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At least 811 records · Page 45

Electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of CoAsSb with post-DFT approaches

Here, we study the electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of recently synthesized CoAsSb. The calculated bandgap becomes more accurate for increasingly-complex electronic structure methods: generalized gradient approximation, hybrid functionals, selfconsistent linearized quasiparticle GW method (LQSGW), and LQSGW with simplified vertex corrections. By equating the bandgaps of each method from a rigid shift of the bands, we evaluate the contributions made to thermoelectric properties beyond the bandgap. In doing so, we evaluate the efficacy of a commonpractice: a rigid shift applied to less-costly electronic structure methods in order to gain some accuracy of the more-costly methods. We find that while the shift made the Seebeck coefficients much closer to one another than from the original electronic structures, there remain differences in the Goldsmid-Sharp (thermoelectric) bandgap between the methods and from the intended electronic bandgap. Additionally, some lasting differences in temperature dependence remain between the methods.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Effect of Zn, Ga and Gd Doping on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Nanonickel Ferrite Prepared by Two Different Methods

Zn/Ga/Gd-substituted NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} was formed by solid state reaction and citrate methods. The influence of substitutions on phase formation, the strain, crystallize size, cations distribution and magnetic properties have been examined by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer effect spectrometer, Fourier-transform infrared, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Zn/Ga/Gd substituted NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} samples prepared by solid state method showed that as gadolinium introduced into the system, a second phase was formed with a small percentage while samples prepared by citrate method exhibited a single phase. The distributions of different cations between different sites were determined by both Mössbauer effect spectroscopy, modified Bertaut and Rietveld analysis. Mössbauer technique at room temperature showed that samples synthesized by the ceramic method have a magnetic order while samples prepared by citrate method have a superparamagnetic nature. The canting angle between magnetic ions was increased by increased the amount of Zn in samples prepared by both methods.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Novel synthesis approach for “stubborn” metals and metal oxides

Significance Atomically precise complex oxides containing “stubborn” elements, such as ruthenium, iridium, and platinum, hold tremendous promise as designer quantum materials for exploring novel electronic, magnetic, superconducting, and topological phases owing to their strong spin–orbit interaction. This study shows a method to synthesize such materials by eliminating the major synthesis bottleneck of low vapor pressure and difficulty in oxidation. This study serves as a “proof-of-concept” allowing us to 1) grow Pt, RuO 2 , and SrRuO 3 thin films by supplying Pt and Ru precursors at 65 to 100 °C in a low-temperature effusion cell, as opposed to the several thousand degrees Celsius needed using electron beam evaporators; 2) reveal bulk-like room-temperature resistivity; and 3) ultimately provide pathways to creating atomically precise quantum structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Controlled Fluidization, Mobility, and Clogging in Obstacle Arrays Using Periodic Perturbations

Here, we show that the clogging susceptibility and flow of particles moving through a random obstacle array can be controlled with a transverse or longitudinal ac drive. The flow rate can vary over several orders of magnitude, and we find both an optimal frequency and an optimal amplitude of driving that maximizes the flow. For dense arrays, at low ac frequencies, a heterogeneous creeping clogged phase appears in which rearrangements between different clogged configurations occur. At intermediate frequencies, a high-mobility fluidized state forms, and, at high frequencies, the system reenters a heterogeneous frozen clogged state. These results provide a technique for optimizing flow through heterogeneous media that could also serve as the basis for a particle separation method.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Emergence of the Chern Supermetal and Pair-Density Wave through Higher-Order Van Hove Singularities in the Haldane-Hubbard Model

While advances in electronic band theory have brought to light new topological systems, understanding the interplay of band topology and electronic interactions remains a frontier question. In this work, we predict new interacting electronic orders emerging near higher-order Van Hove singularities present in the Chern bands of the Haldane model. We classify the nature of such singularities and employ unbiased renormalization group methods that unveil a complex landscape of electronic orders, which include ferromagnetism, density waves, and superconductivity. Importantly, we show that repulsive interactions can stabilize the long-sought pair-density-wave state and an exotic Chern supermetal, which is a new class of non-Fermi liquid with anomalous quantum Hall response. Further, this framework opens a new path to explore unconventional electronic phases in two-dimensional chiral bands through the interplay of band topology and higher-order Van Hove singularities.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Thermodynamic properties of a hard/soft-magnetic bilayer model

