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2015-01-07
Semimetallic transport properties of epitaxially stabilized perovskite CaIrO3 films
We report on the synthesis and transport properties of perovskite (Pv) CaIrO3 thin films. The Pv phase of CaIrO3 was stabilized by epitaxial growth on SrTiO3, (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.7, and LaAlO3 substrates with strong tensile, weak tensile, and compressive strains, respectively. The resistivity of these films showed a poorly metallic behavior. The Hall resistivity exhibited a sign change as a function of temperature and a nonlinear magnetic-field dependence, which clearly indicated the coexistence of electrons and holes and hence supported that Pv CaIrO3 films are semimetallic. The observed robustness of the semimetallic ground state against tensile and compressive strains is consistent with the presence of symmetry-protected Dirac points (nodes) around the Fermi level that prohibits the system from becoming a band insulator.
1501.01433v1
2015-02-13
Surface state reconstruction in ion-damaged SmB_6
We have used ion-irradiation to damage the (001) surfaces of SmB_6 single crystals to varying depths, and have measured the resistivity as a function of temperature for each depth of damage. We observe a reduction in the residual resistivity with increasing depth of damage. Our data are consistent with a model in which the surface state is not destroyed by the ion-irradiation, but instead the damaged layer is poorly conducting and the initial surface state is reconstructed below the damage. This behavior is consistent with a surface state that is topologically protected.
1502.04103v1
2015-02-19
Occurrence of flat bands in strongly correlated Fermi systems and high-$T_c$ superconductivity of electron-doped compounds
We consider a class of strongly correlated Fermi systems that exhibit an interaction-induced flat band pinned to the Fermi surface, and generalize the Landau strategy to accommodate a flat band and apply the more comprehensive theory to electron systems of solids. The non-Fermi-liquid behavior that emerges is compared with relevant experimental data on heavy-fermion metals and electron-doped high-$T_c$ compounds. We elucidate how heavy-fermion metals have extremely low superconducting transition temperature $T_c$, its maximum reached in the heavy-fermion metal CeCoIn$_5$ does not exceed 2.3 K, and explain the enhancement of $T_c$ observed in high-$T_c$ superconductors. We show that the coefficient $A_1$ of the $T$-linear resistivity scales with $T_c$, in agreement with the experimental behavior uncovered in the electron-doped materials. We have also constructed schematic temperature-doping phase diagram of the copper oxide superconductor $\rm La_{2-x}Ce_xCuO_4$ and explained the doping dependence of its resistivity.
1502.05659v2
2015-03-05
Optical study of phase transitions in single-crystalline RuP
RuP single crystals of MnP-type orthorhombic structure were synthesized by the Sn flux method. Temperature-dependent x-ray diffraction measurements reveal that the compound experiences two structural phase transitions, which are further confirmed by enormous anomalies shown in temperature-dependent resistivity and magnetic susceptibility. Particularly, the resistivity drops monotonically upon temperature cooling below the second transition, indicating that the material shows metallic behavior, in sharp contrast with the insulating ground state of polycrystalline samples. Optical conductivity measurements were also performed in order to unravel the mechanism of these two transitions. The measurement revealed a sudden reconstruction of band structure over a broad energy scale and a significant removal of conducting carriers below the first phase transition, while a charge-density-wave-like energy gap opens below the second phase transition.
1503.01544v1
2015-03-25
Nature of magnetotransport in metal/insulating-ferromagnet heterostructures: Spin Hall magnetoresistance or magnetic proximity effect
We study the anomalous Hall-like effect (AHLE) and the effective anisotropic magnetoresistance (EAMR) in antiferromagnetic {\gamma} -IrMn3/Y3Fe5O12(YIG) and Pt/YIG heterostructures. For {\gamma} -IrMn3/YIG, the EAMR and the AHLE resistivity change sign with temperature due to the competition between the spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) and the magnetic proximity effect (MPE) induced by the interfacial antiferromagnetic uncompensated magnetic moment. In contrast, for Pt/YIG the AHLE resistivity changes sign with temperature whereas no sign change is observed in the EAMR. This is because the MPE and the SMR play a dominant role in the AHLE and the EAMR, respectively. As new types of galvanomagnetic property, the AHLE and the EAMR have proved vital in disentangling the MPE and the SMR in metal/insulating-ferromagnet heterostructures.
1503.07388v2
2015-03-31
Persistence of two-dimensional topological insulator state in wide HgTe quantum well
Our experimental studies of electron transport in wide (14 nm) HgTe quantum wells confirm persistence of a two-dimensional topological insulator state reported previously for narrower wells, where it was justified theoretically. Comparison of local and nonlocal resistance measurements indicate edge state transport in the samples of about 1 mm size at temperatures below 1 K. Temperature dependence of the resistances suggests an insulating gap of the order of a few meV. In samples with sizes smaller than 10 $\mu$m a quasiballistic transport via the edge states is observed.
1503.08978v1
2015-05-19
Frequency-Independent Response of Self-Complementary Checkerboard Screens
This research resolves a long-standing problem on the electromagnetic response of self-complementary metallic screens with checkerboardlike geometry. Although Babinet's principle implies that they show a frequency-independent response, this unusual characteristic has not been observed yet due to the singularities of the metallic point contacts in the checkerboard geometry. We overcome this difficulty by replacing the point contacts with resistive sheets. The proposed structure is prepared and characterized by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. It is experimentally confirmed that the resistive checkerboard structures exhibit a flat transmission spectrum over 0.1--1.1 THz. It is also demonstrated that self-complementarity can eliminate even the frequency-dependent transmission characteristics of resonant metamaterials.
1505.04874v2
2015-05-22
Greedy Biomarker Discovery in the Genome with Applications to Antimicrobial Resistance
The Set Covering Machine (SCM) is a greedy learning algorithm that produces sparse classifiers. We extend the SCM for datasets that contain a huge number of features. The whole genetic material of living organisms is an example of such a case, where the number of feature exceeds 10^7. Three human pathogens were used to evaluate the performance of the SCM at predicting antimicrobial resistance. Our results show that the SCM compares favorably in terms of sparsity and accuracy against L1 and L2 regularized Support Vector Machines and CART decision trees. Moreover, the SCM was the only algorithm that could consider the full feature space. For all other algorithms, the latter had to be filtered as a preprocessing step.
1505.06249v1
2015-09-07
Optimization of Spatial Dose Distribution for Controlling Sidewall Shape in Electron-beam Lithography
Electron-beam (e-beam) lithography is widely employed in fabrication of 2-D patterns and 3-D structures. A certain type or shape of the sidewall in the remaining resist profile may be desired in an application, e.g., an undercut for lift-off and a vertical sidewall for etching, or required for a device. Also, as the feature size is decreased well below a micron, a small variation of the sidewall slope can lead to a significant (relative) CD error in certain layers of resist. Therefore, it is important to understand effects of spatial dose distribution on sidewall shape and be able to achieve the desired shape. In this study, via simulation, the relationship among the total dose, spatial distribution of dose, developing time and sidewall shape, and performance of the method developed to optimize the dose distribution for a target sidewall shape have been analyzed. The simulation results have been verified through experiments.
