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2003-10-23
Correlation between the Extraordinary Hall Effect and Resistivity
We study the contribution of different types of scattering sources to the extraordinary Hall effect. Scattering by magnetic nano-particles embedded in normal-metal matrix, insulating impurities in magnetic matrix, surface scattering and temperature dependent scattering are experimentally tested. Our new data, as well as previously published results on a variety of materials, are fairly interpreted by a simple modification of the skew scattering model.
0310551v1
2003-12-29
La0.95Sr0.05CoO3: An efficient room-temperature thermoelectric oxide
We present measurements of electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity and thermopower of polycrystalline Sr-doped LaCoO3 with composition La0.95Sr0.05CoO3. Our data show that the investigated compound exhibits a very respectable room temperature thermoelectric figure of merit value of 0.18. Our results not only show that oxides are promising candidates for thermoelectric cooling applications, but also point towards the need for careful theoretical calculations that will serve as a guide in producing the next generation of thermoelectric materials.
0312670v1
2004-01-06
Superstructure, sodium ordering and antiferromagnetism in NaxCoO2 (0.75<x<1.0)
Transmission-electron-microscopy investigation reveals the presence of a superstructure with a doubled period of 2d110 in the NaxCoO2 materials for x ranging from 0.75 to 1.0. Systematic analyses suggest that this superstructure in general appears just below a phase transition which could yield an anomalous kink in resistivity. We herein interpret this superstructure in terms of sodium ordering occurring at low temperatures. Measurements of magnetic susceptibility for all NaxCoO2 (0.75<x<1.0) materials show an antiferromagetic state with Neel temperature TN~4K.
0401052v1
2004-09-15
Drying model for porous material based on the dynamics of the evaporation front
A receding-front model for drying of porous material is proposed that explains their drying-rate curves based on the dynamics of the evaporation front. The falling-rate regime is attributed to the slowing down of the front's propagation inside the medium due to the resistance offered by the disorder generated by porosity. The model is solved numerically and the resulting drying-rate curve is obtained for the falling-rate period. The curve shows a linear behavior at early times in conformance with experiment.
0409384v1
2004-10-20
Spin-polarized transport through carbon nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) belong to the most promising new materials which can in the near future revolutionize the conventional electronics. When sandwiched between ferromagnetic electrodes, the CNT behaves like a spacer in conventional spin-valves, leading quite often to a considerable giant magneto-resistance effect (GMR). This paper is devoted to reviewing some topics related to electron correlations in CNT. The main attention however is directed to the following effects essential for electron transport through nanotubes: (i) nanotube/electrode coupling and (ii) inter-tube interactions.It is shown that these effects may account for some recent experimental reports on GMR, including those on negative (inverse) GMR.
0410507v1
2005-11-25
Decoupled magnetic and electrical switching in manganite trilayer
We report magnetic and electrical transport studies of an epitaxially grown trilayer thin film structure comprising La0.59Ca0.41MnO3 sandwiched between La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 electrodes. Since La0.59Ca0.41MnO3 lies at the edge of the thin film ferromagnetic metallic phase field, phase separation effects are expected. These effects can explain the observed magnetic isotropy of the middle layer. By contrast, the electrode material is magnetically uniaxial. Easy axis magnetic field sweeps of the trilayer produce two sharp magnetic transitions, but only one sharp transition in current-in-plane resistance measurements.
0511632v1
2005-12-08
Charge order in photosensitive Bi0.4Ca0.6MnO3 films
We report structural and electronic characterization of the charge order phase in Bi0.4Ca0.6MnO3 films, in which photoinduced resistivity changes have been observed at temperatures approaching room temperature. In all films, lattice distortions associated with the charge order are observed, and both the wavevectors and displacements of the distortions are in the plane of the film. Films under compressive and tensile strain are observed to have different resonant x-ray scattering characteristics-- a result that may shed light on the mechanism responsible for the photosensitivity exhibited by this material.
0512179v1
2006-03-21
Effect of rolling on dissipation in fault gouge
Sliding and rolling are two outstanding deformation modes in granular media. The first one induces frictional dissipation whereas the latter one involves deformation with negligible resistance. Using numerical simulations on two-dimensional shear cells, we investigate the effect of the grain rotation on the energy dissipation and the strength of granular materials under quasistatic shear deformation. Rolling and sliding are quantified in terms of the so-called Cosserat rotations. The observed spontaneous formation of vorticity cells and clusters of rotating bearings may provide an explanation for the long standing heat flow paradox of earthquake dynamics.
0603542v1
2006-06-20
Resonant Tunneling Magneto Resistance in Coupled Quantum Wells
A three barrier resonant tunneling structure in which the two quantum wells are formed by a dilute magnetic semiconductor material (ZnMnSe) with a giant Zeeman splitting of the conduction band is theoretically investigated. Self-consistent numerical simulations of the structure predict giant magnetocurrent in the resonant bias regime as well as significant current spin polarization for a considerable range of applied biases.
0606531v2
2006-08-07
Structure and Function of Window Glass and Pyrex
Window glass is a ternary mixture, while pyrex (after window glass, the most common form of commercial glass) is a quaternary. Building on our previous success in deriving the composition of window glass (sodium calcium silicate) without adjustable parameters, and borrowing from known reconstructed crystalline surfaces, we model pyrex as silica clusters with a specific ternary interface. Our global model explains the thermal expansivity contours of ternary sodium borosilicates, and it is consistent with the optimized resistance of pyrex to mechanical and thermal shocks. It suggests new directions for studying the nanoscopic structure of these remarkable materials.
0608157v2
2006-08-28
A Novel Pyrochlore Ruthenate: Ca2Ru2O7
Single crystals of a novel ruthenate, Ca2Ru2O7, were obtained. An X-ray diffraction study on a single crystal revealed that this material crystallizes in a pyrochlore structure with a lattice parameter, a = 10.197 Angstroms. The magnetic susceptibility above 30 K is the summation of a Curie-Weiss contribution and a constant term independent of temperature. The effective moment per Ru atom is only 0.36 Bohr magnetons, one order of magnitude smaller than that expected from a localized spin model with S=3/2 for Ru5+. Below 23 K, the localized spins freeze in a spin-glass state. The resistivity at room temperature is 2E-3 Ohm cm, comparable to that in metallic, highly correlated oxides.}
0608593v1
2006-08-30
Electromagnetic shielding with polypyrrole-coated fabrics
Several shielding applications, to protect human health and electronic devices against dangerous effects of electromagnetic radiation, require solutions that fabrics can suitably fulfill. Here, we will investigate the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of polypyrrole-coated polyester textiles, in the frequency range 100-1000 MHz. Insertion losses for several conductive fabrics with different surface resistivity ranging from 40 Ohm till the very low value of 3 Ohm were evaluated with a dual-tem cell. Correlations between the shielding effectiveness and the conductivity of composites are also discussed.
0608664v1
2007-03-19
Understanding the Branly effect
At the end of the nineteenth century \'{E}douard Branly discovered that the electrical resistance of a granular metallic conductor could drop by several orders of magnitude when excited by the electromagnetic field emitted by an electrical spark. Despite the fact that this effect has been used to detect radio waves in the early times of wireless telegraphy and more recently studied in the field of granular materials, no satisfactory explanation of the physical origin of the effect has been given yet. In this contribution we propose to relate the Branly effect to the induced tunnelling effect first described by Fran\c{c}ois Bardou and Dominique Boos\'{e}.
0703495v1
2007-04-09
Electron Transport in Nanogranular Ferromagnets
We study electronic transport properties of ferromagnetic nanoparticle arrays and nanodomain materials near the Curie temperature in the limit of weak coupling between the grains. We calculate the conductivity in the Ohmic and non-Ohmic regimes and estimate the magnetoresistance jump in the resistivity at the transition temperature. The results are applicable for many emerging materials, including artificially self-assembled nanoparticle arrays and a certain class of manganites, where localization effects within the clusters can be neglected.
0704.1167v2
2007-07-06
Thermal rectification and negative differential thermal resistance in lattices with mass gradient
We study thermal properties of one dimensional(1D) harmonic and anharmonic lattices with mass gradient. It is found that the temperature gradient can be built up in the 1D harmonic lattice with mass gradient due to the existence of gradons. The heat flow is asymmetric in the anharmonic lattices with mass gradient. Moreover, in a certain temperature region the {\it negative differential thermal resistance} is observed. Possible applications in constructing thermal rectifier and thermal transistor by using the graded material are discussed.
0707.0977v1
2008-03-28
On the electronic structure of the charge-ordered phase in epitaxial and polycrystalline La1-xCaxMnO3 (x = 0.55, 0.67) perovskite manganites
In this work the charge transport properties of charge ordered (CO) La1-xCaxMnO3 (LCMO) (x= 0.55, 0.67) epitaxial thin films and polycrystals are discussed following the recent controversy of localised electron states vs. weakly or de- localised charge density wave (CDW) states in CO manganites. The transport properties were investigated by current vs. voltage, direct current resistivity vs. temperature, local activation energy vs. temperature, magnetoresistance and admittance spectroscopy measurements, which all indicated a localised electronic structure in the single CO phase. Delocalised charge anomalies observed previously may be restricted to phase separated materials.
0803.4157v1
2008-11-02
Deposition of Diamond-like Carbon films using Dense Plasma Focus
Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) films were deposited on quartz substrates using Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) method. The formation of ${\rm sp^3}$ bonds as is it's content in the film strongly depends on the substrate and it seems quartz is not a suitable substrate. However, we report here the formation of DLC films on quartz substrates that were maintained at elevated temperatures and show the content of carbon atoms with ${\rm sp^3}$ bonds in the film is directly proportional to the substrate's temperature. Not only does this give good control of film fabrication, but also shows how to take advantage of DLC film's anti-wear, scratch resistant properties on material surfaces that require protection.
0811.0162v1
2009-05-03
Magnetic state electrical readout of Mn12 molecules
We demonstrate that the different magnetic states of a Mn12 molecule can be distinguished in a two-probe transport experiment from a complete knowledge of the current-voltage curve. Our results, obtained with state-of-the-art non-equilibrium transport methods combined with density functional theory, demonstrate that spin configuration-specific negative differential resistances (NDRs) appear in the I-V curves. These originate from the interplay between electron localization and the re-hybridization of the molecular levels in an external electric field and allow the detection of the molecule's spin-state.
0905.0281v1
2010-04-10
Extremely Low Drift in Amorphous Phase Change Nanowire Materials
Time-dependent drift of resistance and threshold voltage in phase change memory (PCM) devices is of concern as it leads to data loss. Electrical drift in amorphous chalcogenides has been argued to be either due to electronic or stress relaxation mechanisms. Here we show that drift in amorphized Ge2Sb2Te5 nanowires with exposed surfaces is extremely low in comparison to thin-film devices. However, drift in stressed nanowires embedded under dielectric films is comparable to thin-films. Our results shows that drift in PCM is due to stress relaxation and will help in understanding and controlling drift in PCM devices.
1004.1695v1
2010-06-30
Control of the structural and magnetic properties of perovskite oxide ultrathin films through the substrate symmetry effect
Perovskite transition-metal oxides are networks of corner-sharing octahedra whose tilts and distortions are known to affect their electronic and magnetic properties. We report calculations on a model interfacial structure to avoid chemical influences and show that the symmetry mismatch imposes an interfacial layer with distortion modes that do not exist in either bulk material, creating new interface properties driven by symmetry alone. Depending on the resistance of the octahedra to deformation, the interface layer can be as small as one unit cell or extend deep into the thin film.