A model for describing the thermodynamic properties of a hard/soft-magnetic bilayer is proposed and thoroughly studied using the Monte Carlo method. Temperature dependences of the heat capacity, total magnetization, magnetizations of the hard- and soft-magnetic layers, total magnetic susceptibility, and susceptibilities of the hard- and soft-magnetic layers have been calculated by this method in the framework of the proposed model. The obtained temperature dependences of the heat capacity and magnetic susceptibility display double maxima that result from the two phase transitions that take place in the system. The influence of system dimensions on the thermodynamic properties of the model has been considered.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Magnets with stabilized conductors

Method fabricates stabilized composite conductor, for use in construction of magnets, using equal amounts of superconducting and metal materials, thus reducing weight, cost and size.

Jones, C. K.↗

Coupled wave model for large magnet coils

A wave coupled model based on field theory is evolved for analysis of fast electromagnetic transients on superconducting coils. It is expected to play a useful role in the design of protection methods against damage due to high voltages or any adverse effects that might arise from unintentional transients. The significant parameters of the coil are identified to be the turn to turn wave coupling coefficients and the travel time of an electromagnetic disturbance around a single turn. Unlike circuit theoretic inductor, the coil response evolves in discrete steps having durations equal to this travel time. It is during such intervals that high voltages are likely to occur. The model also bridges the gap between the low and high ends of the frequency spectrum.

Gabriel, G. J.↗

Comparison between the magnetic and transport critical current densities in high critical current density melt-textured yttrium barium copper-oxide

Using a recently developed pulsed critical current density (Jc) measuring system, the Jc of the high-Jc melt-textured YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) (Y123) bulk samples has been determined. I-V curves with a voltage resolution of 0.5 microV were obtained, and transport Jc's along the a-b plane as high as 7.2 x 10 to the 4th A/sq cm were extracted. These results are comparable to the values obtained magnetically. On the other hand, transport Jc along the c axis were found to be two orders of magnitude smaller, even though the magnetic Jc along the c axis is only about five times smaller than Jc along the a-b plane. It is suggested that for the high-temperature superconducting materials which are highly anisotropic, caution should be taken when using the nontransport magnetic methods to determine Jc.

Gao, L.↗

A technique to measure the thermal diffusivity of high Tc superconductors

High T(sub c) superconducting electrical current leads and ground straps will be used in cryogenic coolers in future NASA Goddard Space Flight Center missions. These superconducting samples are long, thin leads with a typical diameter of two millimeters. A longitudinal method is developed to measure the thermal diffusivity of candidate materials for this application. This technique uses a peltier junction to supply an oscillatory heat wave into one end of a sample and will use low mass thermocouples to follow the heat wave along the sample. The thermal diffusivity is calculated using both the exponential decay of the heat wave and the phase shift to the wave. Measurements are performed in a cryostat between 10 K and room temperature.

Powers, Charles E.↗

Method and Apparatus of Implementing a Magnetic Shield Flux Sweeper

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of protecting magnetically sensitive devices with a shield, including: a non-superconducting metal or lower transition temperature (T.sub.c) material compared to a higher transition temperature material, disposed in a magnetic field; means for creating a spatially varying order parameter's |.PSI.(r,T)|.sup.2 in a non-superconducting metal or a lower transition temperature material; wherein a spatially varying order parameter is created by a proximity effect, such that the non-superconducting metal or the lower transition temperature material becomes superconductive as a temperature is lowered, creating a flux-free Meissner state at a center thereof, in order to sweep magnetic flux lines to the periphery.

