneto-Optic and Photoemission Spectroscopies

By correlating time- and angle-resolved photoemission and time-resolved transverse- magnetooptical Kerr effect measurements, both at extreme ultraviolet wavelengths, we uncover the universal nature of the ultrafast photoinduced magnetic phase transition in Ni. This allows us to explain the ultrafast magnetic response of Ni at all laser fluences - from a small reduction of the magnetization at low laser fluences, to complete quenching at high laser fluences. In this work, both probe methods exhibit the same demagnetization and recovery timescales. The spin system absorbs the energy required to proceed through a magnetic phase transition within 20 fs after the peak of the pump pulse. However, the spectroscopic signatures of demagnetization of the material appear only after ≈ 200 fs, and subsequent recovery of the magnetization on timescales ranging from 500 fs to >70 ps. We also provide evidence of two competing channels with two distinct timescales in the recovery process, that suggest the presence of coexisting phases in the material.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2020

Changes of Magnetism in a Magnetic Insulator due to Proximity to a Topological Insulator

We report here the modification of magnetism in a magnetic insulator Y 3 Fe 5 O 12 thin film by topological surface states (TSS) in an adjacent topological insulator Bi 2 Se 3 thin film. Ferromagnetic resonance measurements show that the TSS in Bi2Se3 produces a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, results in a decrease in the gyromagnetic ratio, and enhances the damping in Y 3 Fe 5 O 12 . Such TSS-induced changes become more pronounced as the temperature decreases from 300 to 50 K. These results suggest a completely new approach for control of magnetism in magnetic thin films.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2019

Effect of Ge substitution on magnetic properties in the itinerant chiral magnet MnSi

We have investigated the effect of Ge substitution on the magnetic ordering in the B20 itinerant chiral magnet MnSi prepared by melting and annealing under ambient pressure. From a metallurgical survey, the solubility limit of Ge was found to be x = 0.144(5) with annealing temperature T an = 1073 K. Magnetization measurements on MnSi 1–x Ge x samples show that the helical ordering temperature T c increases rapidly in the low-x range, whereas it becomes saturated at higher concentration x > 0.1. Here, the Ge substitution also increases both the saturation magnetization M s and the critical field to the fully polarized state H c2 . In contrast to the saturation behavior of T c , those parameters increase linearly up to the highest Ge concentration investigated. In the temperature-magnetic field phase diagram, we found enlargement of the skyrmion phase region for large x samples. We, furthermore, observed the nonlinear behavior of helical modulation vector k as a function of Ge concentration, which can be described qualitatively using the mean field approximation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2026

Hybridized kagome bands and induced Ti magnetism in RTi3Bi4 (R = Nd, Sm, Gd) kagome metals studied using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism

Kagome materials are known for hosting emergent quantum phenomena driven by the interaction between different lattice, charge and spin orders. Here, we present a detailed angle resolved photoemission (ARPES), density functional theory (DFT) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) study of the electronic and magnetic structure of RTi3Bi4 (R = Nd, Sm, Gd). ARPES and DFT demonstrate that the bulk electronic band structure is dominated by the hybridization of the Ti bands, and the weak electron-like pocket at Γ is identified as a surface state. The isotropic XAS profile of the M 4,5-edge of the rare earth is consistent with the presence of R 3+ oxidation state. Using the XMCD sum rules, backed by the atomic multiplet theory calculations, we obtain the spin and orbital magnetic moments. The Ti L2,3-edge XMCD reveals the presence of a small magnetic moment in GdTi3Bi4, presumably driven by the proximity of the Ti kagome layers to the zigzag chains of Gd, while the total magnetic moment of Gd is shared by the f and d electrons. Our combined XMCD, ARPES and DFT study brings an important piece of information to understand the spin flip transitions and anomalous Hall effect observed in the RTi3Bi4 kagome metals.