1006.5758v1
2011-05-25
Non-Gaussian resistance noise in the ferromagnetic insulating state of a hole doped manganite
We report the observation of a large 1/f noise in the ferromagnetic insulating state (FMI) of a hole doped manganite single crystal of La0.80Ca0.20MnO3 which manifests hopping conductivity in presence of a Coulomb gap. The temperature dependent noise magnitude shows a deep within the FMI state, there is a sharp freeze out of the noise magnitude with temperature on cooling. As the material enters the FMI state, the noise becomes non-Gaussian as seen through probability density function and second spectra. It is proposed to arise from charge fluctuations in a correlated glassy phase of the polaronic carriers which develop in these systems as reported in recent simulation studies.
1105.5079v1
2013-12-03
Doped Polyaniline: A Possible Anode for Organic Electronics
Polymer based printable organic thin film transistor (OTFT) is a viable low cost alternative to amorphous silicon based thin film transistors and possesses light-weight and flexibility advantage. In this paper, we report on the hole injecting properties of doped PANI in OLED devices using it as an anode. From these results we conclude that hole doped PANI layers can be used as a low contact resistance source and drain electrode material for polymer OTFTs.
1312.0737v1
2013-12-28
Understanding Branly's effect through Induced Tunnelling
At the end of the nineteenth century \'Edouard Branly discovered that the electrical resistance of a granular metallic conductor could drop by several orders of magnitude when excited by the electromagnetic field emitted by a distant electrical spark [ ]. Despite the fact that this effect was used to detect radio waves in the early days of wireless telegraphy and more recently, studied in the field of granular materials, no satisfactory explanation of the physical origin of the effect has been proposed. In this contribution, we relate the Branly effect to the induced tunnelling effect first described by Fran\c{c}ois Bardou and Dominique Boos\'e [ ].
1312.7464v2
2014-05-08
Inverse spin Hall effect in a closed loop circuit
We present measurements of inverse spin Hall effects (ISHEs) in which the conversion of a spin current into a charge current via the ISHE is detected not as a voltage in a standard open circuit but directly as the charge current generated in a closed loop. The method is applied to the ISHEs of Bi-doped Cu and Pt. The derived expression of ISHE for the loop structure can relate the charge current flowing into the loop to the spin Hall angle of the SHE material and the resistance of the loop.
1405.2100v2
2014-09-23
Negative differential resistance: another banana?
Just like the artefact found in ferroelectric hysteresis loops, the nearly identical NDR effect shown in Sr3Co2Fe24O41, TiO2, Al2O3, glass and even banana skins is confirmed to be a kind of water behavior. The combination of water induced tunneling effect, water decomposition and absorption plays a crucial role in the NDR effect. The results and mechanism demonstrated here illustrate that much attention should be paid to the chemical environment when studying electrical properties of materials / devices.
1409.6438v1
2015-01-13
The Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Magnetoresistant Nd1-xSrxMnAsO Oxyarsenides
The oxypnictides Nd1-xSrxMnAsO have been successfully synthesised with x up to 0.1. A synchrotron X-ray diffraction study demonstrates that there is no change in crystal symmetry upon doping with Sr. An expansion of the inter-layer distance between Nd-O-Nd and As-Mn-As blocks is observed with increasing x. Results from variable temperature neutron diffraction and resistivity measurements show that the local moment antiferromagnetic order of the Mn spins is preserved as the [MnAs]- layers are hole doped and the materials are driven metallic for x > 0.05. A sizeable positive magnetoresistance is observed at low temperature which demonstrates that multiple MR mechanisms are possible in LnMnAsO oxypnictides.
1501.02996v1
2015-03-02
Functional Materials for Information and Energy Technology: Insights by Photoelectron Spectroscopy
The evolution of both information and energy technology is intimately connected to complex condensed matter systems, the properties of which are determined by electronic and chemical interactions and processes on a broad range of length and time scales. Dedicated photoelectron spectroscopy and spectromicroscopy experiments can provide important insights. We discuss some recent methodological developments with application to relevant questions in spintronics, and towards in-operando studies of resistive switching and electrochemical processes.
1503.00464v2
2015-03-29
Cooperative Multiscale Aging in a Ferromagnet/Antiferromagnet Bilayer
We utilize anisotropic magnetoresistance to study temporal evolution of the magnetization state in epitaxial Ni$_{80}$Fe$_{20}$/Fe$_{50}$Mn$_{50}$ ferromagnet/antiferromagnet bilayers. The resistance exhibits power-law evolution over a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields, indicating that aging is characterized by a wide range of activation time scales. We show that aging is a cooperative process, i.e. the magnetic system is not a superposition of weakly interacting subsystems characterized by simple Arrhenius activation. The observed effects are reminiscent of avalanches in granular materials, providing a conceptual link to a broad class of critical phenomena in other complex condensed matter systems.
1503.08380v1
2015-11-17
On melting of boron phosphide under pressure
Melting of cubic boron phosphide, BP has been studied at pressures to 9 GPa using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and electrical resistivity measurements. It has been found that above 2.6 GPa BP melts congruently, and the melting curve exhibits negative slope -60(7) K/GPa, which is indicative of a higher density of the melt as compared to the solid phase.
1511.05995v1
2015-11-30
Electronic Origins of Large Thermoelectric Power Factor of LaOBiS2-xSex
We examined the electrical transport properties of densified LaOBiS2-xSex, which constitutes a new family of thermoelectric materials. The power factor increased with increasing concentration of Se, i.e., Se substitution led to an enhanced electrical conductivity, without suppression of the Seebeck coefficient. Hall measurements indicated that the low electrical resistivity resulted from increases in the carrier mobility, and the decrease in carrier concentration led to large absolute values of the Seebeck coefficient of the system.
1511.09133v1
2016-04-04
Two-dimensional Dirac fermions in YbMnBi2 antiferromagnet
We report two-dimensional quantum transport and Dirac fermions in YbMnBi2 single crystals. YbMnBi2 is a layered material with anisotropic conductivity and magnetic order below 290 K. Magnetotransport properties, nonzero Berry phase and small cyclotron mass indicate the presence of quasi two dimensional Dirac fermions. Quantum oscillations in Hall resistivity suggest the presence of both electron and hole parts of the Fermi surface whereas the Berry phase suggests spin-orbit coupling.
1604.01009v1
2016-08-17
Field effect in stacked van der Waals heterostructures: Stacking sequence matters
Stacked van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures where semi-conducting two-dimensional (2D) materials are contacted by overlayed graphene electrodes enable atomically-thin, flexible electronics. We use first-principles quantum transport simulations of graphene-contacted MoS2 devices to show how the transistor effect critically depends on the stacking configuration relative to the gate electrode. We can trace this behavior to the stacking-dependent response of the contact region to the capacitive electric field induced by the gate. The contact resistance is a central parameter and our observation establish an important design rule for devices based on 2D atomic crystals.
1608.05023v1
2017-06-30
Structural and dielectric characterization of Sm2MgMnO6
The polycrystalline Sm2MgMnO6 (SMMO) was synthesized at 1173K by means of sol-gel technique. Rietveld refine-ment of X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed the formation of a single phase monoclinic structure with space group P21/n. The band gap achieved from UV-vis spectra shows the semiconducting nature of the material. To observe the effect of grains and grain-boundaries in the conduction process and dielectric relaxation measurements are carried out on SMMO sample at different frequencies between 313 K and 673 K. An electrical equivalent circuit consisting of the resistance and constant phase element is used to clarify the impedance data.
1706.10038v1
2017-10-08
Hall effect spintronics for gas detection
We present the concept of magnetic gas detection by the Extraordinary Hall effect (EHE). The technique is compatible with the existing conductometric gas detection technologies and allows simultaneous measurement of two independent parameters: resistivity and magnetization affected by the target gas. Feasibility of the approach is demonstrated by detecting low concentration hydrogen using thin CoPd films as the sensor material. The Hall effect sensitivity of the optimized samples exceeds 240% per 104 ppm at hydrogen concentrations below 0.5% in the hydrogen/nitrogen atmosphere, which is more than two orders of magnitude higher than the sensitivity of the conductance detection.
1710.03700v1
2017-10-12
Martensitic relief observation by atomic force microscopy in yttria stabilized zirconia
The tetragonal to monoclinic (t-m) phase transformation of zirconia has been the object of extensive investigations of the last twenty years, and is now recognised as being of martensitic nature. However, martensitic transformation has only been observed by transmission electron microscopy or indirect methods. Though the benefit on the fracture toughness and crack resistance was the main interest, the transformation is now considered for its consequences on the degradation of the material. The use of AFM reported here allowed the observation of the first stages of martensite relief growth and of new martensitic features.
1710.04442v1
2017-10-25
Ordered C vacancies in titanium carbides: a correlation between crystal structure and the effects on oxidation behavior at elevated temperature
It has been widely accepted that the introduction of titanium carbides into titanium-based alloys can significantly enhance the oxidation resistance due to their superior physicochemical stability at elevated temperatures. The present study reported for the first time that the ordered C vacancies within titanium carbides could lead to an uncommon phenomenon particularly at the very initial stage of oxidation. The intrinsic micro-to-macro oxidation mechanisms were systematically clarified with the aids of transmission electron microscope and ab-initio molecular dynamics simulation.
1710.09311v1
2017-12-28
Theoretical calculation of transport properties of oxide material using narrow band model
We report about the results of theoretical calculations of temperature dependence of resistivity ($\rho$) and Seebeck coefficient ($S$) for thermoelectric (TE) and superconductivity (SC) phases by arithmetic equations based on narrow band model with oxygen deficient structure, as the functions of band-filling degree ($F$), and band width ratio of electron and spin states ($W$\sigma/$W$D). The phase diagrams of TE and SC states, and boundary were imaged to the properties of $\rho$ and $S$ as a function of $F$ and $W$\sigma/$W$D.
1712.09840v1
2018-01-12
Tunable elastic Parity-Time symmetric structure based on the shunted piezoelectric materials
We theoretically and numerically report on tunable elastic Parity-Time (PT) symmetric structure based on shunted piezoelectric units. We show that the elastic loss and gain can be archived in piezoelectric materials when they are shunted by external circuits containing positive and negative resistances. We present and discuss, as an example, the strongly dependent relationship between the exceptional points of a three-layered system and the impedance of their external shunted circuit. The achieved results evidence the PT symmetric structures based on this proposed concept can actively be tuned without any change of their geometric configurations.
1801.04114v1
2018-02-12
Crack initiation in viscoelastic materials
In viscoelastic materials, individually short-lived bonds collectively result in a mechanical resistance which is long-lived but finite, as ultimately cracks appear. Here we provide a microscopic mechanism by which cracks emerge from the nonlinear local bond dynamics. This mechanism is different from crack initiation in solids, which is governed by a competition between elastic and adhesion energy. We provide and numerically verify analytical equations for the dependence of the critical crack length on the bond kinetics and applied stress.
1802.04017v1
2017-01-27
Delicate competing electronic states in ultrathin manganite films
The coupling between the electrical transport properties of La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (LSMO) thin films and structural phase transitions of SrTiO3 (STO) substrates at Ts = 105 K has been investigated. We found that the electrical resistivity of LSMO films exhibit a cusp at Ts, which is greatly amplified by tuning films to the verge of metallic and insulating phases, i.e., to the boundary of two delicate competing electronic states. Our results demonstrate that small amounts of strain can tip the subtle balance of competing interactions and tune the electronic properties in correlated electron materials.
1701.07933v1
2019-07-03
Precision measurements of the AC field dependence of the superconducting transition in strontium titanate
Strontium titanate has resurfaced as a material prompting vigorous debate about the origin of its superconductivity in the extremely low carrier concentration regime. Here, we used simultaneous AC susceptibility and transport methods to explore the superconducting phase transition region in this material. We determined that strontium titanate is extremely sensitive to even small AC fields, which also influence the resistive transition; we suggest that extreme vortex sizes and mobilities contribute to this large effect. Our findings will be of importance for accurately determining transition temperature, informing the debate about the pairing mechanism in strontium titanate, for which even millikelvin errors may be critical.