Sadleir, John E.↗

Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations of biaxial-strain-tuned superconductors in pulsed magnetic field up to 60 T

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have gained increasing prominence not only in fundamental research but also in daily applications. However, to fully harness their potential, it is crucial to optimize their properties with an external parameter and track the electronic structure simultaneously. Magnetotransport over a wide magnetic field range is a powerful method to probe the electronic structure and, for metallic 2D materials, quantum oscillations superimposed on the transport signals encode Fermi surface parameters. In this manuscript, we utilize biaxial strain as an external tuning parameter and investigate the effects of strain on the electronic properties of two quasi-2D superconductors, MoTe 2 and RbV 3 Sb 5 , by measuring their magnetoresistance in pulsed magnetic fields up to 60 T. With a careful selection of insulating substrates, we demonstrate the possibility of both the compressive and tensile biaxial strains imposed on MoTe 2 and RbV 3 Sb 5 , respectively. For both systems, the applied strain has led to superconducting critical temperature enhancement compared to their free-standing counterparts, proving the effectiveness of this biaxial strain method at cryogenic temperatures. Clear quantum oscillations in the magnetoresistance—the Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) effect—are obtained in both samples. In strained MoTe 2 , the magnetoresistance exhibits a nearly quadratic dependence on the magnetic field and remains non-saturating even at the highest field, whereas in strained RbV 3 Sb 5 , two SdH frequencies showed a substantial enhancement in effective mass values, hinting at a possible enhancement of charge fluctuations. Our results demonstrate that combining biaxial strain and pulsed magnetic field paves the way for studying 2D materials under unprecedented conditions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations of biaxial-strain-tuned superconductors in pulsed magnetic field up to 60 T

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have gained increasing prominence not only in fundamental research but also in daily applications. However, to fully harness their potential, it is crucial to optimize their properties with an external parameter and track the electronic structure simultaneously. Magnetotransport over a wide magnetic field range is a powerful method to probe the electronic structure and, for metallic 2D materials, quantum oscillations superimposed on the transport signals encode Fermi surface parameters. In this manuscript, we utilize biaxial strain as an external tuning parameter and investigate the effects of strain on the electronic properties of two quasi-2D superconductors, MoTe 2 and RbV 3 Sb 5 , by measuring their magnetoresistance in pulsed magnetic fields up to 60 T. With a careful selection of insulating substrates, we demonstrate the possibility of both the compressive and tensile biaxial strains imposed on MoTe 2 and RbV 3 Sb 5 , respectively. For both systems, the applied strain has led to superconducting critical temperature enhancement compared to their free-standing counterparts, proving the effectiveness of this biaxial strain method at cryogenic temperatures. Clear quantum oscillations in the magnetoresistance—the Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) effect—are obtained in both samples. In strained MoTe 2 , the magnetoresistance exhibits a nearly quadratic dependence on the magnetic field and remains non-saturating even at the highest field, whereas in strained RbV 3 Sb 5 , two SdH frequencies showed a substantial enhancement in effective mass values, hinting at a possible enhancement of charge fluctuations. Our results demonstrate that combining biaxial strain and pulsed magnetic field paves the way for studying 2D materials under unprecedented conditions.

2D materials↗

Real-time evolution of Anderson impurity models via tensor network influence functionals

In this work, we present and analyze two tensor network-based influence functional approaches for simulating the real-time dynamics of quantum impurity models such as the Anderson model. Via comparison with recent numerically exact simulations, we show that such methods accurately capture the long-time nonequilibrium quench dynamics. The two parameters that must be controlled in these tensor network influence functional approaches are a time discretization (Trotter) error and a bond dimension (tensor network truncation) error. We show that the actual numerical uncertainties are controlled by an intricate interplay of these two approximations, which we demonstrate in different regimes. Our work opens the door to using these tensor network influence functional methods as general impurity solvers.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Improved quasiparticle self-consistent electronic band structure and excitons in β – LiGaO 2