1509.04694v1
2015-10-05
Magnetic oscillations of the anomalous Hall conductivity
It is known that the Shubnikov--de Haas oscillations can be observed in the Hall resistivity, although their amplitude is much weaker than the amplitude of the diagonal resistivity oscillations. Employing a model of two-dimensional massive Dirac fermions that exhibits anomalous Hall effect, we demonstrate that the amplitude of the Shubnikov--de Haas oscillations of the anomalous Hall conductivity is the same as that of the diagonal conductivity. We argue that the oscillations of the anomalous Hall conductivity can be observed by studying the valley Hall effect in graphene superlattices and the spin Hall effect in the low-buckled Dirac materials.
1510.01360v2
2015-10-12
Weak ferromagnetism in non-centrosymmetric BiPd 4K superconductor
We report synthesis of non-centrosymmetric BiPd single crystal by self flux method. The BiPd single crystal is crystallized in monoclinic structure with the P21 space group. Detailed SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) results show that the crystals are formed in slab like morphology with homogenous distribution of Bi and Pd. The magnetic susceptibility measurement confirmed that the BiPd compound is superconducting below 4K. Further, BiPd exhibits weak ferromagnetism near the superconducting transition temperature in isothermal magnetization (MH) measurements. The temperature dependent electrical resistivity also confirmed that the BiPd single crystal is superconducting at Tc=4K. Magneto transport measurements showed that the estimated Hc2(0) value is around 7.0kOe. We also obtained a sharp peak in heat capacity Cp(T) measurements at below 4K due to superconducting ordering. The normalized specific-heat jump, DC/{\gamma}Tc, is 1.52, suggesting the BiPd to be an intermediate BCS coupled superconductor. The pressure dependent electrical resistivity shows the Tc decreases with increasing applied pressure and the obtained dTc/dP is -0.62K/Gpa.
1510.03217v2
2015-11-25
Andreev reflection at the edge of a two-dimentional semimetal
We investigate electron transport through the interface between a niobium superconductor and the edge of a two-dimensional semimetal, realized in a 20~nm wide HgTe quantum well. Experimentally, we observe that typical behavior of a single Andreev contact is complicated by both a pronounced zero-bias resistance anomaly and shallow subgap resistance oscillations with $1/n$ periodicity. These results are demonstrated to be independent of the superconducting material and should be regarded as specific to a 2D semimetal in a proximity with a superconductor. We interpret these effects to originate from the Andreev-like correlated process at the edge of a two-dimensional semimetal.
1511.08085v1
2015-12-12
Low Temperature Structural and Transport Studies of La0.175Pr0.45Ca0.375MnO3
The temperature (T) dependent x-ray diffraction (XRD) and resistivity measurements of La0.175Pr0.45Ca0.375MnO3 (LPCMO) have been performed down to 2K to understand the structural and transport properties. From room temperature down to 220K, LPCMO exists in orthorhombic phase with Pnma structure and at 220K, it transforms to charge ordered (CO) monoclinic phase with P21/m structure and remains as it is down to 2K. The CO phase is evident from the occurrence of weak but well defined superlattice peaks in the XRD pattern. This structural transformation is of first order in nature as evident from the phase coexistence across the transition region. These results thus clearly illustrate that LPCMO undergoes a first order structural phase transition from charge disordered orthorhombic phase to CO monoclinic phase at 220K, consistent with temperature dependent resistivity results. Our structural analysis of T dependent XRD data using Rietveld refinement infers that below 220K, LPCMO forms commensurate CO monoclinic P21/m structure with four times structural modulation.
1512.03890v1
2015-12-17
A self-consistent spin-diffusion model for micromagnetics
We propose a three-dimensional micromagnetic model that dynamically solves the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation coupled to the full spin-diffusion equation. In contrast to previous methods, we solve for the magnetization dynamics and the electric potential in a self-consistent fashion. This treatment allows for an accurate description of magnetization dependent resistance changes. Moreover, the presented algorithm describes both spin accumulation due to smooth magnetization transitions and due to material interfaces as in multilayer structures. The model and its finite-element implementation are validated by current driven motion of a magnetic vortex structure. In a second experiment, the resistivity of a magnetic multilayer structure in dependence of the tilting angle of the magnetization in the different layers is investigated. Both examples show good agreement with reference simulations and experiments respectively.
1512.05519v4
2015-12-18
Antiferromagnetism and superconductivity in the half-Heusler semimetal HoPdBi
We observed the coexistence of superconductivity and antiferromagnetic order in the single-crystalline ternary pnictide HoPdBi, a plausible topological semimetal. The compound orders antiferromagnetically at $T_N =$1.9 K and exhibits superconductivity below $T_c =$0.7 K, which was confirmed by magnetic, electrical transport and specific heat measurements. The specific heat shows anomalies corresponding to antiferromagnetic ordering transition and crystalline field effect, but not to superconducting transition. Single-crystal neutron diffraction indicates that the antiferromagnetic structure is characterized by the (1/2, 1/2, 1/2) propagation vector. Temperature variation of the electrical resistivity reveals two parallel conducting channels of semiconducting and metallic character. In weak magnetic fields, the magnetoresistance exhibits weak antilocalization effect, while in strong fields and temperatures below 50 K it is large and negative. At temperatures below 7 K Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations with two frequencies appear in the resistivity. These oscillations have non-trivial Berry phase, which is a distinguished feature of Dirac fermions.
1512.05972v1
2016-02-08
Phase separated behavior in Yttrium doped CaMnO3
The effect of electron doping on the structural, transport, and magnetic properties of Mn (IV) - rich Ca1-xYxMnO3 (x < 0.2) samples have been investigated using neutron diffraction, neutron depolarization, magnetization and resistivity techniques. The temperature dependence of resistivity follows the small polaron model and the activation energy exhibits a minimum for x=0.1 sample. A phase separated magnetic ground state consisting of ferromagnetic domains (~7microns) embedded in G-type antiferromagnetic matrix is observed in the sample, x = 0.1. The transition to the long range magnetically ordered state in this sample is preceded by a Griffiths phase. On lowering temperature below 300K a structural transition from orthorhombic structure (Pnma) to a monoclinic structure (P21/m) is observed in the case of x=0.2 sample. The ferromagnetic behavior in this case is suppressed and the antiferromagnetic ordering is described by coexisting C-type and G-type magnetic structures corresponding to the monoclinic and orthorhombic phases, respectively.<
1602.02479v1
2016-02-08
Scaling behavior of temperature-dependent thermopower in CeAu2Si2 under pressure
We report a combined study of in-plane resistivity and thermopower of the pressure-induced heavy fermion superconductor CeAu2Si2 up to 27.8 GPa. It is found that thermopower follows a scaling behavior in T/T* almost up to the magnetic critical pressure pc ~ 22 GPa. By comparing with resistivity results, we show that the magnitude and characteristic temperature dependence of thermopower in this pressure range are governed by the Kondo coupling and crystal-field splitting, respectively. Below pc, the superconducting transition is preceded by a large negative thermopower minimum, suggesting a close relationship between the two phenomena. Furthermore, thermopower of a variety of Ce-based Kondo-lattices with different crystal structures follows the same scaling relation up to T/T* ~ 2.
