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At least 163 records · Page 9

Anisotropy of Electronic Spin Texture in the High-Temperature Cuprate Superconductor Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ

Seeking new order parameters and the related broken symmetry and studying their relationship with phase transition have been important topics in condensed matter physics. We report by using spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we confirm the helical spin texture caused by spin-layer locking in the nodal region in the cuprate superconductor Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ and discover the anisotropy of spin polarizations at nodes along Γ–X and Γ–Y directions. The breaking of C 4 rotational symmetry in electronic spin texture may give deeper insights into understanding the ground state of cuprate superconductors.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Field Induced Density Wave in a Kagome Superconductor

On the kagome lattice, electrons benefit from the simultaneous presence of band topology, flat electronic bands, and Van Hove singularities, forming competing or cooperating orders. Understanding the interrelation between these distinct order parameters remains a significant challenge, leaving much of the associated physics unexplored. In the kagome superconductor KV 3 Sb 5 , which exhibits a charge density wave (CDW) state below T ≃ 78 K, we uncover an unpredicted field-induced phase transition below 6 K. The observed transition is marked by a hysteretic anomaly in the resistivity, nonlinear electrical transport, and a change in the symmetry of the electronic response as probed via the angular dependence of the magnetoresistivity. These observations surprisingly suggest the emergence of an unanticipated broken symmetry state coexisting with the original CDW. To understand this experimental observation, we developed a theoretical minimal model for the normal state inside the high-temperature parent CDW phase, where an incommensurate CDW order emerges as an instability subleading to superconductivity. Here, the incommensurate CDW emerges when superconducting fluctuations become fully suppressed by large magnetic fields. Our results suggest that, in kagome superconductors, quantum states can either coexist or are nearly degenerate in energy, indicating that these are rich platforms to expose new correlated phenomena.

Charge density waves↗

Decreased Energy Gap and Enhanced Conductivity in Zn-Doped Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4}

The 5d transition metal oxide Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4} has attracted much interest in the high-temperature superconductivity community since it highly resembles the cuprate superconductor in crystal and electronic structures. Here, we report on the transport and magnetic properties of Zn-doped Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4}. It is found that the energy gap of Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4} is rapidly decreased with a small amount of Zn doping. Consequently, the electrical conductivity is significantly enhanced. The present work could serve as the prerequisite stage in exploring the possible superconductivity of the Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4} compound.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Theory of Two-Level Tunneling Systems in Superconductors

We develop a field theory formulation for the interaction of an ensemble of two-level tunneling systems (TLSs) with the electronic states of a superconductor. Predictions for the impact of two-level tunneling systems on superconductivity are presented, including T c and the spectrum of quasiparticle states for conventional BCS superconductors. We show that nonmagnetic TLS impurities in conventional s-wave superconductors can act as pair-breaking or pair-enhancing defects depending on the level population of the distribution of TLS impurities. We present calculations of the enhancement of superconductivity, both T c and the order parameter, for TLS defects in thermal equilibrium with the electrons and lattice. The scattering of quasiparticles by TLS impurities leads to subgap states below the bulk excitation gap, Δ, as well as resonances in the continuum above Δ. The energies and spectral weights of these states depend on the distribution of tunnel splittings, while the spectral weights are particularly sensitive to the level occupation of the TLS impurities. Under microwave excitation, or decoupling from the thermal bath, a nonequilibrium level population of the TLS distribution generates subgap quasiparticle states near the Fermi level that contribute to dissipation and thus degrade the performance of superconducting devices at low temperatures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

An Overview on the Local Atomic Displacements and Electronic Structures in BiS{sub 2}/BiSe{sub 2}-Based Superconductors

Superconductivity with layered structure has attracted intensive research interests due to their exotic superconducting properties. In 2012, a new family of BiS{sub 2}-based superconductor with their desired layered structure has been discovered. Recently, the isostructural superconductor with the substitution of Se for all S ions in BiS{sub 2}-based compounds is recognized as the BiSe{sub 2}-based superconductors. To date, enormous efforts were dedicated to explore the physical properties of this new family. Among them, synchrotron radiation-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) contributed significantly to the understanding of local atomic structure and the electronic structure of BiS{sub 2}/BiSe{sub 2}-based systems. This article reviewed the progresses in the study of the new BiS{sub 2}/BiSe{sub 2}-based materials revealed by the unique technique XAS, including the determination of valence state, local atomic displacements, as well as the different structural distortion between BiS{sub 2}-based and BiSe{sub 2}-based systems. The superconductivity of BiS{sub 2}- and BiSe{sub 2}-based system is indeed intimately related to valence states and local atomic displacements. Further development of microscopic mechanism of superconductivity in BiS{sub 2}/BiSe{sub 2}-based materials requires synergetic endeavors integrating new experimental, numerical, and theoretical techniques.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Sequentially evaporated thin film YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconducting microwave ring resonator