Lim, C.↗

DOE OSTI2018

From one to three, exploring the rungs of Jacob’s ladder in magnetic alloys

Magnetic systems represent an important challenge for electronic structure methods, in particular Density Functional Theory (DFT), which uses a single determinant wavefunction. To assess the predictions obtained by DFT in this type of materials, we benchmark different exchange correlation functionals with respect to each other, and with respect to available experimental data, on two families of binary iron alloys which are metallic and magnetic. We climb three rungs in Jacob’s ladder of DFT (i) the local density approximation, (ii) the industry standard approximation due to Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof, and the revised version for solids, PBEsol (iii) and finally a very accurate meta-GGA functional SCAN, which corresponds to the third rung. More than 350 structures in ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic configurations were considered. We compare the Convex Hull, the calculated magnetic moment, crystal structure, formation energy and electronic gap if present. We conclude that none of the functionals work in all conditions: whereas PBE and PBEsol can give a fair description of the crystal structure and the energetics, SCAN strongly overestimates the formation energy – giving values which are at least twice as large as PBE (and experiment). Magnetic moments are better predicted by PBE as well. Finally, our results show that magnetic and strongly correlated materials are a tough litmus test for DFT, and that they represent the next frontier in the development of a truly universal exchange correlation functionals.

Romero, Aldo H.↗

DOE OSTI2019

Collaborative Research: The evolution of magnetic skeletons during 3D magnetic reconnection. Final Technical Report

The goals of this project were to investigate magnetic field evolution during 3D magnetic reconnection; begin development of an open source Python package for plasma research and education; advise students on research projects related to magnetic reconnection; and organize a conference session on diversity, equity, and inclusion in plasma physics. The principal investigator advanced an analytical theory to describe the ideal and non-ideal motion of the magnetic field lines that connect two magnetic null points; led development of the PlasmaPy package through version 0.2.0; directly advised two students; and is co-organizing a town hall on diversity, equity, and inclusion at a major plasma physics conference.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2019

The Interplay of Magnetically Dominated Turbulence and Magnetic Reconnection in Producing Nonthermal Particles

Magnetized turbulence and magnetic reconnection are often invoked to explain the nonthermal emission observed from a wide variety of astrophysical sources. By means of fully kinetic 2D and 3D particle-in-cell simulations, we investigate the interplay between turbulence and reconnection in generating nonthermal particles in magnetically dominated (or, equivalently, “relativistic”) pair plasmas. A generic by-product of the turbulence evolution is the generation of a nonthermal particle spectrum with a power-law energy range. The power-law slope p is harder for larger magnetizations and stronger turbulence fluctuations, and it can be as hard as p ≲ 2. The Larmor radius of particles at the high-energy cutoff is comparable to the size l of the largest turbulent eddies. Plasmoid-mediated reconnection, which self-consistently occurs in the turbulent plasma, controls the physics of particle injection. Then, particles are further accelerated by stochastic scattering off turbulent fluctuations. The work done by parallel electric fields—naturally expected in reconnection layers—is responsible for most of the initial energy increase and is proportional to the magnetization σ of the system, while the subsequent energy gain, which dominates the overall energization of high-energy particles, is powered by the perpendicular electric fields of turbulent fluctuations. The two-stage acceleration process leaves an imprint in the particle pitch-angle distribution: lowenergy particles are aligned with the field, while the highest-energy particles move preferentially orthogonal to it. The energy diffusion coefficient of stochastic acceleration scales as Dγ ~ 0.1σ( c/l ) γ 2 , where γ is the particle Lorentz factor. This results in fast cceleration timescales t acc ~ (3 /σ)l/c . Our findings have important implications for understanding the generation of nonthermal particles in high-energy astrophysical sources.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Demonstrating magnetic field robustness and reducing temporal T1 noise in transmon qubits through magnetic field engineering