1602.02498v2
2016-02-22
Quantum Oscillations at Integer and Fractional Landau Level Indices in ZrTe5
A three-dimensional (3D) Dirac semimetal (DS) is an analogue of graphene, but with linear energy dispersion in all (three) momentum directions.3D DSs have been a fertile playground in discovering novel quantum particles, for example Weyl fermions, in solid state systems.Many 3D DSs (e.g., ZrTe5) were theoretically predicted. We report here the results from the studies of aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and low temperature magneto-transport measurements in exfoliated ZrTe5 thin flakes.Several unique results were observed. First, an anomalous-Hall-effect-like behavior was observed around zero magnetic field (B).Second, a non-trivial Berry's phase of \pi\ was obtained from the Landau level fan diagram of the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations in the longitudinal resistivity. Third, the longitudinal resistivity shows linear B field dependence in the quantum limit. Most surprisingly, quantum oscillations were observed at fractional Landau level indices N = 2/3 and 2/5, demonstrating strong electron-electron interactions effects in ZrTe5.
1602.06824v3
2016-02-26
Eigenanalysis of morphological diversity in silicon random nanostructures formed via resist collapse
This paper demonstrates eigenanalysis to quantitatively reveal the diversity and capacity of identities offered by the morphological diversity in silicon nanostructures formed via random collapse of resist. The analysis suggests that approximately 10^115 possible identities are provided per 0.18-um^2 area of nanostructures, indicating that nanoscale morphological signatures will be extremely useful for future information security applications where securing identities is critical. The eigenanalysis provides an intuitive physical picture and quantitative characterization of the diversity of structural fluctuations while unifying measurement stability concerns, which will be widely applicable to other materials, devices, and system architectures.
1602.08205v2
2016-04-29
Ca$_3$Ir$_4$Sn$_{13}$: A weakly correlated nodeless superconductor
We report detailed Seebeck coefficient, Hall resistivity as well as specific heat measurement on Ca$_3$Ir$_4$Sn$_{13}$ single crystals. The Seebeck coefficient exhibits a peak corresponding to the anomaly in resistivity at $T^*$, and the carrier density is suppressed significantly below $T^*$. This indicates a significant Fermi surface reconstruction and the opening of the charge density wave gap at the supperlattice transition. The magnetic field induced enhancement of the residual specific heat coefficient $\gamma(H)$ exhibits a nearly linear dependence on magnetic field, indicating a nodeless gap. In the temperature range close to $T_c$ the Seebeck coefficient can be described well by the diffusion model. The zero-temperature extrapolated thermoelectric power is very small, implying large normalized Fermi temperature. Consequently the ratio $\frac{T_c}{T_F}$ is very small. Our results indicate that Ca$_3$Ir$_4$Sn$_{13}$ is a weakly correlated nodeless superconductor.
1604.08948v1
2016-06-06
First-principles calculation of the stabilities of LMP/LAMP lithium superionic conductors against sodium-ion exchange in seawater
Electronic structure calculations carried out to estimate the free energies of Na(aq)+ exchange for lithium in LiM2(PO4)3 (LMP, M=Si4+,Ge4+,Ti4+,Sn4+,Zr4+) and Li1+xAlxM2-x(PO4)3 (LAMP; M=Ge4+,Ti4+, between 0 and 0.5) compounds in seawater. The calculations show that resistance to sodium-ion exchange increases with decreasing cell volume. For the pure LMP compounds, only the hypothetical LiSi2(PO4)3 is predicted to be stable against sodium ion exchange in aqueous solution. The calculations indicate that increasing the extent of Al3+ substitution for M4+ in the LAMP compounds increases the resistance to exchange, and that both LAGP and LATP can be stabilized against sodium exchange for x greater than or equal to approximately 0.5 Li1+xAlxM2-x(PO4)3.
1606.02177v1
2016-06-09
Giant Linear Magneto-resistance in Nonmagnetic PtBi2
We synthesized nonmagnetic PtBi$_2$ single crystals and observed a giant linear magneto-resistance (MR) up to 684\% under a magnetic field $\mu_0H$ = 15 T at $T$ = 2 K. The linear MR decreases with increasing temperature, but it is still as large as 61\% under $\mu_0H$ of 15 T at room temperature. Such a giant linear MR is unlikely to be described by the quantum model as the quantum condition is not satisfied. Instead, we found that the slope of MR scales with the Hall mobility, and it can be well explained by a classical disorder model.
1606.02847v1
2016-07-13
Tuning the electronic and the crystalline structure of LaBi by pressure
Extreme magnetoresistance (XMR) in topological semimetals is a recent discovery which attracts attention due to its robust appearance in a growing number of materials. To search for a relation between XMR and superconductivity, we study the effect of pressure on LaBi taking advantage of its simple structure and simple composition. By increasing pressure we observe the disappearance of XMR followed by the appearance of superconductivity at P=3.5 GPa.The suppression of XMR is correlated with increasing zero-field resistance instead of decreasing in-field resistance. At higher pressures, P=11 GPa, we find a structural transition from the face center cubic lattice to a primitive tetragonal lattice in agreement with theoretical predictions. We discuss the relationship between extreme magnetoresistance, superconductivity, and structural transition in LaBi.
1607.03560v1
2016-07-20
Performance of Topological Insulator Interconnects
The poor performance of copper interconnects at the nanometer scale calls for new material solutions for continued scaling of integrated circuits. We propose the use of three dimensional time-reversal-invariant topological insulators (TIs), which host backscattering-protected surface states, for this purpose. Using semiclassical methods, we demonstrate that nanoscale TI interconnects have a resistance 1-3 orders of magnitude lower than copper interconnects and graphene nanoribbons at the nanometer scale. We use the nonequilibrium Green function (NEGF) formalism to measure the change in conductance of nanoscale TI and metal interconnects caused by the presence of impurity disorder. We show that metal interconnects suffer a resistance increase, relative to the clean limit, in excess of 500% due to disorder while the TI's surface states increase less than 35% in the same regime.