1907.01733v1
2020-04-14
Compaction Self-Assembly of Ultralow-Binder-Content Thermoplastic Composites Based on Lunar Soil Simulant
In a recent study, we developed ultralow-binder-content (UBC) structural materials based on lunar soil simulant and thermoset binders. In the current research, we investigated thermoplastic binders. Compared to thermosets, advanced thermoplastics could be more UV resistant, more durable, more robust, and recyclable. Our main technology is the compaction self-assembly (CSA). By using only ~4 wt% polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) binder, the thermoplastic-binder UBC composite was stronger than typical steel-reinforced concrete. The CSA operation was separate from the curing process. This study may provide an important in-situ resource utilization method for large-scale construction on Moon.
2004.06273v1
2017-05-01
On melting of boron subnitride B13N2 under pressure
Melting of rhombohedral boron subnitride B13N2 has been studied in situ at pressures to 8 GPa using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and electrical resistivity measurements. It has been found that above 2.6 GPa B13N2 melts incongruently, and the melting curve exhibits positive slope of 31(3) K/GPa that points to a lower density of the melt as compared to the solid phase.
1705.03753v1
2019-03-25
Optical Hoovering on Plasmonic Rinks
Excitation of surface waves on conducting materials provides a near resistance-free interface capable of a material glissade either by plasmon forces or optical beam tractors. Analogous to an ice hockey rink, as proof of principle plasmon assisted optical traction, or hoovering, of water drops on a gold surface is demonstrated. Variability in thresholds and movement is observed and can be explained by the presence of significant roughness, measured by SEM. The demonstration opens a path to directly integrate various optical and plasmonic glissade technologies. Ways of improving transport and potential applications spanning configurable microfluidics, antennas, diagnostics,sensing and active devices are discussed.
1903.10106v1
2021-04-23
Microwave response in a topological superconducting quantum interference device
Photon detection at microwave frequency is of great interest due to its application in quantum computation information science and technology. Herein are results from studying microwave response in a topological superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) realized in Dirac semimetal Cd3As2. The temperature dependence and microwave power dependence of the SQUID junction resistance are studied, from which we obtain an effective temperature at each microwave power level. It is observed the effective temperature increases with the microwave power. This observation of microwave response may pave the way for single photon detection at the microwave frequency in topological quantum materials.
2104.11841v1
2021-04-29
Thickness Dependence of Magneto-transport Properties in Tungsten Ditelluride
We investigate the electronic structure of tungsten ditelluride (WTe$_2$) flakes with different thicknesses in magneto-transport studies. The temperature-dependent resistance and magnetoresistance (MR) measurements both confirm the breaking of carrier balance induced by thickness reduction, which suppresses the `turn-on' behavior and large positive MR. The Shubnikov-de-Haas oscillation studies further confirm the thickness-dependent change of electronic structure of WTe$_2$ and reveal a possible temperature-sensitive electronic structure change. Finally, we report the thickness-dependent anisotropy of Fermi surface, which reveals that multi-layer WTe$_2$ is an electronic 3D material and the anisotropy decreases as thickness decreases.
2104.14464v1
2022-03-04
Impedance spectroscopy: Impedance spectroscopy of nanomaterials
Solid state impedance spectroscopy enables the various contributions to the resistive and capacitive properties of electronically inhomogeneous condensed matter to be deconvoluted and characterized separately. The different contributions arise from electronically distinct areas in the sample, which can in an ideal case be represented each by one standard RC element. In the following, the basic principles of impedance spectroscopy, different types of experimental setups and several examples of experimental impedance data sets from nanostructured materials are reviewed and discussed. The data analysis and equivalent circuit modelling processes which are relevant for the application of this technique to nanomaterials are emphasized. The different dimensions and structure of nanomaterials as compared to macroscopic bulk samples leads to quite different and sometimes more complex data that require detailed analysis and advanced equivalent circuit models.
2203.02387v1
1998-12-08
Anomalous Low Temperature States in CeNi2Ge2
Ambient pressure studies on high purity single crystals of the stoichiometric 4f-electron metal CeNi2Ge2 reveal anomalous low temperature forms of the resistivity which challenge our understanding of the metallic state. Comparisons are made with the isostructural and isoelectronic compound CePd2Si2 near the border of magnetism at high pressure, and possible reasons for this novel non-Fermi liquid form of the resistivity are discussed. Phase diagrams of further anomalies are presented, which involve a loss of resistance at low temperature in some samples of CeNi2Ge2 and unexpected high pressure phases.
9812133v1
2003-03-20
Electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements on the heavy fermion superconductor PrOs4Sb12
The filled skutterudite compound PrOs4Sb12, the first example of a Pr-based heavy fermion superconductor, displays superconductivity with $T_c\sim 1.85$ K and has an effective mass $m^* \sim$ {50 $m_e$}, where $m_e$ is the free electron mass. For magnetic fields above 4.5 T, sharp features in the normal state electrical resistivity, magnetization, specific heat, and thermal expansion data suggest the occurrence of a phase transition at high fields. This high field ordered phase in the normal state may originate from a combination of crystalline electric field enhanced Zeeman splitting and quadrupolar ordering. We present an investigation of the electrical resistivity and magnetization of PrOs4Sb12 as a function of temperature between {350 mK} and {3.5 K} and magnetic field up to {18 T}. The data reveal a detailed phase boundary of the high field ordered phase as well as the lower critical field $H_{c1}$ and the onset field of the peak effect in the superconducting state of PrOs4Sb12.
0303405v1
2004-04-12
Universality of the Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit in metals
The absence of resistivity saturation in many strongly correlated metals, including the high-temperature superconductors, is critically examined from the viewpoint of optical conductivity measurements. Coherent quasiparticle conductivity, in the form of a Drude peak centred at zero frequency, is found to disappear as the mean free path (at $\omega$ = 0) becomes comparable to the interatomic spacing. This basic loss of coherence at the so-called Mott-Ioffe-Regel (MIR) limit suggests that the universality of the MIR criterion is preserved even in the presence of strong electron correlations. We argue that the shedding of spectral weight at low frequencies, induced by strong correlation effects, is the primary origin of the extended positive slope of the resistivity to high temperatures observed in all so-called "bad metals". Moreover, in common with those metals which exhibit resistivity saturation at high temperatures, the scattering rate itself, as extracted from optical spectra, saturates at a value consistent with the MIR limit. We consider possible implications that this ceiling in the scattering rate may have for our understanding of transport within a wide variety of bad metals and suggest a better method for analysing their optical response.
0404263v1
2005-02-21
High pressure effects on the superconductivity of beta-pyrochlore oxides AOs2O6
High pressure effects on the superconducting transitions of beta-pyrochlore superconductors AOs2O6 (A = Cs, Rb, K) are studied by measuring resistivity under high pressures up to 10 GPa. The superconducting transition temperature Tc first increases with increasing pressure in all the compounds and then exhibits a broad maximum at 7.6 K (6 GPa), 8.2 K (2 GPa) and 10 K (0.6 GPa) for A = Cs, Rb and K, respectviely. Finally, the superconductivity is suppressed completely at a critical pressure near 7 GPa and 6 GPa for A = Rb and K and probably above 10 GPa for A = Cs. Characteristic changes in the coefficinet A of the T2 term in resistivity and residual resistivity are observed, both of which are synchronized with the corresponding change in Tc. It is suggested that electron correlations and certain quantum fluctuations play important roles in the occurrence or suppression of superconductivity in the beta-pyrochlore oxides.
0502490v1
2003-07-30
Position Sensing from Charge Dispersion in Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors with a Resistive Anode
Micro-pattern gas detectors, such as the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) and the Micromegas need narrow high density anode readout elements to achieve good spatial resolution. A high-density anode readout would require an unmanageable number of electronics channels for certain potential micro-detector applications such as the Time Projection Chamber. We describe below a new technique to achieve good spatial resolution without increasing the electronics channel count in a modified micro-detector outfitted with a high surface resistivity anode readout structure. The concept and preliminary measurements of spatial resolution from charge dispersion in a modified GEM detector with a resistive anode are described below.
0307152v2
2008-09-30
High Pressure studies of the magnetic phase transition in MnSi: revisited
New measurements of AC magnetic susceptibility and DC resistivity of a high quality single crystal MnSi were carried out at high pressure making use of helium as a pressure medium. The form of the AC magnetic susceptibility curves at the magnetic phase transition suddenly changes upon helium solidification. This implies strong sensitivity of magnetic properties of MnSi to non hydrostatic stresses and suggests that the early claims on the existence of a tricritical point at the phase transition line are probably a result of misinterpretation of the experimental data. At the same time resistivity behavior at the phase transition does not show such a significant influence of helium solidification. The sharp peak at the temperature derivative of resistivity, signifying the first order nature of the phase transition in MnSi successfully survived helium crystallization and continued the same way to the highest pressure.
0809.5117v1
2014-05-21
Waveguide-mode interference lithography technique for high contrast subwavelength structures in the visible region
We explore possibilities of waveguide-mode interference lithography (WMIL) technique for high contrast subwavelength structures in the visible region. Selecting an appropriate waveguide-mode, we demonstrate high contrast resist mask patterns for the first time. TM1 mode in the waveguide is shown to be useful for providing a three-dimensional structure whose cross section is checkerboard pattern. Applying our WMIL technique, we demonstrate 1D, 2D and 3D subwavelength resist patterns that are widely used for the fabrication of metamteterials in the visible region. In addition to the resist patterns, we demonstrate a resonance at 1.9 eV for a split tube structure experimentally.
1405.5395v1
2015-10-28
Effect of ambient on the resistance fluctuations of graphene
In this letter we present the results of systematic experimental investigations of the effect of different chemical environments on the low frequency resistance fluctuations of single layer graphene field effect transistors (SLG-FET). The shape of the power spectral density of noise was found to be determined by the energetics of the adsorption-desorption of molecules from the graphene surface making it the dominant source of noise in these devices. We also demonstrate a method of quantitatively determining the adsorption energies of chemicals on graphene surface based on noise measurements. We find that the magnitude of noise is extremely sensitive to the nature and amount of the chemical species present. We propose that a chemical sensor based on the measurement of low frequency resistance fluctuations of single layer graphene field effect transistor devices will have extremely high sensitivity, very high specificity, high fidelity and fast response times.
1510.08198v1
2016-07-09
In-beam evaluation of a medium-size Resistive-Plate WELL gaseous particle detector
In-beam evaluation of a fully-equipped medium-size 30$\times$30 cm$^2$ Resistive Plate WELL (RPWELL) detector is presented. It consists here of a single element gas-avalanche multiplier with Semitron ESD225 resistive plate, 1 cm$^2$ readout pads and APV25/SRS electronics. Similarly to previous results with small detector prototypes, stable operation at high detection efficiency (>98%) and low average pad multiplicity (~1.2) were recorded with 150 GeV muon and high-rate pion beams, in Ne/(5%CH$_4$), Ar/(5%CH$_4$) and Ar/(7%CO$_2$). This is an important step towards the realization of robust detectors suitable for applications requiring large-area coverage; among them Digital Hadron Calorimetry.