The band structure of β–LiGaO 2 is calculated using the quasiparticle self-consistent QSGWˆ method where the screened Coulomb interaction Wˆ is evaluated including electron-hole interaction ladder diagrams and G is the one-electron Green's function. Improved convergence compared to previous calculations leads to a significantly larger band gap of about 7.0 eV. However, exciton binding energies are found to be large and lead to an exciton gap of about 6.0 eV if also a zero-point-motion correction of about –0.4 eV is included. Furthermore, these results are in excellent agreement with recent experimental results on the onset of absorption. Besides the excitons observed thus far, the calculations indicate the existence of a Rydberg-like series of exciton excited states, which is however modified from the classical Wannier exciton model by the anisotropies of the material and the more complex mixing of Bloch states in the excitons resulting from the Bethe-Salpeter equation. The exciton fine structure and the exciton wave functions are visualized and analyzed in various ways.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetic multilayer edges in Bernal-stacked hexagonal boron nitride

Single-layer h-BN is known to have edges with unique magnetism; however, in the commonly fabricated multilayer AA'-h-BN, edge relaxations occur that create interlayer bonds and eliminate the unpaired electrons at the edge. Recently, a robust method of growing the unconventional Bernal-stacked h-BN (AB-h-BN) has been reported. Here, we use theoretical approaches to investigate the nitrogen-terminated zigzag edges in AB-h-BN that can be formed in a controlled fashion using a high-energy electron beam. We find that these "open"edges remain intact in bilayer and multilayer AB-h-BN, enabling researchers potentially to investigate these edge states experimentally. We also investigate the thermodynamics of the spin configurations at the edge by constructing a lattice model that is based on parameters extracted from a set of first-principles calculations. We find that the edge spins in neighboring layers interact very weakly, resulting in a sequence of independent spin chains in multilayer samples. By solving this model using Monte Carlo simulations, we can determine nm-scale correlation lengths at liquid-N 2 temperatures and lower. At low temperatures, these edges may be utilized in magnetoresistance and spintronics applications.

1-dimensional spin chains↗

Magnetic Properties of La-Doped ZnO(0001)–Zn Polar Surface with and without Vacancies: a First-Principle Study

The effects of La doping with and without vacancies on the magnetism of a ZnO(0001)–Zn polar surface were studied using the generalized gradient approximation + U (GGA + U) method of density functional theory to determine the magnetism source of La-doped ZnO. Results revealed that La doping with O vacancy did not cause ZnO ferromagnetism, but La-doped ZnO with Zn vacancy was ferromagnetic. The net magnetic moment was primarily related to the unpaired electron amount of the O 2p state and slightly modified by orbital and anomalous magnetic moments. The anomalous magnetic moment originated from the radiating magnetism moment via quantum electrodynamics and was confirmed to exist via theoretical calculations of magnetism. Formation energy showed that La doping easily generated Zn vacancies in ZnO, but magnetic quenching occurred when the ratio of La ions to Zn vacancies was 2:1. The unpaired O 2p electrons induced by Zn vacancies were the magnetism source of La-doped ZnO. Moreover, the Curie temperature of La-doped ZnO with Zn vacancy reached room temperature. Results showed that the ZnO(0001)–Zn polar surface can be utilized as the surface of ZnO-based diluted magnetic semiconductors because of its unipolarity.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Development of new methods for studying nanostructures using neutron scattering

The goal of this project was to develop improved instrumentation for studying the microscopic structures of materials using neutron scattering. Neutron scattering has a number of advantages for studying material structure but suffers from the well-known disadvantage that neutrons’ ability to resolve structural details is usually limited by the strength of available neutron sources. We aimed to overcome this disadvantage using a new experimental technique, called Spin Echo Scattering Angle Encoding (SESAME) that makes use of the neutron’s magnetism. Our goal was to show that this innovation will allow the country to make better use of the significant investment it has recently made in a new neutron source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and will lead to increases in scientific knowledge that contribute to the Nation’s technological infrastructure and ability to develop advanced materials and technologies. We were successful in demonstrating the technical effectiveness of the new method and established a baseline of knowledge that has allowed ORNL to start a project to implement the method on one of its neutron beam lines.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