1607.06131v2
2016-08-03
Prominent metallic surface conduction and the singular magnetic response of topological Dirac fermion in three-dimensional topological insulator Bi$_{1.5}$Sb$_{0.5}$Te$_{1.7}$Se$_{1.3}$
We report semiconductor to metal-like crossover in temperature dependence of resistivity ($\rho$) due to the switching of charge transport from bulk to surface channel in three-dimensional topological insulator Bi$_{1.5}$Sb$_{0.5}$Te$_{1.7}$Se$_{1.3}$. Unlike earlier studies, a much sharper drop in $\rho$($T$) is observed below the crossover temperature due to the dominant surface conduction. Remarkably, the resistivity of the conducting surface channel follows a rarely observable $T^2$ dependence at low temperature as predicted theoretically for a two-dimensional Fermi liquid system. The field dependence of magnetization shows a cusp-like paramagnetic peak in the susceptibility ($\chi$) at zero field over the diamagnetic background. The peak is found to be robust against temperature and decays linearly with field from its zero-field value. This unique behavior of $\chi$ is associated with the spin-momentum locked topological surface state of Bi$_{1.5}$Sb$_{0.5}$Te$_{1.7}$Se$_{1.3}$. The reconstruction of surface state with time is clearly reflected through the reduction of peak height with the age of the sample.
1608.01203v2
2016-08-11
Magnetoresistance generated from charge-spin conversion by anomalous Hall effect in metallic ferromagnetic/nonmagnetic bilayers
A theoretical formulation of magnetoresistance effect in a metallic ferromagnetic/nonmagnetic bilayer originated from the charge-spin conversion by the anomalous Hall effect is presented. Analytical expressions of the longitudinal and transverse resistivities in both nonmagnet and ferromagnet are obtained by solving the spin diffusion equation. The magnetoresistance generated from charge-spin conversion purely caused by the anomalous Hall effect in the ferromagnet is found to be proportional to the square of the spin polarizations in the ferromagnet and has fixed sign. We also find additional magnetoresistances in both nonmagnet and ferromagnet arising from the mixing of the spin Hall and anomalous Hall effects. The sign of this mixing resistance depends on those of the spin Hall angle in the nonmagnet and the spin polarizations of the ferromagnet.
1608.03359v2
2016-08-12
Growth of ultra thin vanadium dioxide thin films using magnetron sputtering
In this work, the results of fabricating ultra thin VO$_2$ films on the technologically relevant amorphous SiO$_2$ surface using reactive DC magnetron sputtering are presented. Results indicate that a post deposition anneal in low partial pressures of oxygen is an effective way at stabilizing the VO$_2$(M$_{1}$) phase on the SiO$_2$ surface. VO$_2$ films with a thickness of 42nm show a continuous microstructure, and undergo a resistivity change of more than a factor of 200 as the temperature of the film increases above 72$^{o}C$. The film shows hysteresis in the metal-insulator transition temperature upon heating and cooling with a width of approximately 8$^o$C. The resistivity of the low temperature semiconducting phase is found to be thermally activated with an activation energy 0.16$\pm$0.03 $ev$. Stress measurements using X-ray diffraction indicate that the ultra thin VO$_2$ film has a large tensile stress of 2.0$\pm$0.2 $GPa$. This value agrees well with the calculated thermal stress due to differential thermal expansion between the VO$_2$ thin film and silicon substrate. The stress leads to a shift of the metal-insulator transition temperature by approximately 4$^{o}C$.
1608.03911v1
2016-08-31
Spin polarization ratios of resistivity and density of states estimated from anisotropic magnetoresistance ratio for nearly half-metallic ferromagnets
We derive a simple relational expression between the spin polarization ratio of resistivity, $P_\rho$, and the anisotropic magnetoresistance ratio $\Delta \rho/\rho$, and that between the spin polarization ratio of the density of states at the Fermi energy, $P_{\rm DOS}$, and $\Delta \rho/\rho$ for nearly half-metallic ferromagnets. We find that $P_\rho$ and $P_{\rm DOS}$ increase with increasing $|\Delta \rho/\rho|$ from 0 to a maximum value. In addition, we roughly estimate $P_\rho$ and $P_{\rm DOS}$ for a Co$_2$FeGa$_{0.5}$Ge$_{0.5}$ Heusler alloy by substituting its experimentally observed $\Delta \rho/\rho$ into the respective expressions.
1608.08888v1
2016-10-17
Anomalous Hall effect of ferromagnetic Fe3Sn2 single crystal with geometrically frustrated kagome lattice
The anomalous Hall effect is investigated for ferromagnetic Fe3Sn2 single crystal with geometrically frustrated kagome bilayer of Fe. The scaling behavior between anomalous Hall resistivity rho_{xy}^{A} and longitudinal resistivity rho_{xx} is quadratic and further analysis implies that the AHE in Fe3Sn2 single crystal should be dominated by the intrinsic Karplus-Luttinger mechanism rather than extrinsic skew-scattering or side-jump mechanisms. Moreover, there is a sudden jump of anomalous Hall conductivity sigma_{xy}^{A} appearing at about 100 K where the spin-reorientation transition from the c axis to the ab plane is completed. This change of sigma_{xy}^{A} might be related to the evolution of Fermi surface induced by the spin-reorientation transition.
1610.04970v1
2016-11-11
MgGa2O4 spinel barrier for magnetic tunnel junctions: coherent tunneling and low barrier height
Epitaxial Fe/magnesium gallium spinel oxide (MgGa2O4)/Fe(001) magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) were fabricated by magnetron sputtering. Tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio up to 121% at room temperature (196% at 4 K) was observed, suggesting a TMR enhancement by the coherent tunneling effect in the MgGa2O4 barrier. The MgGa2O4 layer had a spinel structure and it showed good lattice matching with the Fe layers owing to slight tetragonal lattice distortion of MgGa2O4. Barrier thickness dependence of the tunneling resistance and current-voltage characteristics revealed that the barrier height of the MgGa2O4 barrier is much lower than that in an MgAl2O4 barrier. This study demonstrates the potential of Ga-based spinel oxides for MTJ barriers having a large TMR ratio at a low resistance area product.
1611.03606v1
2016-11-28
Doping of metal-organic frameworks towards resistive sensing
Coordination polymerization leads to various metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in which symmetrical metal nodes exposed to nano voids lead to unique physical properties and chemical functionalities. One of the challenges towards their applications as porous materials is to make MOFs optimally conductive to be used as electronic components. Here, we demonstrate that Co-MOF-74, a honeycomb nano{framework with one{dimensionally arranged cobalt atoms advances its physical properties by accommodating Tetracyanochinodimethan (TCNQ), an acceptor molecule. Strong intermolecular charge transfer narrows the optical band gap down to 1.5 eV of divalent TCNQ and enhances the electrical conduction, which allows the MOF to be utilized for resistive gas- and photo-sensing. Our result provides insight into electronic interactions in doped MOFs and paves the way towards their electronic applications.