1607.02587v2
2017-12-26
Microwave-induced zero-resistance states in a high-mobility two-subband electron system
In this study we used selectively-doped GaAs/AlAs heterostructure to fabricate a high-mobility two-subband electronic system with substantially different concentration of electrons in subbands. We observe microwave photoresistance at high numbers of magneto-intersubband oscillations (MISO). The system under study demonstrates microwave-induced resistance oscillations (MIRO) and MISO interference. MIRO in the studied two-subband system appear in lower magnetic fields comparing to MISO. This is an indication of some unknown mechanism that exists in the two-subband system and is responsible for MISO amplitude damping in low magnetic fields, while it does not affect the MIRO amplitude. Zero resistance states (ZRS) appear in the system under study under microwave irradiation in the narrow range of magnetic fields near the MISO maximum.
1712.09244v1
2020-04-11
Characterisation of an RPC prototype with moderate resistivity plates using tetrafluoroethane ($C_2H_2F_4$)
Keeping in mind the requirements of high rate capable, cost effective, large area detectors to be used in future high energy physics experiments, commercially available bakelite plates having moderate bulk resistivity are used to build an RPC module. The chamber is tested with cosmic rays in the avalanche mode using 100\% Tetrafluoroethane ($C_2H_2F_4$). Standard NIM electronics are used for this study. The efficiency, noise rate and time resolution are measured. The detailed method of measurement and the first test results are presented.
2004.05469v2
2019-08-29
Onset of phase diffusion in high kinetic inductance granular aluminum micro-SQUIDs
Superconducting granular aluminum is attracting increasing interest due to its high kinetic inductance and low dissipation, favoring its use in kinetic inductance particle detectors, superconducting resonators or quantum bits. We perform switching current measurements on DC-SQUIDs, obtained by introducing two identical geometric constrictions in granular aluminum rings of various normal-state resistivities in the range from $\rho_\mathrm{n} = 250\,\mu\Omega\mathrm{cm}$ to $5550\,\mu\Omega\mathrm{cm}$. The relative high kinetic inductance of the SQUID loop, in the range of tens of nH, leads to a suppression of the modulation in the measured switching current versus magnetic flux, accompanied by a distortion towards a triangular shape. We observe a change in the temperature dependence of the switching current histograms with increasing normal-state film resistivity. This behavior suggests the onset of a diffusive motion of the superconducting phase across the constrictions in the two-dimensional washboard potential of the SQUIDs, which could be caused by a change of the local electromagnetic environment of films with increasing normal-state resistivities.
1908.11067v1
2019-12-18
Multiplex stimulated Raman scattering imaging cytometry reveals cancer metabolic signatures in a spatially, temporally, and spectrally resolved manner
In situ measurement of cellular metabolites is still a challenge in biology. Conventional methods, such as mass spectrometry or fluorescence microscopy, would either destruct the sample or introduce strong perturbations to the functions of target molecules. Here, we present multiplex stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging cytometry as a label-free single-cell analysis platform with chemical specifity, and high-throughput capabilities. Cellular compartments such as lipid droplets, endoplasmic reticulum, and nuclei are seperated from the cytoplasm. Based on these chemical segmentations, 260 features from both morphology and molecular composition were generated and analyzed for each cell. Using SRS imaging cytometry, we studied the metabolic responses of human pancreatic cancer cells under stress by starvation and chemotherapy drug treatments. We unveiled lipid-facilitated protrusion as a metabolic marker for stress-resistant cancer cells through statistical analysis of thousands of cells. Our findings also demonstrate the potential of targeting lipid metabolism for selective treatment of starvation-resistant and chemotherapy-resistant cancers. These results highlight our SRS imaging cytometry as a powerful label-free tool for biological discoveries with a high-throughput, high-content capacity.
1912.08340v1
2020-05-31
Towards a two-dimensional readout of the improved CMS Resistive Plate Chamber with a new front-end electronics
As part of the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment Phase-II upgrade program, new Resistive Plate Chambers will be installed in the forward region. High background conditions are expected in this region during the high-luminosity phase of the Large Hadron Collider, therefore an improved RPC design has been proposed with a new front-end electronics to sustain a higher rate capability and better time resolution. A new technology is used in the front-end electronics resulting in very low achievable thresholds of the order of several fC. Crucial in the design of the improved RPC is the capability of a two-dimensional readout in order to improve the spatial resolution, mainly motivated by trigger requirements. In this work, the first performance results towards this two-dimensional readout are presented, based on data taken on a real-size prototype chamber with two embedded orthogonal readout strips. Furthermore, dedicated studies of the muon cluster size as a function of the graphite resistivity are discussed.
2006.00576v1
2020-06-24
Microwave response of interacting oxide two-dimensional electron systems
We present an experimental study on microwave illuminated high mobility MgZnO/ZnO based two-dimensional electron systems with different electron densities and, hence, varying Coulomb interaction strength. The photoresponse of the low-temperature dc resistance in perpendicular magnetic field is examined in low and high density samples over a broad range of illumination frequencies. In low density samples a response due to cyclotron resonance (CR) absorption dominates, while high density samples exhibit pronounced microwave-induced resistance oscillations (MIRO). Microwave transmission experiments serve as a complementary means of detecting the CR over the entire range of electron densities and as a reference for the band mass unrenormalized by interactions. Both CR and MIRO-associated features in the resistance permit extraction of the effective mass of electrons but yield two distinct values. The conventional cyclotron mass representing center-of-mass dynamics exhibits no change with density and coincides with the band electron mass of bulk ZnO, while MIRO mass reveals a systematic increase with lowering electron density consistent with renormalization expected in interacting Fermi liquids.
2006.13627v1
2020-10-15
Extreme High-Field Superconductivity in Thin Re Films
We report the high-field superconducting properties of thin, disordered Re films via magneto-transport and tunneling density of states measurements. Films with thicknesses in the range of 9 nm to 3 nm had normal state sheet resistances of $\sim$0.2 k$\Omega$ to $\sim$1 k$\Omega$ and corresponding transition temperatures in the range of 6 K to 3 K. Tunneling spectra were consistent with those of a moderate coupling BCS superconductor. Notwithstanding these unremarkable superconducting properties, the films exhibited an extraordinarily high upper critical field. We estimate their zero-temperature $H_{c2}$ to be more than twice the Pauli limit. Indeed, in 6 nm samples the estimated reduced critical field $H_{c2}/T_c\sim$ 5.6 T/K is among the highest reported for any elemental superconductor. Although the sheet resistances of the films were well below the quantum resistance $R_Q=h/4e^2$, their $H_{c2}$'s approached the theoretical upper limit of a strongly disordered superconductor for which $k_F\ell\sim1$.
2010.07674v2
2021-09-29
High-performance Ba1-xKxFe2As2 superconducting joints for persistent current operation
Superconducting joints are one of the key technologies to make Ba1-xKxFe2As2 (Ba-122) superconducting wires or tapes for high-field applications. Herein, superconducting joints were fabricated by a simple cold-pressing method, and the joint resistance of the iron-based superconducting joint was estimated for the first time. The superconducting properties, microstructures, and elements distribution in the joint regions were investigated. At 4.2 K and 10 T, a transport critical current Ic of 105 A for the joint was obtained, and the critical current ratio (CCR= Ic-joint/Ic-tape) of the joint was 94.6%. On the other hand, the joint show very low joint resistance of 2.7x10^-13 ohm in self-field at 4.2 K. Among iron-based superconductors (IBS), this work is the first to successfully realize a superconducting joint with such high CCR and low joint resistance. This work shows great potential to apply Ba-122 in a range of practical applications, where superconducting joints are essential.
2109.14300v1
2022-09-01
Directed flow in relativistic resistive magneto-hydrodynamic expansion for symmetric and asymmetric collision systems
We construct a dynamical model for high-energy heavy-ion collision based on the relativistic resistive magneto-hydrodynamic framework. Using our newly developed (3+1)-dimensional relativistic resistive magneto-hydrodynamics code, we investigate magneto-hydrodynamic expansion in symmetric and asymmetric collision systems as a first application to high-energy heavy-ion collisions. As a realistic initial condition for electromagnetic fields, we consider the solutions of the Maxwell equations with the source term of point charged particles moving in the direction of the beam axis, including finite constant electrical conductivity of the medium. We evaluate the directed flow in the symmetric and asymmetric collisions at RHIC energy. We find a significant effect of finite electrical conductivity on the directed flow in the asymmetric collision system. We confirm that a certain amount of energy transfer by dissipation associated with Ohmic conduction occurs in the asymmetric collision system because of asymmetry of the electric field produced by two different colliding nuclei. Because this energy transfer makes the pressure gradient of the medium flatter, the growth of directed flow decreases.
2209.00323v1
2023-02-21
A novel fast response and radiation-resistant scintillator detector for beam loss monitor
At high luminosity areas, beam loss monitor with fast response and high radiation resistance is crucial for accelerator operation. In this article, we report the design and test results of a fast response and radiation-resistant scintillator detector as the beam loss monitor for high luminosity colliders, especially at low energy regions such as RFQ. The detector consists of a 2 cm*2 cm 0.5 cm LYSO crystal readout by a 6 mm*6 mm Silicon photomultiplier. Test results from various radioactive sources show that the detector has good sensitivity to photons from tens of keV to several MeV with good linearity and energy resolution (23% for 60 keV {\gamma}-ray). For the field test, two such detectors are installed outside of the vacuum chamber shell of an 800 MeV electron storage ring. The details of the test and results are introduced.
2302.14662v1
2023-11-28
Transport properties of a half-filled Chern band at the electron and composite fermion phases
We consider a half-filled Chern band and its transport properties in two phases that it may form, the electronic Fermi liquid and the composite-fermion Fermi liquid. For weak disorder, we show that the Hall resistivity for the former phase is very small, while for the latter it is close to $2h/e^2$, independent of the distribution of the Berry curvature in the band. At rising temperature and high frequency, we expect the Hall resistivity of the electronic phase to rise, and that of the composite-fermion phase to deviate from $2h/e^2$. At high frequency, sign changes are expected as well. Considering high-frequency transport, we show that the composite fermion phase carries a gapped plasmon mode which does not originate from long ranged Coulomb interaction, and we show how this mode, together with the reflection of electro-magnetic waves off the Chern band, allow for a measurement of the composite-fermion Drude weight and Berry curvature. Finally, we consider a scenario of a mixed-phase transition between the two phases, for example as a function of displacement-field, and show that such transition involves an enhancement of the longitudinal resistivity, as observed experimentally.
2311.16761v1
2024-05-17
Possible spin-polarized Cooper pairing in high temperature FeSe superconductor
Superconductivity and long-range ferromagnetism hardly coexist in a uniform manner. The counter-example has been observed, in uranium-based superconductors for instance, with a coexisting temperature limited to about 1 K. Here, we report the coexistence of high temperature superconductivity and itinerant ferromagnetism in lithium intercalated FeSe flakes. In superconducting samples with transition temperature around 40 K, we observe the anomalous Hall effect with a hysteresis loop in transverse resistivity and a butterfly-like pattern of magneto-resistance. Intriguingly, such ferromagnetism persists down to a temperature at which the zero-field resistance fully vanishes. Furthermore, the superconductivity is enhanced under an in-plane magnetic field, suggestive of the participation of spin-polarized Cooper pairs. The surprising finding underscores a uniform coexistence of the two antagonistic phenomena on a record-high energy scale.