The coherence of superconducting transmon qubits is often disrupted by fluctuations in the energy relaxation time (T1), limiting their performance for quantum computing. While background magnetic fields can be harmful to superconducting devices, we demonstrate that both trapped magnetic flux and externally applied static magnetic fields can suppress temporal fluctuations in T1 without significantly degrading its average value or qubit frequency. Using a three-axis Helmholtz coil system, we applied calibrated magnetic fields perpendicular to the qubit plane during cooldown and operation. Remarkably, transmon qubits based on tantalum-capped niobium (Nb/Ta) capacitive pads and aluminum-based Josephson junctions (JJs) maintained T1 lifetimes near 300 μs even when cooled in fields as high as 600 mG. Both trapped flux up to 600 mG and applied fields up to 400 mG reduced T1 fluctuations by more than a factor of two, while higher field strengths caused rapid coherence degradation. We attribute this stabilization to the polarization of paramagnetic impurities, the role of trapped flux as a sink for non-equilibrium quasiparticles (QPs), and partial saturation of fluctuating two-level systems (TLSs). These findings challenge the conventional view that magnetic fields are inherently detrimental and introduce a strategy for mitigating noise in superconducting qubits, offering a practical path toward more stable and scalable quantum systems.

Abdisatarov, Bektur [Fermilab; Jefferson Lab]↗

DOE OSTI2018

Ion heating and magnetic flux pile-up in a magnetic reconnection experiment with super-Alfvénic plasma inflows

This work presents a magnetic reconnection experiment in which the kinetic, magnetic and thermal properties of the plasma each play an important role in the overall energy balance and structure of the generated reconnection layer. Magnetic reconnection occurs during the interaction of continuous and steady flows of super-Alfvénic, magnetized, aluminum plasma, which collide in a geometry with two-dimensional symmetry, producing a stable and long-lasting reconnection layer. Optical Thomson scattering measurements show that when the layer forms, ions inside the layer are more strongly heated than electrons, reaching temperatures of $T_i \sim \bar Z_e > \sim 300 eV$ – much greater than can be expected from strong shock and viscous heating alone. Later in time, as the plasma density in the layer increases, the electron and ion temperatures are found to equilibrate, and a constant plasma temperature is achieved through a balance of the heating mechanisms and radiative losses of the plasma. Measurements from Faraday rotation polarimetry also indicate the presence of significant magnetic field pile-up occurring at the boundary of the reconnection region, which is consistent with the super-Alfvénic velocity of the inflows.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2018

Analysis of the short to-ground event in the LARP-AUP MQXFAP1 magnet, and its implication on the production and tests of the series magnets

Starting from 2022, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN will be shut down to increase the luminosity of the machine. One of the main interventions will be inserting more performing low-β quadrupoles, called MQXF, in the interaction points. The US is involved in this activity with the US HL-LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project (AUP), and is responsible of the production and test of the Q1 and Q3 cryo-assemblies (each one containing two 4.2-m magnets in a single cold mass) of the triplet. After completing the US short model phase, the prototyping phase has started with MQXFAP1 (1st prototype, 4m long) test at the Brookhaven National Laboratory vertical test facility. However, after the magnet reached nominal current, a short-to-ground event stopped the test when the magnet was at 97.5% of acceptance current. In this paper, an analysis of this event is presented. We present how the short event can be modeled, and we base our conclusions on simulations and experimental evidence, trying to explain the mechanism that led to the shortto- ground formation. The short-to-ground has occurred in a coil that was known to have a previous coil-to-heater short. Therefore, we explain the connection between these two events, the possible risks for the future magnets, and how to prevent this issue from happening again in the series magnets.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2020

System and method for measuring fluid properties using magnetic field techniques via magnetic tracer

A method and apparatus for determining a property of a fluid in a vessel. The method uses magnetic tracer particles and an externally applied magnetic field which orients the particles. When the fluid moves, it changes the orientation of the tracer particles, thus changing the magnetic fields. These changes are detected by external magnetic field sensors. By using mathematical models, the property of the fluid in the vessel is determined from the detected magnetic field. In this manner, fluid vorticity, velocity, strain and stress may be estimated.

42 ENGINEERING↗