There is great interest in the application of thin film high temperature superconductors in high frequency electronic circuits. A ring resonator provides a good test vehicle for assessing the microwave losses in the superconductor and for comparing films made by different techniques. Ring resonators made of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) have been investigated on LaAlO3 substrates. The superconducting thin films were deposited by sequential electron beam evaporation of Cu, Y, and BaF2 with a post anneal. Patterning of the superconducting film was done using negative photolithography. A ring resonator was also fabricated from a thin gold film as a control. Both resonators had a gold ground plane on the backside of the substrate. The ring resonators' reflection coefficients were measured as a function of frequency from 33 to 37 GHz at temperatures ranging from 20 K to 68 K. The resonator exhibited two resonances which were at 34.5 and 35.7 GHz at 68 K. The resonant frequencies increased with decreasing temperature. The magnitude of the reflection coefficients was in the calculation of the unloaded Q-values. The performance of the evaporated and gold resonator are compared with the performance of a laser ablated YBa2Cu3O(7-x) resonator. The causes of the double resonance are discussed.

Rohrer, Norman J.↗

High-Performance electronics at ultra-low power consumption for space applications: From superconductor to nanoscale semiconductor technology

A detailed review of Sandia's work in ultralow power dissipation electronics for space flight applications, including superconductive electronics, new advances in quantum well structures, and ultra-high purity 3-5 materials, and recent advances in micro-electro-optical-mechanical systems (MEMS) is presented. The superconductive electronics and micromechanical devices are well suited for application in micro-robotics, micro-rocket engines, and advanced sensors.

Duncan, Robert V.↗

Electron-phonon coupling and spin fluctuations in the Ising superconductor NbSe2

Abstract Ising superconductivity, observed in NbSe 2 and similar materials, has generated tremendous interest. Recently, attention was called to the possible role that spin fluctuations (SF) play in this phenomenon, in addition to the dominant electron–phonon coupling (EPC); the possibility of a predominantly triplet state was discussed and led to a conjecture of viable singlet–triplet Leggett oscillations. However, these hypotheses have not been put to a quantitative test. In this paper, we report first principle calculations of the EPC and also estimate coupling with SF, including full momentum dependence. We find that: (1) EPC is strongly anisotropic, largely coming from the $$K-{K}^{{\prime} }$$ K − K ′ scattering, and therefore excludes triplet symmetry even as an excited state; (2) superconductivity is substantially weakened by SF, but anisotropy remains as above; and, (3) we do find the possibility of a Leggett mode, not in a singlet–triplet but in an s ++ – s ± channel.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Strain-controlled evolution of electronic structure indicating topological phase transition in the quasi-one-dimensional superconductor TaSe 3

In this work, we report the signature of a strain-controlled topological phase transition in the electronic structure of a quasione-dimensional superconductor TaSe 3 . Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculation, TaSe 3 is identified to be in a weak topological insulator phase which has topologically nontrivial surface states only at the allowed planes. Under uniaxial tensile strain, a Dirac point and the topological surface state emerge on the originally forbidden ($10\overline{1}$) plane, which demonstrates the transition to a strong topological insulator phase. Our results accomplish the experimental realization of possible topological insulating phases in TaSe 3 and highlight the possibility of coupling the superconductivity with two distinct topological insulating phases in a controllable manner.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Extended Electronic Structure Inhomogeneity Created by Double Chain Layer Defects Surrounding Columnar Tracks in Heavy-Ion Irradiated YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}}.