2405.10482v1
2006-05-24
Tuning of magnetic and electronic states by control of oxygen content in lanthanum strontium cobaltites
We report on the magnetic, resistive, and structural studies of perovskite La$_{1/3}$Sr$_{2/3}$CoO$_{3-\delta}$. By using the relation of synthesis temperature and oxygen partial pressure to oxygen stoichiometry obtained from thermogravimetric analysis, we have synthesized a series of samples with precisely controlled $\delta=0.00-0.49$. These samples show three structural phases at $\delta=0.00-0.15$, $\approx0.25$, $\approx0.5$, and two-phase behavior for other oxygen contents. The stoichiometric material with $\delta=0.00$ is a cubic ferromagnetic metal with the Curie temperature $T_{\rm C}=274$ K. The increase of $\delta$ to 0.15 is followed by a linear decrease of $T_{\rm C}$ to $\approx$ 160 K and a metal-insulator transition near the boundary of the cubic structure range. Further increase of $\delta$ results in formation of a tetragonal $2a_p\times 2a_p \times 4a_p$ phase for $\delta\approx 0.25$ and a brownmillerite phase for $\delta\approx0.5$. At low temperatures, these are weak ferromagnetic insulators (canted antiferromagnets) with magnetic transitions at $T_{\rm m}\approx230$ and 120 K, respectively. At higher temperatures, the $2a_p\times 2a_p \times 4a_p$ phase is $G$-type antiferromagnetic between 230 K and $\approx$360 K. Low temperature magnetic properties of this system for $\delta<1/3$ can be described in terms of a mixture of Co$^{3+}$ ions in the low-spin state and Co$^{4+}$ ions in the intermediate-spin state and a possible spin transition of Co$^{3+}$ to the intermediate-spin state above $T_{\rm C}$. For $\delta>1/3$, there appears to be a combination of Co$^{2+}$ and Co$^{3+}$ ions, both in the high-spin state with dominating antiferromagnetic interactions.
0605611v1
2008-06-23
Phase transitions in LaFeAsO: structural, magnetic, elastic, and transport properties, heat capacity and Mossbauer spectra
We present results from a detailed experimental investigation of LaFeAsO, the parent material in the series of "FeAs" based oxypnictide superconductors. Upon cooling this material undergoes a tetragonal-orthorhombic crystallographic phase transition at ~160 K followed closely by an antiferromagnetic ordering near 145 K. Analysis of these phase transitions using temperature dependent powder X-ray and neutron diffraction measurements is presented. A magnetic moment of ~0.35 Bohr magnetons per iron is derived from Mossbauer spectra in the low temperature phase. Evidence of the structural transition is observed at temperatures well above the structural transition (up to near 200 K) in the diffraction data as well as the polycrystalline elastic moduli probed by resonant ultrasound spectroscopy measurements. The effects of the two phase transitions on the transport properties (resistivity, thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, Hall coefficient), heat capacity, and magnetization of LaFeAsO are also reported, including a dramatic increase in the magnitude of the Hall coefficient below 160 K. The results suggest that the structural distortion leads to a localization of carriers on Fe, producing small local magnetic moments which subsequently order antiferromagnetically upon further cooling. Evidence of strong electron-phonon interactions in the high-temperature tetragonal phase is also observed.
0806.3878v2
2011-03-07
Reversibly tuning the insulating and superconducting state in KxFe2-ySe2 crystals by post-annealing
Since the discovery of superconductivity at 26 K in oxy-pnictide LaFeAsO1-xFx, enormous interests have been stimulated in the field of condensed matter physics and material sciences. Among the many kind of structures in the iron pnictide superconductors, FeSe with the PbO structure has received special attention since there is not poisonous pnictogen element in chemical composition and its structure is the simplest one. However, the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) in iron chalcogenide compounds is not enhanced as high as other iron pnictide superconductors under ambient pressure until the superconductivity at above 30 K in potassium intercalated iron selenide KxFe2-ySe2 was discovered. The insulating and the superconducting state are both observed in KxFe2-ySe2 with different stoichiometries and some groups have tuned the system from insulating to superconducting state by varying the ratio of starting materials[10, 11]. The recent data from neutron scattering suggest that the superconductivity may be built upon an ordered state of Fe vacancies as well as the antiferromagnetic state with a very strong ordered magnetic moment 3.4 B. Here we show that the superconductivity can actually be tuned on a single sample directly from an insulating state by post-annealing and fast quenching. Upon waiting for some days at room temperatures, the superconductivity will disappear and the resistivity exhibits an insulating behavior again. The spatial distribution of the compositions of the as-grown sample and the post-annealed-quenched one was analyzed by the Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrum (EDXS) and found to be very close to each other. Therefore it is tempting to conclude that the superconductivity is achieved when the Fe-vacancies are in a random (disordered) state. Once they arrange in an ordered state by relaxation or slow cooling, the system turns out to be an insulator.
1103.1347v1
2014-09-16
Hydrogen Diffusion and Stabilization in Single-crystal VO2 Micro/nanobeams by Direct Atomic Hydrogenation
We report measurements of the diffusion of atomic hydrogen in single crystalline VO2 micro/nanobeams by direct exposure to atomic hydrogen, without catalyst. The atomic hydrogen is generated by a hot filament, and the doping process takes place at moderate temperature (373 K). Undoped VO2 has a metal-to-insulator phase transition at ~340 K between a high-temperature, rutile, metallic phase and a low-temperature, monoclinic, insulating phase with a resistance exhibiting a semiconductor-like temperature dependence. Atomic hydrogenation results in stabilization of the metallic phase of VO2 micro/nanobeams down to 2 K, the lowest point we could reach in our measurement setup. Based on observing the movement of the hydrogen diffusion front in single crystalline VO2 beams, we estimate the diffusion constant for hydrogen along the c-axis of the rutile phase to be 6.7 x 10^{-10} cm^2/s at approximately 373 K, exceeding the value in isostructural TiO2 by ~ 38x. Moreover, we find that the diffusion constant along the c-axis of the rutile phase exceeds that along the equivalent a-axis of the monoclinic phase by at least three orders of magnitude. This remarkable change in kinetics must originate from the distortion of the "channels" when the unit cell doubles along this direction upon cooling into the monoclinic structure. Ab initio calculation results are in good agreement with the experimental trends in the relative kinetics of the two phases. This raises the possibility of a switchable membrane for hydrogen transport.
1409.4661v1
2012-01-04
Synthesis and physical properties of the new potassium iron selenide superconductor K0.80Fe1.76Se2
In this article we review our studies of the K0.80Fe1.76Se2 superconductor, with an attempt to elucidate the crystal growth details and basic physical properties over a wide range of temperatures and applied magnetic field, including anisotropic magnetic and electrical transport properties, thermodynamic, London penetration depth, magneto-optical imaging and Mossbauer measurements. We find that: (i) Single crystals of similar stoichiometry can be grown both by furnace-cooled and decanted methods; (ii) Single crystalline K0.80Fe1.76Se2 shows moderate anisotropy in both magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity and a small modulation of stoichiometry of the crystal, which gives rise to broadened transitions; (iii) The upper critical field, Hc2(T) is ~ 55 T at 2 K for H||c, manifesting a temperature dependent anisotropy that peaks near 3.6 at 27 K and drops to 2.5 by 18 K; (iv) Mossbauer measurements reveal that the iron sublattice in K0.80Fe1.76Se2 clearly exhibits magnetic order, probably of the first order, from well below Tc to its Neel temperature of Tn = 532 +/- 2 K. It is very important to note that, although, at first glance there is an apparent dilemma posed by these data: high Tc superconductivity in a near insulating, large ordered moment material, analysis indicates that the sample may well consist of two phases with the minority superconducting phase (that does not exhibit magnetic order) being finely distributed, but connected with in an antiferromagnetic, poorly conducting, matrix, essentially making a superconducting aerogel.
1201.0953v2
2019-04-24
Role of Oxygen Adsorption in Nanocrystalline ZnO Interfacial Layers for Polymer-Fullerene Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Colloidal zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are frequently used in the field of organic photovoltaics for the realization of solution-producible, electron-selective interfacial layers. Despite of the widespread use, there is a lack of detailed investigations regarding the impact of structural properties of the particles on the device performance. In this work, ZnO nanoparticles with varying surface-area-to-volume ratio were synthesized and implemented into polymer-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells with a gas-permeable top electrode. By comparing the electrical characteristics before and after encapsulation, it was found that the internal surface area of the ZnO layer plays a crucial role under conditions where oxygen can penetrate the solar cells. The adsorption of oxygen species at the nanoparticle surface causes band bending and electron depletion next to the surface. Both effects result in the formation of a barrier for electron injection and extraction at the ZnO/bulk heterojunction interface and were more pronounced in case of small ZnO nanocrystals (high surface-area-to-volume ratio). Different transport-related phenomena in the presence of oxygen are discussed in detail, i.e., Ohmic losses, expressed in terms of series resistance, as well as the occurrence of space-charge-limited currents, related to charge accumulation in the polymer-fullerene blend. Since absorption of UV light can cause desorption of adsorbed oxygen species, the electrical properties depend also on the illumination conditions. With the help of systematic investigations of the current versus voltage characteristics of solar cells under different air exposure and illumination conditions as well as studies of the photoconductivity of pure ZnO nanoparticle layers, we gain detailed insight into the role of the ZnO nanoparticle surface for the functionality of the organic solar cells.
1904.10916v1
2020-10-12
Landau Quantization and Highly Mobile Fermions in an Insulator
In strongly correlated materials, quasiparticle excitations can carry fractional quantum numbers. An intriguing possibility is the formation of fractionalized, charge-neutral fermions, e.g., spinons and fermionic excitons, that result in neutral Fermi surfaces and Landau quantization in an insulator. While previous experiments in quantum spin liquids, topological Kondo insulators, and quantum Hall systems have hinted at charge-neutral Fermi surfaces, evidence for their existence remains far from conclusive. Here we report experimental observation of Landau quantization in a two dimensional (2D) insulator, i.e., monolayer tungsten ditelluride (WTe$_{2}$), a large gap topological insulator. Using a detection scheme that avoids edge contributions, we uncover strikingly large quantum oscillations in the monolayer insulator's magnetoresistance, with an onset field as small as ~ 0.5 tesla. Despite the huge resistance, the oscillation profile, which exhibits many periods, mimics the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations in metals. Remarkably, at ultralow temperatures the observed oscillations evolve into discrete peaks near 1.6 tesla, above which the Landau quantized regime is fully developed. Such a low onset field of quantization is comparable to high-mobility conventional two-dimensional electron gases. Our experiments call for further investigation of the highly unusual ground state of the WTe$_{2}$ monolayer. This includes the influence of device components and the possible existence of mobile fermions and charge-neutral Fermi surfaces inside its insulating gap.
2010.05383v2
2021-07-29
Shearing Mechanisms of Co-Precipitates in IN718
The Ni-base superalloy 718 is the most widely used material for turbomachinery in the aerospace industry and land-based turbines. Although the relationship between processing and the resulting properties is well known, an understanding of the specific deformation mechanisms activated across its application temperature range is required to create more mechanistically accurate property models. Direct atomic-scale imaging observations with high angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, complemented by phase-field modeling informed by generalized stacking fault surface calculations using density functional theory, were employed to understand the shear process of ${\gamma}''$ and ${\gamma}'/{\gamma}''$ co-precipitates after 1 \% macroscopic strain at lower temperature (ambient and $427 {\deg}C$). Experimentally, intrinsic stacking faults were observed in the ${\gamma}''$, whereas the ${\gamma}'$ was found to exhibit anti-phase boundaries or superlattice intrinsic stacking faults. Additionally, the atomically flat ${\gamma}'/{\gamma}''$ interfaces in the co-precipitates were found to exhibit offsets after shearing, which can be used as tracers for the deformation events. Phase-field modeling shows that the developing fault-structure is dependent on the direction of the Burgers vector of the $a/2 \langle110\rangle$ matrix dislocation (or dislocation group) due to the lower crystal symmetry of the ${\gamma''}$ phase. The interplay between ${\gamma}'$ and ${\gamma}''$ phases results in unique deformation pathways of the co-precipitate and increases the shear resistance. Consistent with the experimental observations, the simulation results indicate that complex shearing mechanisms are active in the low-temperature deformation regime and that multiple $a/2 \langle110\rangle$ dislocations of non-parallel Burgers vectors may be active on the same slip plane.