1611.09138v1
2016-12-02
Stokes paradox in electronic Fermi liquids
The Stokes paradox is the statement that in a viscous two dimensional fluid, the "linear response" problem of fluid flow around an obstacle is ill-posed. We present a simple consequence of this paradox in the hydrodynamic regime of a Fermi liquid of electrons in two-dimensional metals. Using hydrodynamics and kinetic theory, we estimate the contribution of a single cylindrical obstacle to the global electrical resistance of a material, within linear response. Momentum relaxation, present in any realistic electron liquid, resolves the classical paradox. Nonetheless, this paradox imprints itself in the resistance, which can be parametrically larger than predicted by Ohmic transport theory. We find a remarkably rich set of behaviors, depending on whether or not the quasiparticle dynamics in the Fermi liquid should be treated as diffusive, hydrodynamic or ballistic on the length scale of the obstacle. We argue that all three types of behavior are observable in present day experiments.
1612.00856v2
2017-02-08
Ironwood Meta Key Agreement and Authentication Protocol
Number theoretic public-key solutions, currently used in many applications worldwide, will be subject to various quantum attacks, making them less attractive for longer-term use. Certain group theoretic constructs are now showing promise in providing quantum-resistant cryptographic primitives, and may provide suitable alternatives for those looking to address known quantum attacks. In this paper, we introduce a new protocol called a Meta Key Agreement and Authentication Protocol (MKAAP) that has some characteristics of a public-key solution and some of a shared-key solution. Specifically it has the deployment benefits of a public-key system, allowing two entities that have never met before to authenticate without requiring real-time access to a third-party, but does require secure provisioning of key material from a trusted key distribution system (similar to a symmetric system) prior to deployment. We then describe a specific MKAAP instance, the Ironwood MKAAP, discuss its security, and show how it resists certain quantum attacks such as Shor's algorithm or Grover's quantum search algorithm. We also show Ironwood implemented on several ``internet of things'' (IoT devices), measure its performance, and show how it performs significantly better than ECC using fewer device resources.
1702.02450v2
2017-06-08
Scale-invariant large nonlocality in polycrystalline graphene
The observation of large nonlocal resistances near the Dirac point in graphene has been related to a variety of intrinsic Hall effects, where the spin or valley degrees of freedom are controlled by symmetry breaking mechanisms. Engineering strong spin or valley Hall signals on scalable graphene devices could stimulate further practical developments of spin- and valleytronics. Here we report on scale-invariant nonlocal transport in large-scale chemical vapour deposition graphene under an applied external magnetic field. Contrary to previously reported Zeeman spin Hall effect, our results are explained by field-induced spin-filtered edge states whose sensitivity to grain boundaries manifests in the nonlocal resistance. This phenomenon, related to the emergence of the quantum Hall regime, persists up to the millimeter scale, showing that polycrystalline morphology can be imprinted in nonlocal transport. This suggests that topological Hall effects in large-scale graphene materials are highly sensitive to the underlying structural morphology, limiting practical realizations.
1706.02539v2
2017-09-01
Reproducibility and off-stoichiometry issues in nickelate thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition
Rare-earth nickelates are strongly correlated oxides displaying a metal-to-insulator transition at a temperature tunable by the rare-earth ionic radius. In PrNiO$_3$ and NdNiO$_3$, the transition is very sharp and shows an hysteretic behavior akin to a first-order transition. Both the temperature at which the transition occurs and the associated resistivity change are extremely sensitive to doping and therefore to off-stoichiometry issues that may arise during thin film growth. Here we report that strong deviations in the transport properties of NdNiO$_3$ films can arise in films grown consecutively under nominally identical conditions by pulsed laser deposition; some samples show a well-developed transition with a resistivity change of up to five orders of magnitude while others are metallic down to low temperatures. Through a detailed analysis of \textit{in-situ} X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, we relate this behavior to large levels of cationic off-stoichoimetry that also translate in changes in the Ni valence and bandwidth. Finally, we demonstrate that this lack of reproducibility can be remarkably alleviated by using single-phase NdNiO$_3$ targets.
1709.00240v1
2017-09-05
Temperature Dependent n-p Transition of 3 Dimensional Dirac Semimetal Na$_3$Bi Thin Film
We study the temperature dependence ($77$ K - $475$ K) of the longitudinal resistivity and Hall coefficient of thin films (thickness $20$ nm) of three dimensional topological Dirac semimetal Na$_3$Bi grown via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The temperature-dependent Hall coefficient is electron-like at low temperature, but transitions to hole-like transport around $200$ K. We develop a model of a Dirac band with electron-hole asymmetry in Fermi velocity and mobility (assumed proportional to the square of Fermi velocity) which explains well the magnitude and temperature dependence of the Hall resistivity. We find that the hole mobility is about $7$ times larger than the electron mobility. In addition, we find that the electron mobility decreases significantly with increasing temperature, suggesting electron-phonon scattering strongly limits the room temperature mobility.
1709.01209v1
2017-09-05
Superconducting and normal-state properties of the noncentrosymmetric superconductor Re6Zr
We systematically investigate the normal and superconducting properties of non-centrosymmetric Re$_{6}$Zr using magnetization, heat capacity, and electrical resistivity measurements. Resistivity measurements indicate Re$_{6}$Zr has poor metallic behavior and is dominated by disorder. Re$_6$Zr undergoes a superconducting transition at $T_{\mathrm{c}} = \left(6.75\pm0.05\right)$ K. Magnetization measurements give a lower critical field, $\mu_{0}H_{\mathrm{c1}} = \left(10.3 \pm 0.1\right)$ mT. The Werthamer-Helfand-Hohenberg model is used to approximate the upper critical field $\mu_{0}H_{\mathrm{c2}} = \left(11.2 \pm 0.2\right)$ T which is close to the Pauli limiting field of 12.35 T and which could indicate singlet-triplet mixing. However, low-temperature specific-heat data suggest that Re$_{6}$Zr is an isotropic, fully gapped s-wave superconductor with enhanced electron-phonon coupling. Unusual flux pinning resulting in a peak effect is observed in the magnetization data, indicating an unconventional vortex state.
1709.01328v1
2017-09-11
Tuning electrical properties of silicon dioxide through intrinsic nano-patterns
The inherent network of nanopores and voids in silicon dioxide (SiO2) is generally undesirable for aspects of film quality, electrical insulation and dielectric performance. However, if we view these pores as natural nano-patterns embedded in a dielectric matrix then that opens up new vistas for exploration. The nano-pattern platform can be used to tailor electrical, optical, magnetic and mechanical properties of the carrier film. In this article we report the tunable electrical properties of thermal SiO2 thin-film achieved through utilization of the metal-nanopore network where the pores are filled with metallic Titanium (Ti). Without any intentional chemical doping, we have shown that the electrical resistivity of the oxide film can be controlled through physical filling up of the intrinsic oxide nanopores with Ti. The electrical resistance of the composite film remains constant even after complete removal of the metal from the film surface except the pores. Careful morphological, electrical and structural analyses are carried out to establish that the presence of Ti in the nanopores play a crucial role in the observed conductive nature of the nanoporous film.