In YBa2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO), heavy-ion irradiation creates continuous amorphous tracks that are highly effective for vortex pinning. However, the electronic structure landscape of defects and consequently their vortex pinning roles are unclear. Here, we show double chain layer (DCL) defects which intersect the columnar tracks are additionally produced by high energy Pb ion irradiation in YBCO. The DCL defects are similar to 29 nm long, about three times the columnar defect diameter. The electronic structures of the DCL and columnar track defects were determined using atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Results show a decrease in the oxygen and copper content at the interface between the track and the YBCO matrix, resulting in interfacial strain. For the DCL defects, the STEM/EELS study revealed a localized electron doped CuO2 plane next to the DCL defect. The DCL defects thus further extend the electronic inhomogeneity into YBCO.

critical current↗

Electronic Structure and Linhard Function of Iron-Based Superconductor La{sub 0.5−x}Na{sub 0.5 + x}Fe{sub 2}As{sub 2}

We perform theoretical studies of the iron-based superconductor La{sub 0.5−x}Na{sub 0.5 + x}Fe{sub 2}As{sub 2}. Using density functional calculation with virtual crystal approximation, band structures, density of states, and Fermi surfaces are obtained for different La/Na composition by varying x value. Furthermore, the nesting property is also investigated using the Linhard function. Our main findings are as follows: For undoped (x = 0.0) case, the magnetic and electronic structure share great similarities with extensively studied BaFe{sub 2}As{sub 2}. Upon hole doping (x = 0.3), the Q = (π,π) nesting property are preserved. However, upon electron doping (x = -0.3), the Fermi surfaces undergo a dramastic change into 3D and complex structure. We find this change is attributed to the comprehensive influence of band filling and chemical pressure of La{sup 3+}. We propose the asymmetric change of Fermi surfaces upon doping may in some sense explain the electron-hole asymmetry in phase diagram.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Cuprate superconductors as viewed through a striped lens

Understanding the electron pairing in hole-doped cuprate superconductors has been a challenge, in particular because the “normal” state from which it evolves is unprecedented. Now, after three and a half decades of research, involving a wide range of experimental characterizations, it is possible to delineate a clear and consistent cuprate story. It starts with doping holes into a charge-transfer insulator, resulting in in-gap states. Furthermore, these states exhibit a pseudogap resulting from the competition between antiferromagnetic superexchange J between nearest-neighbor Cu atoms (a real-space interaction) and the kinetic energy of the doped holes, which, in the absence of interactions, would lead to extended Bloch-wave states whose occupancy is characterized in reciprocal space. To develop some degree of coherence on cooling, the spin and charge correlations must self-organize in a cooperative fashion.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Edge states and local electronic structure around an adsorbed impurity in a topological superconductor

Recently, topological superconducting states have attracted much interest. In this work, we consider a topological superconductor with Z 2 topological mirror order [Y.-Y. Tai et al., Phys. Rev. B 91, 041111(R) (2015)] and s ± -wave superconducting pairing symmetry, within a two-orbital model originally designed for iron-based superconductivity [Y.-Y. Tai et al., Europhys. Lett. 103, 67001 (2013)]. We predict the existence of gapless edge states. We also study the local electronic structure around an adsorbed interstitial magnetic impurity in the system, and find the existence of low-energy in-gap bound states even with a weak spin polarization on the impurity. We also discuss the relevance of our results to a recent scanning tunneling microscopy experiment on a Fe(Te,Se) compound with an adsorbed Fe impurity [J.-X. Yin et al., Nat. Phys. 11, 543 (2015)], for which our density functional calculations show the Fe impurity is spin polarized.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electronic structure and spatial inhomogeneity of iron-based superconductor FeS

Iron-based superconductor family FeX (X = S, Se, Te) has been one of the research foci in physics and material science due to their record-breaking superconducting temperature (FeSe film) and rich physical phenomena. Recently, FeS, the least studied FeX compound (due to the difficulty in synthesizing high quality macroscopic crystals) attracted much attention because of its puzzling superconducting pairing symmetry. In this work, combining scanning tunneling microscopy and angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) with sub-micron spatial resolution, we investigate the intrinsic electronic structures of superconducting FeS from individual single crystalline domains. Unlike FeTe or FeSe, FeS remains identical tetragonal structure from room temperature down to 5 K, and the band structures observed can be well reproduced by our ab-initio calculations. Remarkably, mixed with the 1 × 1 tetragonal metallic phase, we also observe the coexistence of √5 x √5 reconstructed insulating phase in the crystal, which not only helps explain the unusual properties of FeS, but also demonstrates the importance of using spatially resolved experimental tools in the study of this compound.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