2107.13840v1
2021-08-24
In Situ Photothermal Response of Single Gold Nanoparticles Through Hyperspectral Imaging AntiStokes Thermometry
Several fields of applications require a reliable characterization of the photothermal response and heat dissipation of nanoscopic systems, which remains a challenging task both for modeling and experimental measurements. Here, we present a new implementation of anti-Stokes thermometry that enables the in situ photothermal characterization of individual nanoparticles (NPs) from a single hyperspectral photoluminescence confocal image. The method is label-free, applicable to any NP with detectable anti-Stokes emission, and does not require any prior information about the NP itself or the surrounding media. With it, we first studied the photothermal response of spherical gold NPs of different sizes on glass substrates, immersed in water, and found that heat dissipation is mainly dominated by the water for NPs larger than 50 nm. Then, the role of the substrate was studied by comparing the photothermal response of 80 nm gold NPs on glass with sapphire and graphene, two materials with high thermal conductivity. For a given irradiance level, the NPs reach temperatures 18% lower on sapphire and 24% higher on graphene than on bare glass. The fact that the presence of a highly conductive material such as graphene leads to a poorer thermal dissipation demonstrates that interfacial thermal resistances play a very significant role in nanoscopic systems, and emphasize the need for in situ experimental thermometry techniques. The developed method will allow addressing several open questions about the role of temperature in plasmon-assisted applications, especially ones where NPs of arbitrary shapes are present in complex matrixes and environments.
2108.10954v1
2022-01-10
Superior enhancement in thermal conductivity of epoxy/graphene nanocomposites through use of dimethylformamide (DMF) relative to acetone as solvent
In this work, we demonstrate that use of dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent leads to better dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets in epoxy matrix compared to acetone solvent, in turn leading to higher thermal conductivity epoxy-graphene nanocomposites. While role of solvents in enabling superior mechanical properties has been addressed before, outlined study is the first to address the effect of solvents on thermal conductivity enhancement and provides novel pathways for achieving high thermal conductivity polymer composite materials. Uniform dispersion of graphene nanoparticles into epoxy can improve thermal contact with polymer leading to superior interface thermal conductance between polymer matrix and graphene. Organic solvents are typically employed to achieve efficient dispersion of graphene into the epoxy matrix. In this study, we compare the effect of two organic solvents, dimethylformamide (DMF) and acetone, in terms of their efficiency in dispersing graphene into the epoxy matrix and their effect on enhancing thermal conductivity of the composite. We find that polymer-graphene composites made with DMF solvent show 44% higher thermal conductivity compared to those made using acetone at 7 weight% filler composition. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) imaging reveals that graphene-epoxy composites, prepared using DMF as solvent, exhibit more uniform dispersion of graphene-nanoplatelets compared to the case of acetone with acetone-based samples exhibiting up to 211% larger graphene agglomerations. Comparison with effective medium theory reveals an almost 35% lower interface thermal resistance between graphene and epoxy for DMF relative to acetone prepared composite. These results provide fundamentally new avenues to achieve higher thermal conductivity graphene-epoxy composites, of key importance for a wide range of thermal management technologies.
2201.03527v2
2022-04-15
Universal Non-Polar Switching in Carbon-doped Transition Metal Oxides (TMOs) and Post TMOs
Transition metal oxides (TMOs) and post-TMOs (PTMOs), when doped with Carbon, show non-volatile current-voltage (I-V) characteristics, which are both universal and repeatable. We have shown spectroscopic evidence of the introduction of carbon-based impurity states inside the existing larger bandgap effectively creating a smaller bandgap which we suggest could enable Mott-like correlation effect. Our findings indicate new insights for yet to be understood unipolar and nonpolar resistive switching in the TMOs and PTMOs. We have shown that device switching is not thermal-energy dependent and have developed an electronic-dominated switching model that allows for the extreme temperature operation (from 1.5 K to 423 K) and state retention up to 673 K for a 1-hour bake. Importantly, we have optimized the technology in an industrial process and demonstrated integrated 1-transistor/1-resistor (1T1R) arrays up to 1 kbit with 47 nm devices on 300 mm wafers for advanced node CMOS-compatible correlated electron RAM (CeRAM). These devices are shown to operate with 2 ns write pulses and retain the memory states up to 200 C for 24 hours. The collection of attributes shown, including scalability to state-of-the-art dimensions, non-volatile operation to extreme low and high temperatures, fast write, and reduced stochasticity as compared to filamentary memories such as ReRAMs show the potential for a highly capable two-terminal back-end-of-line non-volatile memory.
2204.07656v1
2022-07-18
Room temperature spin-orbit torque efficiency in sputtered low-temperature superconductor delta-TaN
In the course of searching for promising topological materials for applications in future topological electronics, we evaluated spin-orbit torques (SOTs) in high-quality sputtered ${\delta}-$TaN/Co20Fe60B20 devices through spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance ST-FMR and spin pumping measurements. From the ST-FMR characterization we observed a significant linewidth modulation in the magnetic Co20Fe60B20 layer attributed to the charge-to-spin conversion generated from the ${\delta}-$TaN layer. Remarkably, the spin-torque efficiency determined from ST-FMR and spin pumping measurements is as large as ${\Theta} =$ 0.034 and 0.031, respectively. These values are over two times larger than for ${\alpha}-$Ta, but almost five times lower than for ${\beta}-$Ta, which can be attributed to the low room temperature electrical resistivity $\sim 74{\mu}{\Omega}$ cm in ${\delta}-$TaN. A large spin diffusion length of at least $\sim8$ nm is estimated, which is comparable to the spin diffusion length in pure Ta. Comprehensive experimental analysis, together with density functional theory calculations, indicates that the origin of the pronounced SOT effect in ${\delta}-$TaN can be mostly related to a significant contribution from the Berry curvature associated with the presence of a topically nontrivial electronic band structure in the vicinity of the Fermi level (EF). Through additional detailed theoretical analysis, we also found that an isostructural allotrope of the superconducting ${\delta}-$TaN phase, the simple hexagonal structure, ${\theta}-$TaN, has larger Berry curvature, and that, together with expected reasonable charge conductivity, it can also be a promising candidate for exploring a generation of spin-orbit torque magnetic random access memory as cheap, temperature stable, and highly efficient spin current sources.
2207.08872v2
2023-03-30
Observation of non-superconducting phase changes in LuH$_{2\pm\text{x}}$N$_y$
The recent report of near-ambient superconductivity in nitrogen doped lutetium hydride has triggered a worldwide fanaticism and raised major questions about the latest claims. An intriguing phenomenon of color changes in pressurized samples from blue to pink to red was observed and correlated with the claimed superconducting transition, but the origin and underlying physics of these color changes have yet to be elucidated. Here we report synthesis and characterization of high-purity nitrogen doped lutetium hydride LuH$_{2\pm\text{x}}$N$_y$ with the same structure and composition as in the main phase of near-ambient superconductor1. We find a new purple phase of LuH$_{2\pm\text{x}}$N$_y$ between blue and pink phase, and reveal that the sample color changes likely stem from pressure-driven redistribution of nitrogen and its interaction with the LuH$_2$ framework. No superconducting transition is found in all blue, purple, pink and red phases at temperatures 1.8-300 K and pressures 0-30 GPa. Instead, we identify a notable temperature-induced resistance anomaly of structural and/or electronic origin in LuH$_{2\pm\text{x}}$N$_y$, which is most pronounced in the pink phase and may have been erroneously interpreted as a sign of superconducting transition. This work establishes key benchmarks for nitrogen doped lutetium hydrides, allowing an in-depth understanding of the novel pressure-induced phase changes.
2303.17587v2
2023-10-02
Resistless EUV lithography: photon-induced oxide patterning on silicon
In this work, we show the feasibility of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) patterning on an HF-treated Si(100) surface in the absence of a photoresist. EUV lithography is the leading lithography technique in semiconductor manufacturing due to its high resolution and throughput, but future progress in resolution can be hampered because of the inherent limitations of the resists. We show that EUV photons can induce surface reactions on a partially H-terminated Si surface and assist the growth of an oxide layer, which serves as an etch mask. This mechanism is different from the H-desorption in scanning tunneling microscopy-based lithography. We achieve SiO2/Si gratings with 75 nm half-pitch and 31 nm height, demonstrating the efficacy of the method and the feasibility of patterning with EUV lithography without the use of a photoresist. Further development of the resistless EUV lithography method can be a viable approach to nm-scale lithography by overcoming the inherent resolution and roughness limitations of photoresist materials.
2310.01268v1
2023-10-31
Signature of Topological Semimetal in Harmonic-honeycomb ReO3
Transition-metal honeycomb compounds are capturing scientific attention due to their distinctive electronic configurations, underscored by the triangular-lattice spin-orbit coupling and competition between multiple interactions, paving the way for potential manifestations of phenomena such as Dirac semimetal, superconductivity, and quantum spin liquid states. These compounds can undergo discernible pressure-induced alterations in their crystallographic and electronic paradigms, as exemplified by our high-pressure (HP) synthesis and exploration of the honeycomb polymorph of ReO3 (P6322). This HP-P6322 polymorph bears a phase transition from P6322 to P63/mmc upon cooling around Tp = 250 K, as evidenced by the evolution of temperature-dependent magnetization (M-T curves), cell dimension, and conductivity initiated by an inherent bifurcation of the oxygen position in the ab plane. Insightful analysis of its band structure positions suggests this HP-P6322 polymorph being a plausible candidate for Dirac semimetal properties. This phase transition evokes anomalies in the temperature-dependent variation of paramagnetism (non-linearity) and a crossover from semiconductor to temperature-independent metal, showing a temperature independent conductivity behavior below ~200 K. Under increasing external pressure, both the Tp and resistance of this HP-polymorph is slightly magnetic-field dependent and undergo a "V"-style evolution (decreasing and then increasing) before becoming pressure independent up to 20.2 GPa. Theoretical calculations pinpoint this anionic disorder as a probable catalyst for the decrement in the conductive efficiency and muted temperature-dependent conductivity response.
2310.20341v2
2024-01-13
Reliable operation of Cr$_2$O$_3$:Mg/ $β$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ p-n heterojunction diodes at 600$^\circ$C
$\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$-based semiconductor heterojunctions have recently demonstrated improved performance at high voltages and elevated temperatures and are thus promising for applications in power electronic devices and harsh-environment sensors. However, the long-term reliability of these ultra-wide band gap (UWBG) semiconductor devices remains barely addressed and may be strongly influenced by chemical reactions at the p-n heterojunction interface. Here, we experimentally demonstrate operation and evaluate the reliability of Cr$_2$O$_3$:Mg/ $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ p-n heterojunction diodes at during extended operation at 600$^\circ$C, as well as after 30 repeated cycles between 25-550$^\circ$C. The calculated pO2-temperature phase stability diagram of the Ga-Cr-O material system predicts that Ga$_2$O$_3$ and Cr$_2$O$_3$ should remain thermodynamically stable in contact with each other over a wide range of oxygen pressures and operating temperatures. The fabricated Cr$_2$O$_3$:Mg / $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ p-n heterojunction diodes show room-temperature on/off ratios >10$^4$ at $\pm$5V and a breakdown voltage (V$_{Br}$) of -390V. The leakage current increases with increasing temperature up to 600$^\circ$C, which is attributed to Poole-Frenkel emission with a trap barrier height of 0.19 eV. Over the course of a 140-hour thermal soak at 600$^\circ$C, both the device turn-on voltage and on-state resistance increase from 1.08V and 5.34 m$\Omega$-cm$^2$ to 1.59V and 7.1 m$\Omega$-cm$^2$ respectively. This increase is attributed to the accumulation of Mg and MgO at the Cr$_2$O$_3$/Ga$_2$O$_3$ interface as observed from TOF-SIMS analysis. These findings inform future design strategies of UWBG semiconductor devices for harsh environment operation and underscore the need for further reliability assessments for $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ based devices.