1709.03259v1
2017-09-14
Towards Universal Non-Volatile Resistance Switching in Non-metallic Monolayer Atomic Sheets
Here, we report the intriguing observation of stable non-volatile resistance switching (NVRS) in single-layer atomic sheets sandwiched between metal electrodes. NVRS is observed in the prototypical semiconducting (MX2, M=Mo, W; and X=S, Se) transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and insulating hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), which alludes to the universality of this phenomenon in non-metallic 2D monolayers, and features forming-free switching. This observation of NVRS phenomenon, widely attributed to ionic diffusion, filament and interfacial redox in bulk oxides and electrolytes, inspires new studies on defects, ion transport and energetics at the sharp interfaces between atomically-thin sheets and conducting electrodes. From a contemporary perspective, switching is all the more unexpected in monolayers since leakage current is a fundamental limit in ultra-thin oxides. Emerging device concepts in non-volatile flexible memory fabrics, and brain-inspired (neuromorphic) computing could benefit substantially from the pervasive NVRS effect and the associated wide materials and engineering co-design opportunity. Experimentally, a 50 GHz radio-frequency (RF) monolayer switch is demonstrated, which opens up a new application for electronic zero-static power RF switching technology.
1709.04592v1
2017-11-06
Negative to Positive Magnetoresistance transition in Functionalization of Carbon nanotube and Polyaniline Composite
Electrical resistivity and magnetoresistance(MR) in polyaniline(PANI) with carbon nanotube(CNT) and functionalized carbon nanotube(fCNT) composites have been studied for different weight percentage down to the temperature 4.2K and up to magnetic field 5T. Resistivity increases significantly in composite at low temperature due to functionalization of CNT compare to only CNT. Interestingly transition from negative to positive magnetoresistance has been observed for 10wt% of composite as the effect of disorder is more in fCNT/PANI. This result depicts that the MR has strong dependency on disorder in the composite system. The transition of MR has been explained in the basis of polaron-bipolaron model. The long range Coulomb interaction between two polarons screened by disorder in the composite of fCNT/PANI, increases the effective on-site Coulomb repulsion energy to form bipolaron which leads to change the sign of MR from negative to positive.
1711.01957v2
2017-11-27
Effect of RF Sputtering Process Parameters on Silicon Nitride Thin Film Deposition
The objective of this work was to study the RF sputtering process parameters optimisation for deposition of Silicon Nitride thin films. The process parameters chosen to be varied were deposition power, deposition duration, flow rate of argon and flow rate of nitrogen. The parameters were varied at three levels according to Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. Surface topology, film composition, coating thickness, coating resistivity and refractive index were determined using SEM, XRD, profilometer, Semiconductor device analyser and UV spectrometer respectively. The measured film thickness values ranged from 127.8nm to 908.3nm with deposition rate varying from 1.47nm/min to a maximum value of 10.1nm/min. The resistivity of the film varied between 1.53x1013ohm-m to 7.85 x1013ohm-m. Refractive index of the film was calculated to be between 1.84 to 2.08. From the results, it was seen that film properties tend to be poor when there is no nitrogen flow and tend to improve with small input of nitrogen. Also, SEM images indicated amorphous structure of silicon nitride which was confirmed by XRD pattern.
1711.09556v2
2017-12-29
Non-stoichiometry effects on the extreme magnetoresistance in Weyl semimetal WTe2
Non-stoichiometry effect on the extreme magnetoresistance is systematically investigated for the Weyl semimetal WTe2. Magnetoresistance and Hall resistivity are measured for the as-grown samples with a slight difference in Te vacancies and the annealed samples with increased Te vacancies. The fittings to a two-carrier model show that the magnetoresistance is strongly dependent on the residual resistivity ratio (i.e., the degree of non-stoichiometry), which is eventually understood in terms of electron doping which not only breaks the balance between electron-type and hole-type carrier densities but also reduces the average carrier mobility. Thus, compensation effect and ultrahigh mobility are probably the main driving force of the extreme magnetoresistance in WTe2.
1712.10200v2
2018-03-03
Giant Planar Hall Effect in the Dirac Semimetal ZrTe5
Recently, giant planar Hall effect originating from chiral anomaly has been predicted in nonmagnetic Dirac/Weyl semimetals. ZrTe5 is considered to be an intriguing Dirac semimetal at the boundary of weak topological insulators and strong topological insulators, though this claim still remains controversial. Here, we report the observation in ZrTe5 of the giant planar Hall resistivity that shows two different magnetic-field dependences as predicted by theory and a maximum at the Lifshitz transition temperature. We found that the giant planar Hall resistivity fades out with decreasing the thickness of ZrTe5 nanoplates, which may be ascribed to the vanishing of the 3D nature of the samples. In addition, we have observed a nontrivial Berry phase, chiral-anomaly-induced negative longitudinal magnetoresistance, and a giant in-plane anisotropic magnetoresistance in these ZrTe5 nanoplates. All the experimental observations demonstrated coherently that ZrTe5 is a Dirac semimetal.
1803.01213v2
2018-03-18
Bulk transport properties of Bismuth selenide thin films approaching the two-dimensional limit
We have investigated the transport properties of topological insulator Bi2Se3 thin films grown using magnetron sputtering with an emphasis on understanding the behavior as a function of thickness. We show that thickness has a strong influence on all aspects of transport as the two-dimensional limit is approached. Bulk resistivity and Hall mobility show disproportionately large changes below 6 quintuple layer which we directly correlate to an increase in the bulk band gap of few-layer Bi2Se3, an effect that is concomitant with surface gap opening. A tendency to crossover from a metallic to an insulating behavior in temperature-dependent resistivity measurements in ultra-thin Bi2Se3 is also consistent with an increase in the bulk band gap along with enhanced disorder at the film-substrate interface. Our work highlights that the properties of few-layer Bi2Se3 are tunable that may be attractive for a variety of device applications in areas such as optoelectronics, nanoelectronics and spintronics.
1803.06593v1
2018-03-30
Growth of Thin Oxidation-Resistive Crystalline Si Nanostructures on Graphene
We report the growth of Si nanostructures, either as thin films or nanoparticles, on graphene substrates. The Si nanostructures are shown to be single crystalline, air stable and oxidation resistive, as indicated by the observation of a single crystalline Si Raman mode at around 520 cm-1, a STM image of an ordered surface structure under ambient condition, and a Schottky junction with graphite. Ultra-thin silicon regions exhibit silicene-like behavior, including a Raman mode at around 550 cm-1, a triangular lattice structure in STM that has distinctly different lattice spacing from that of either graphene or thicker Si, and metallic conductivity of up to 500 times higher than that of graphite. This work suggests a bottom-up approach to forming a Si nanostructure array on a large scale patterned graphene substrate for fabricating nanoscale Si electronic devices.
1804.00072v1
2018-03-31
Quantum Wires and Waveguides Formed in Graphene by Strain
Confinement of electrons in graphene to make devices has proven to be a challenging task. Electrostatic methods fail because of Klein tunneling, while etching into nanoribbons requires extreme control of edge terminations, and bottom-up approaches are limited in size to a few nanometers. Fortunately, its mechanical flexibility raises the possibility of using strain to alter graphene's properties and create novel straintronic devices. Here, we report transport studies of nanowires created by linearly-shaped strained regions resulting from individual folds formed by layer transfer onto hexagonal boron nitride. Conductance measurements across the folds reveal Coulomb blockade signatures, indicating confined charges within these structures, which act as quantum dots. Along folds, we observe sharp features in traverse resistivity measurements, attributed to an amplification of the dot conductance modulations by a resistance bridge incorporating the device. Our data indicates ballistic transport up to ~1 um along the folds. Calculations using the Dirac model including strain are consistent with measured bound state energies and predict the existence of valley-polarized currents. Our results show that graphene folds can act as straintronic quantum wires.
1804.00207v1
2018-04-05
Two-Stage Proximity-Induced Gap-Opening in Topological Insulator - Insulating Ferromagnet (Bi$_x$Sb$_{1-x}$)$_2$Te$_3$ - EuS Bilayers
To further investigate the interplay between ferromagnetism and topological insulators, thin films of the low-carrier topological insulator (Bi$_x$Sb$_{1-x}$)$_2$Te$_3$ were deposited on the insulating ferromagnet EuS (100) in situ. AC susceptibility indicates magnetic anomalies between $T\approx30~\mathrm{K}$ and $T\approx60~\mathrm{K}$, well above the Curie temperature $T_C \approx 15~\mathrm{K}$ of EuS. When the Fermi level is close to the Dirac point and the surface state dominates the electric conduction, sharp increases in resistance with decreasing temperatures were observed concurrently with the magnetic anomalies. Positive-negative magnetoresistance crossovers were observed at the Curie temperature, which seem only to appear when the sheet resistance exceeds the Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit $h/e^2$. A two-stage gap-opening process due to magnetic proximity is proposed.
1804.02061v2
2018-04-16
Structural and magnetic properties of CeZnAl$_3$ single crystals
We have synthesized single crystals of CeZnAl$_3$, which is a new member of the family of the Ce-based intermetallics Ce$TX_3$ ($T$ = transition metal, $X$= Si, Ge, Al), crystallizing in the non-centrosymmetric tetragonal BaNiSn$_3$-type structure. Magnetization, specific heat and resistivity measurements all show that CeZnAl$_3$ orders magnetically below around 4.4 K. Furthermore, magnetization measurements exhibit a hysteresis loop at low temperatures and fields, indicating the presence of a ferromagnetic component in the magnetic state. This points to a different nature of the magnetism in CeZnAl$_3$ compared to the other isostructural Ce$T$Al$_3$ compounds. Resistivity measurements under pressures up to 1.8 GPa show a moderate suppression of the ordering temperature with pressure, suggesting that measurements to higher pressures are required to look for quantum critical behavior.
1804.05477v1
2018-05-11
Unveiling the mechanisms of the spin Hall effect in Ta
Spin-to-charge current interconversions are widely exploited for the generation and detection of pure spin currents and are key ingredients for future spintronic devices including spin-orbit torques and spin-orbit logic circuits. In case of the spin Hall effect, different mechanisms contribute to the phenomenon and determining the leading contribution is peremptory for achieving the largest conversion efficiencies. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the dominance of the intrinsic mechanism of the spin Hall effect in highly-resistive Ta. We obtain an intrinsic spin Hall conductivity for $\beta$-Ta of -820$\pm$120 ($\hbar$/e) $\Omega^{-1}cm^{-1}$ from spin absorption experiments in a large set of lateral spin valve devices. The predominance of the intrinsic mechanism in Ta allows us to linearly enhance the spin Hall angle by tuning the resistivity of Ta, reaching up to -35$\pm$3%, the largest reported value for a pure metal.
1805.04475v1
2018-06-04
Nodeless superconductivity in the SnAs-based van der Waals type superconductor NaSn2As2
We grew the single crystals of the SnAs-based van der Waals (vdW)-type superconductor NaSn$_2$As$_2$ and systematically measured its resistivity, specific heat, and ultralow-temperature thermal conductivity. The superconducting transition temperature $T_c$ = 1.60 K of our single crystal is 0.3 K higher than that previously reported. A weak but intrinsic anomaly situated at 193 K is observed in both resistivity and specific heat, which likely arises from a charge-density-wave (CDW) instability. Ultralow-temperature thermal conductivity measurements reveal a fully-gapped superconducting state with a negligible residual linear term in zero magnetic field, and the field dependence of $\kappa_0 / T$ further suggests NaSn$_2$As$_2$ is an $s$-wave superconductor.
1806.01141v1
2018-06-20
Heat transport in pristine and polycrystalline single-layer hexagonal boron nitride
We use a phase field crystal model to generate large-scale bicrystalline and polycrystalline single-layer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) samples and employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the Tersoff many-body potential to study their heat transport properties. The Kapitza thermal resistance across individual h-BN grain boundaries is calculated using the inhomogeneous nonequilibrium MD method. The resistance displays strong dependence on the tilt angle, the line tension and the defect density of the grain boundaries. We also calculate the thermal conductivity of pristine h-BN and polycrystalline h-BN with different grain sizes using an efficient homogeneous nonequilibrium MD method. The in-plane and the out-of-plane (flexural) phonons exhibit different grain size scalings of the thermal conductivity in polycrystalline h-BN and the extracted Kapitza conductance is close to that of large-tilt-angle grain boundaries in bicrystals.
1806.07936v2
2018-09-17
Phase transformations and compatibility in helical structures
We systematically study phase transformations from one helical structure to another. Motivated in part by recent work that relates the presence of compatible interfaces with properties such as the hysteresis and reversibility of a phase transformation [35, 33, 12, 28], we give necessary and sufficient conditions on the structural parameters of two helical phases such that they are compatible. We show that, locally, four types of compatible interface are possible: vertical, horizontal, helical and elliptical. We discuss the mobility of these interfaces and give examples of systems of interfaces that are mobile and could be used to fully transform a helical structure from one phase to another. These results provide a basis for the tuning of helical structural parameters so as to achieve compatibility of phases. In the case of transformations in crystals, this kind of tuning has led to materials with exceptionally low hysteresis and dramatically improved resistance to transformational fatigue. Compatible helical transformations with low hysteresis and fatigue resistance would exhibit an unusual shape memory effect involving both twist and extension, and may have potential applications as new artificial muscles and actuators.