2401.07166v1
2024-02-09
BaMn$_2$P$_2$: Highest magnetic ordering temperature 122-pnictide compound
We report the growth of high-quality single crystals of ThCr$_2$Si$_2$-type tetragonal BaMn$_2$P$_2$ and investigation of its structural, electrical transport, thermal and magnetic properties. Our results of basal plane electrical resistivity and heat capacity measurements show that the compound has an insulating ground state with a small band gap. Anisotropic susceptibility $\chi_{ab,c}(T)$ data infer a collinear local-moment N\'eel-type antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground state below the ordering temperature $T_{\rm N} = 795(15)$~K, which is highest among all the ThCr$_2$Si$_2$- and CaAl$_2$Si$_2$-type 122-pnictide compounds reported so far suggesting that the strength of magnetic exchange interactions is strongest in this material. The magnetic transition temperatures of BaMn$_2$$Pn_{2}$ ($Pn$ = P, As, Sb, Bi) compounds exhibit a monotonic decrease with the increase of tetragonal unit cell parameters $a$ and $c$, suggesting a strong dependence of the strength of the decisive magnetic exchange interactions on the separation between the localized spins residing on the Mn-ions. The observed monotonic increase of both $\chi_{ab}$ and $\chi_{c}$ for $T > T_{\rm N}$ suggests that short-range dynamic quasi-two dimensional AFM correlations persist above the $T_{\rm N}$ up to the highest temperature of the measurements. The large $T_{\rm N}$ of BaMn$_2$P$_2$ demands for systematic hole-doping studies on this material as similar investigations on related BaMn$_2$As$_{2}$ with $T_{\rm N} = 618$~K have led to the discovery of an outstanding ground state where AFM of localized Mn-spins and itinerant half-metallic ferromagnetism with $T_{\rm c} \approx 100$~K originating from the doped holes coexist together.
2402.06432v1
2016-07-07
Temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity and the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) of electrodeposited Ni Co alloys
The electrical resistivity and the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) was investigated for Ni Co alloys at and below room temperature. The Ni Co alloy layers having a thickness of about 2 um were prepared by electrodeposition on Si wafers with evaporated Cr and Cu underlayers. The alloy composition was varied in the whole concentration range by varying the ratio of Ni sulfate and Co sulfate in the electrolyte. The Ni Co alloy deposits were investigated first in the as deposited state on the substrates and then, by mechanically stripping them from the substrates, as self supporting layers both without and after annealing. According to an X ray diffraction study, a strongly textured face centered cubic (fcc) structure was formed in the as deposited state with an average grain size of about 10 nm. Upon annealing, the crystal structure was retained whereas the grain size increased by a factor of 3 to 5, depending on alloy composition. The zero field resistivity decreased strongly by annealing due to the increased grain size. The annealing hardly changed the AMR below 50 at.% Co but strongly decreased it above this concentration. The composition dependence of the resistivity and the AMR of the annealed Ni Co alloy deposits was in good quantitative agreement with the available literature data both at 13 K and at room temperature. Both transport parameters were found to exhibit a pronounced maximum in the composition range between 20 and 30 at.% Co and the data of the Ni Co alloys fit well to the limiting values of the pure component metals (fcc Ni and fcc Co). The only theoretical calculation reported formerly on fcc Ni Co alloys yielded at T=0K a resistivity value smaller by a factor of 5 and an AMR value larger by a factor of about 2 than the corresponding low temperature experimental data, although the theoretical results properly reproduced the composition dependence of both quantities.
1607.01960v1
2012-06-07
Resistive and magnetoresistive properties of CrO2 pressed powders with different types of inter-granular dielectric layers
Resistive, magnetoresistive and magnetic properties of four kinds of pressed CrO2 powders, synthesized by hydrothermal method of chromic anhydride have been investigated. The particles in powders constituted of rounded particles (diameter 120 nm) or needle-shaped crystals with an average diameter of 22.9 nm and average length of 302 nm. All of the particles had a surface dielectric shell of varying thickness and different types (such as oxyhydroxide -CrOOH or chromium oxide Cr2O3). For all the samples at low temperatures we found non-metallic temperature dependence of resistivity and giant negative magnetoresistance (MR). The maximum value of MR at low temperatures (T \approx 5 K) is \approx 37% in relatively small fields (0.5 T). At higher temperatures there was a rapid decrease of MR (up to \approx 1% / T at T \approx 200 K). The main objective of this work was studying the influence of properties and thickness of the intergranular dielectric layers, as well as CrO2 particle shape, on the magnitude of the tunneling resistance and MR of the pressed powder. The new results obtained in this study include: (1) detection at low temperatures in powders with needle-like particles a new type of MR hysteresis, and nonmonotonic MR behaviour with increasing magnetic field (absolute value of the MR at first grows rather rapidly with the field, and then begins diminishing markedly, forming a maximum), and (2) detection of non-monotonic temperature dependence, where - a field in which the resistance in a magnetic field has a maximum, as well as finding discrepancies in values of and coercivity fields, (3) detection of the anisotropy of MR, depending on the relative orientation of the transport current and the magnetic field, (4) a new method of synthesis, to regulate the thickness of dielectric coating.
1206.1533v1
2021-07-23
Modeling the dynamical behavior of memristive {NiTi} alloy at constant stress for time-varying electric current input signals
The dynamical electric behavior of a NiTi smart alloy thin filament when driven by time varying current pulses is studied by a structure-based phenomenological model that includes rate-based effects. The simulation model relates the alloy's electrical resistivity to the relative proportions of the three main structural phases namely Martensite, Austenite and R-phase, experimentally known to exist in NiTi alloy lattice structure. The relative proportions of the phases depend on temperature and applied stress. Temperature varies due to the self-heating of the filament by the Joule effect when a current pulse passes and also due to convective/radiative interchange with the ambient. The temperature variation with time causes structural phase transitions, which result in abrupt changes in the sample resistivity as the proportions of each lattice phase vary. The model is described by a system of four 1st-order nonlinear differential-algebraic equations yielding the temporal evolution of resistivity and output voltage across the filament for any given time-varying input current pulse. The model corresponds to a 4th-order extended memristor, described by four state variables, which are the proportions of each of the three NiTi lattice phases and temperature. Simulations are experimentally verified by comparing to measurements obtained for samples self-heated by triangular current input waveforms as well as for passively samples with no current input. Numerical results reproduce very well measurements of resistance vs. temperature at equilibrium as well as the full dynamics of experimentally observed I-V characteristic curves and resistance vs. driving current for time-varying current input waveforms of a wide range of frequencies (0.01-10~Hz).
2107.11060v1
2024-05-06
Speckle pattern analysis of PVK:rGO composite based memristor device
The memristors are expected to be fundamental devices for neuromorphic systems and switching applications. For example, the device made of a sandwiched layer of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) and reduced graphene composite between asymmetric electrodes (ITO/PVK:rGO/Al) exhibits bistable resistive switching behavior. Depending on the resistance state of the (ON-state or OFF-state) at a constant applied voltage, it may show two different resistivities. The performance of the memristor can be optimized by controlling the doping amount of graphene oxide in the PVK polymer. To assess the performance of the device, when it switches between ON and OFF states, optical characterization approaches are highly promising due to their non-destructive and remote nature. Here, we characterize the memristor device by the use of speckle pattern (SP) analysis. The speckle pattern is the interference of multiple light waves with random relative phases, which is generated via different mechanisms such as scattering from diffusive materials. Therefore, SPs can be used to investigate such samples as they include a huge amount of information to be statistically elaborated. The experimental paradigm includes \textit{in situ} acquisition of SPs of the PVK:rGO in different states followed by statistical post-processing toward examining its conduction mechanism. The variations in these statistical parameters are attributed to the resistance state of the PVK:rGO samples under the applied voltage with regard to the physical switching mechanism of the device. The resistance/conduction state, in turn, depends on the activity and properties of PVK:rGO memristors as well as the additional non-uniformities induced through the variations of density of carriers. The present optical methodology can be potentially served as a bench-top device for characterization purposes of similar devices while they are operating.
2405.03369v1
2017-10-09
Superconductivity in the Nb-Ru-Ge $σ$-Phase
We show that the previously unreported ternary $\sigma$-phase material Nb$_{20.4}$Ru$_{5.7}$Ge$_{3.9}$ is a superconductor with a critical temperature of 2.2 K. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility, resistance, and specific heat measurements were used to characterize the superconducting transition. The Sommerfeld constant $\gamma$ for Nb$_{20.4}$Ru$_{5.7}$Ge$_{3.9}$ is 91 mJ mol-f.u.$^{-1}$K$^{-2}$ and the specific heat anomaly at the superconducting transition, $\Delta$C/$\gamma$T$_c$, is approximately 1.38. The zero-temperature upper critical field ($\mu_0$H$_{c2}$(0)) was estimated to be 2 T by resistance data. Field-dependent magnetization data analysis estimated $\mu_0$H$_{c1}$(0) to be 5.5 mT. Thus, the characterization shows Nb$_{20.4}$Ru$_{5.7}$Ge$_{3.9}$ to be a type II BCS superconductor. This material appears to be the first reported ternary phase in the Nb-Ru-Ge system, and the fact that there are no previously reported binary Nb-Ru, Nb-Ge, or Ru-Ge $\sigma$-phases shows that all three elements are necessary to stabilize the material. A $\sigma$-phase in the Ta-Ru-Ge system was synthesized but did not display superconductivity above 1.7 K, which suggests that electron count cannot govern the superconductivity observed. Preliminary characterization of a possible superconducting $\sigma$-phase in the Nb-Ru-Ga system is also reported.
1710.03347v1
2022-02-28
Colloquium: Quantum anomalous Hall effect
The quantum Hall (QH) effect, quantized Hall resistance combined with zero longitudinal resistance, is the characteristic experimental fingerprint of Chern insulators - topologically non-trivial states of two-dimensional matter with broken time-reversal symmetry. In Chern insulators, non-trivial bulk band topology is expressed by chiral states that carry current along sample edges without dissipation. The quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect refers to QH effects that occur in the absence of external magnetic fields due to spontaneously broken time-reversal symmetry. The QAH effect has now been realized in four different classes of two-dimensional materials: (i) thin films of magnetically (Cr- and/or V-) doped topological insulators in the (Bi,Sb)2Te3 family, (ii) thin films of the intrinsic magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4, (iii) moir\'e materials formed from graphene, and (iv ) moir\'e materials formed from transition metal dichalcogenides. In this Article, we review the physical mechanisms responsible for each class of QAH insulator, highlighting both differences and commonalities, and comment on potential applications of the QAH effect.
2202.13902v4
2018-08-12
Low Temperature Specific Heat of Doped SrTiO$_3$: Doping Dependence of the Effective Mass and Kadowaki-Woods Scaling Violation
We report wide-doping-range ($8 \times 10^{17}$ to $4 \times 10^{20}$ cm$^{-3}$ Hall electron density) low temperature specific heat measurements on single crystal SrTiO$_3$:Nb, correlated with electronic transport data and tight-binding modeling. Lattice dynamic contributions to specific heat are shown to be well understood, albeit with unusual sensitivity to doping, likely related to the behavior of soft modes. Electronic contributions to specific heat provide effective masses that increase substantially, from $1.8$ to $4.8 m_e$, across the two SrTiO$_3$ Lifshitz transitions. It is shown that this behavior can be quantitatively reconciled with quantum oscillation data and calculated band structure, establishing a remarkably doping-independent mass enhancement factor of $2.0$. Most importantly, with the doping-dependent $T^2$ resistivity prefactor and Sommerfeld coefficient known, Kadowaki-Woods scaling has been tested over the entire doping range probed. Despite classic Fermi liquid behavior in electronic specific heat, standard Kadowaki-Woods scaling is dramatically violated, highlighting the need for new theoretical descriptions of $T^2$ resistivity in SrTiO$_3$.
1808.03909v2
2015-06-07
Temperature dependent three-dimensional anisotropy of the magnetoresistance in WTe$_2$
Extremely large magnetoresistance (XMR) was recently discovered in WTe$_2$, triggering extensive research on this material regarding the XMR origin. Since WTe$_2$ is a layered compound with metal layers sandwiched between adjacent insulating chalcogenide layers, this material has been considered to be electronically two-dimensional (2D). Here we report two new findings on WTe$_2$: (1) WTe$_2$ is electronically 3D with a mass anisotropy as low as $2$, as revealed by the 3D scaling behavior of the resistance $R(H,\theta)=R(\varepsilon_\theta H)$ with $\varepsilon_\theta =(\cos^2 \theta + \gamma^{-2}\sin^2 \theta)^{1/2}$, $\theta$ being the magnetic field angle with respect to c-axis of the crystal and $\gamma$ being the mass anisotropy; (2) the mass anisotropy $\gamma$ varies with temperature and follows the magnetoresistance behavior of the Fermi liquid state. Our results not only provide a general scaling approach for the anisotropic magnetoresistance but also are crucial for correctly understanding the electronic properties of WTe$_2$, including the origin of the remarkable 'turn-on' behavior in the resistance versus temperature curve, which has been widely observed in many materials and assumed to be a metal-insulator transition.
1506.02214v2
2019-10-09
Preferential out-of-plane conduction and quasi-one-dimensional electronic states in layered 1T-TaS2
Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are commonly classified as quasi-two-dimensional materials, meaning that their electronic structure closely resembles that of an individual layer, which results in resistivity anisotropies reaching thousands. Here, we show that this rule does not hold for 1T-TaS2 - a compound with the richest phase diagram among TMDs. While the onset of charge density wave order makes the in-plane conduction non-metallic, we reveal that the out-of-plane charge transport is metallic and the resistivity anisotropy is close to one. We support our findings with ab-initio calculations predicting a pronounced quasi-one-dimensional character of the electronic structure. Consequently, we interpret the highly debated metal-insulator transition in 1T-TaS2 as a quasi-one-dimensional instability, contrary to the long-standing Mott localisation picture. In a broader context, these findings are relevant for the newly born field of van der Waals heterostructures, where tuning interlayer interactions (e.g. by twist, strain, intercalation, etc.) leads to new emergent phenomena.
1910.03817v2
2019-10-23
Complex Transport and Magnetism in Inhomogeneous Mixed Valence Ce$_3$Ir$_4$Ge$_{13}$
We report the discovery of Ce$_3$Ir$_4$Ge$_{13}$, a new Remeika phase compound with a complex array of structural, electronic, and magnetic properties. Our single crystal x-ray diffraction measurements show that Ce$_3$Ir$_4$Ge$_{13}$ forms in the tetragonally distorted $I4_1/amd$ space group. The electrical resistivity is almost temperature independent over three decades in temperature, from 0.4 K to 400 K, while the Hall coefficient measurements are consistent with a low-carrier semimetal. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal an effective moment of $\mu^{\text{exp}}_{\text{eff}} = 1.87 \mu_B$/Ce, suggesting that this material has a mixture of magnetic Ce$^{3+}$ and non-magnetic Ce$^{4+}$. Upon cooling, Ce$_3$Ir$_4$Ge$_{13}$ first enters a short range magnetically ordered state below $T_{\text{SRO}}=10$ K, marked by a deviation from Curie-Weiss behavior in susceptibility and a broad field-independent heat capacity anomaly. At lower temperatures, we observe a second, sharper peak in the heat capacity at $T^* = 1.7$ K, concurrent with a splitting of the field-cooled and zero-field-cooled susceptibilities. A small resistivity drop at $T^*$ suggests a loss of spin disorder scattering consistent with a magnetic ordering or spin freezing transition. Ce$_3$Ir$_4$Ge$_{13}$ is therefore a rare example of an inhomogeneous mixed valence compound with a complex array of thermodynamic and transport properties.
1910.10764v1
2020-05-01
Characterisation of Cryogenic Material Properties of 3D-Printed Superconducting Niobium using a 3D Lumped Element Microwave Cavity
We present an experimental characterisation of the electrical properties of 3D-printed Niobium. The study was performed by inserting a 3D-printed Nb post inside an Aluminium cylindrical cavity, forming a 3D lumped element re-entrant microwave cavity resonator. The resonator was cooled to temperatures below the critical temperature of Niobium (9.25K) and then Aluminium (1.2K), while measuring the quality factors of the electromagnetic resonances. This was then compared with finite element analysis of the cavity and a measurement of the same cavity with an Aluminium post of similar dimensions and frequency, to extract the surface resistance of the Niobium post. The 3D-printed Niobium exhibited a transition to the superconducting state at a similar temperature to the regular Niobium, as well as a surface resistance of $3.1\times10^{-4}$ $\Omega$. This value was comparable to many samples of traditionally machined Niobium previously studied without specialised surface treatment. Furthermore, this study demonstrates a simple new method for characterizing the material properties of a relatively small and geometrically simple sample of superconductor, which could be easily applied to other materials, particularly 3D-printed materials. Further research and development in additive manufacturing may see the application of 3D-printed Niobium in not only superconducting cavity designs, but in the innovative technology of the future.
2005.00271v1
2021-09-30
Spin-flip-driven giant magneto-transport in A-type antiferromagnet NaCrTe2
For anisotropic magneto-resistance (AMR) effect, its value synergistically depends on the magnitudes of magneto-resistance (MR) and magneto-crystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) simultaneously. In a magnetic material, the concurrence of gigantic AMR and MR signals is rather difficult due to weak spin-lattice coupling and small MAE. Here we report the considerable magneto-transport effect in layered A-type antiferromagnetic (AFM) NaCrTe2 by realigning the spin configurations. By applying H, the antiparallel spins of adjacent layers are flipped to ferromagnetic (FM) coupling either Ising-type along c-axis or XY-type within ab-plane. Theoretical calculations reveal that the energy bandgap narrows from 0.39 eV to 0.11 eV, accompanying a transition from semiconductor (high-R state) and half-semiconductor (low-R state), respectively. Thus, gigantic negative MR ratio of -90% is obtained at 10 K. More importantly, the decrement of R along H//c is far quicker than that of H//ab because the MAE of Ising-FM state is 1017 {\mu}eV/Cr3+ lower than that of XY-FM. The distinct trends result in the AMR ratio of 732% at 10 K, which is the record value to our best knowledge. These findings unravel the intrinsic origin of magneto in NaCrTe2 and will stimulate us to exploring the H-sensitive transport property in more AFM materials.
2109.14923v1
2021-11-12
Recrystallization and Interdiffusion Processes in Laser-Annealed Strain-Relaxed Metastable Ge$_{0.89}$Sn0$_{.11}$
The prospect of GeSn semiconductors for silicon-integrated infrared optoelectronics brings new challenges related to the metastability of this class of materials. As a matter of fact, maintaining a reduced thermal budget throughout all processing steps of GeSn devices is essential to avoid possible material degradation. This constraint is exacerbated by the need for higher Sn contents along with an enhanced strain relaxation to achieve efficient mid-infrared devices. Herein, as a low thermal budget solution for post-epitaxy processing, we elucidate the effects of laser thermal annealing (LTA) on strain-relaxed Ge$_{0.89}$Sn0$_{.11}$ layers and Ni-Ge$_{0.89}$Sn0$_{.11}$ contacts. Key diffusion and recrystallization processes are proposed and discussed in the light of systematic microstructural studies. LTA treatment at a fluence of 0.40 J/cm2 results in a 200-300 nm-thick layer where Sn atoms segregate toward the surface and in the formation of Sn-rich columnar structures in the LTA-affected region. These structures are reminiscent to those observed in the dislocation-assisted pipe-diffusion mechanism, while the buried GeSn layers remain intact. Moreover, by tailoring the LTA fluence, the contact resistance can be reduced without triggering phase separation across the whole GeSn multi-layer stacking. Indeed, a one order of magnitude decrease in the Ni-based specific contact resistance was obtained at the highest LTA fluence, thus confirming the potential of this method for the functionalization of direct bandgap GeSn materials.
2111.06788v1
2022-04-18
Material properties of a low contraction and resistivity silicon-aluminum composite for cryogenic detectors
We report on the cryogenic properties of a low-contraction silicon-aluminum composite, namely Japan Fine Ceramics SA001, to use as a packaging structure for cryogenic silicon devices. SA001 is a silicon--aluminum composite material (75% silicon by volume) and has a low thermal expansion coefficient ($\sim$1/3 that of aluminum). The superconducting transition temperature of SA001 is measured to be 1.18 K, which is in agreement with that of pure aluminum, and is thus available as a superconducting magnetic shield material. The residual resistivity of SA001 is 0.065 $\mathrm{\mu \Omega m}$, which is considerably lower than an equivalent silicon--aluminum composite material. The measured thermal contraction of SA001 immersed in liquid nitrogen is $\frac{L_{293\mathrm{K}}-L_{77\mathrm{K}}}{L_{293\mathrm{K}}}=0.12$%, which is consistent with the expected rate obtained from the volume-weighted mean of the contractions of silicon and aluminum. The machinability of SA001 is also confirmed with a demonstrated fabrication of a conical feedhorn array, with a wall thickness of 100 $\mathrm{\mu m}$. These properties are suitable for packaging applications for large-format superconducting detector devices.
2204.08111v2
2022-06-07
Phase-field modelling and analysis of rate-dependent fracture phenomena at finite deformation
Fracture of materials with rate-dependent mechanical behaviour, e.g. polymers, is a highly complex process. For an adequate modelling, the coupling between rate-dependent stiffness, dissipative mechanisms present in the bulk material and crack driving force has to be accounted for in an appropriate manner. In addition, the fracture toughness, i.e. the resistance against crack propagation, can depend on rate of deformation. In this contribution, an energetic phase-field model of rate-dependent fracture at finite deformation is presented. For the deformation of the bulk material, a formulation of finite viscoelasticity is adopted with strain energy densities of Ogden type assumed. The unified formulation allows to study different expressions for the fracture driving force. Furthermore, a possibly rate-dependent toughness is incorporated. The model is calibrated using experimental results from the literature for an elastomer and predictions are qualitatively and quantitatively validated against experimental data. Predictive capabilities of the model are studied for monotonic loads as well as creep fracture. Symmetrical and asymmetrical crack patterns are discussed and the influence of a dissipative fracture driving force contribution is analysed. It is shown that, different from ductile fracture of metals, such a driving force is not required for an adequate simulation of experimentally observable crack paths and is not favourable for the description of failure in viscoelastic rubbery polymers. Furthermore, the influence of a rate-dependent toughness is discussed by means of a numerical study. From a phenomenological point of view, it is demonstrated that rate-dependency of resistance against crack propagation can be an essential ingredient for the model when specific effects such as rate-dependent brittle-to-ductile transitions shall be described.
2206.03460v1