1809.06282v2
2019-05-01
Hydrodynamic Coulomb drag and bounds on diffusion
We study Coulomb drag between an active layer with a clean electron liquid and a passive layer with a pinned electron lattice in the regime of fast intralayer equilibration. Such a two-fluid system offers an experimentally realizable way to disentangle the fast rate of intralayer electron-electron interactions from the much slower rate of momentum transfer between both layers. We identify an intermediate temperature range above the Fermi energy of the electron fluid but below the Debye energy of the electronic crystal where the hydrodynamic drag resistivity is directly proportional to a fast electron-electron scattering rate. The results are compatible with the conjectured scenario for strong electron-electron interactions which poses that a linear temperature dependence of resistivity originates from a "Planckian" electron relaxation time $\tau_{eq}\sim \hbar/k_BT$. We compare this to the better known semiclassical case, where the diffusion constant is found to be not proportional to the microscopic timescale.
1905.00317v2
2019-05-03
Supersonic flow and negative local resistance in hydrodynamic Dirac electron nozzles
In clean Dirac electron systems such as graphene, electron-electron interactions can dominate over other relaxation mechanisms such as phonon or impurity scattering. It has been predicted that in this limit, collective electron dynamics can be described by hydrodynamic equations. The prerequisites for electron liquids are already fulfilled in current experiments and hints of electron hydrodynamics have been identified in transport measurements. Here, we show that a nozzle geometry, implemented for example in a graphene sample, can cause a transition from subsonic to supersonic flow and provides an interesting probe for the hydrodynamic regime of Dirac electrons. In particular, we predict two distinct transport features that can be seen in the experimentally measurable voltage characteristics on the exit side of the nozzle: a pronounced negative local resistance, and an abrupt change of the electrostatic potential induced by an electron shock wave. Our results pave the way for an experimental identification of supersonic hydrodynamic electron flow and for the experimental study of electron shock waves.
1905.01247v2
2019-05-21
Thermal Boundary Resistance Measurement and Analysis Across SiC/SiO2 Interface
Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a typical material for third-generation semiconductor. The thermal boundary resistance (TBR) of 4H-SiC/SiO2 interface, was investigated by both experimental measurements and theoretical calculations. The structure of 4H-SiC/SiO2 was characterized by using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The TBR is measured as 8.11*10-8 m2K/W by 3-omega method. Furthermore, the diffuse mismatch model was employed to predict the TBR of different interfaces which is in good agreement with measurements. Heat transport behavior based on phonon scattering perspective was also discussed to understand the variations of TBR across different interfaces. Besides, the intrinsic thermal conductivity of SiO2 thin films (200~1,500 nm in thickness) on 4H-SiC substrates was measured by 3 omega procedure, as 1.42 W/mK at room temperature. It is believed the presented results could provide useful insights on the thermal management and heat dissipation for SiC devices.
1905.08570v1
2019-05-29
The effect of atomic structure on the electrical response of aluminium oxide tunnel junctions
Many nanoelectronic devices rely on thin dielectric barriers through which electrons tunnel. For instance, aluminium oxide barriers are used as Josephson junctions in superconducting electronics. The reproducibility and drift of circuit parameters in these junctions are affected by the uniformity, morphology, and composition of the oxide barriers. To improve these circuits the effect of the atomic structure on the electrical response of aluminium oxide barriers must be understood. We create three-dimensional atomistic models of aluminium oxide tunnel junctions and simulate their electronic transport properties with the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism. Increasing the oxide density is found to produce an exponential increase in the junction resistance. In highly oxygen-deficient junctions we observe metallic channels which decrease the resistance significantly. Computing the charge and current density within the junction shows how variation in the local potential landscape can create channels which dominate conduction. An atomistic approach provides a better understanding of these transport processes and guides the design of junctions for nanoelectronics applications.
1905.12214v1
2019-09-06
Structural, Surface Morphology and Magneto-Transport properties of Self Flux Grown Eu Doped Bi2Se3 Single Crystal
Here, we report the effect of europium (Eu) doping in Bi2Se3 topological insulator (TI) by using different characterization techniques viz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) and magneto-transport measurements. Temperature dependent electrical resistivity curves revealed a metallic behaviour both in the presence and absence of applied magnetic field. Magneto-transport measurements showed a decrease in the magneto-resistance (MR) value of the Eu0.1Bi1.9Se3 sample (32% at 5K) in comparison to the pure Bi2Se3 sample (80% at 5K). For, Eu0.1Bi1.9Se3 sample, a complex crossover between WL and WAL phenomenon was observed at lower applied magnetic fields, whereas the same was absent in case of the pristine one. Further, HLN (Hikami Larkin Nagaoka) fitted magneto-conductivity (MC) analysis revealed a competing weak anti localization (WAL) and weak localization (WL) behaviour. Summarily, in the present work we study the structural, surface morphology and magneto-transport properties of as grown Eu0.1Bi1.9Se3 single crystals.
1909.02713v1
2019-09-12
Magneto-transport and Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations in the layered ternary telluride Ta3SiTe6 topological semimetal
Topological semimetals characterize a novel class of quantum materials hosting Dirac/Weyl fermions. The important features of topological fermions can be exhibited by quantum oscillations. Here we report the magnetoresistance and Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) quantum oscillation of longitudinal resistance in the single crystal of topological semimetal Ta3SiTe6 with the magnetic field up to 38 T. Periodic amplitude of the oscillations reveals related information about the Fermi surface. The fast Fourier transformation spectra represent a single oscillatory frequency. The analysis of the oscillations shows the Fermi pocket with a cross-section area of 0.13 angstrom power minus 2. Combining magneto-transport measurements and the first-principles calculation, we find that these oscillations come from the hole pocket. Hall resistivity and the SdH oscillations recommend that Ta3SiTe6 is a hole dominated system.
1909.05564v1
2019-09-17
A Thermal Resistance Network Model for Heat Conduction of Amorphous Polymers
Thermal conductivities (TCs) of the vast majority of amorphous polymers are in a very narrow range, 0.1 $\sim$ 0.5 Wm$^{-1}$K$^{-1}$, although single polymer chains possess TC of orders-of-magnitude higher. Entanglement of polymer chains plays an important role in determining the TC of bulk polymers. We propose a thermal resistance network (TRN) model for TC in amorphous polymers taking into account the entanglement of molecular chains. Our model explains well the physical origin of universally low TC observed in amorphous polymers. The empirical formulae of pressure and temperature dependence of TC can be successfully reproduced from our model not only in solid polymers but also in polymer melts. We further quantitatively explain the anisotropic TC in oriented polymers.
1909.07607v1
2019-09-17
A "road-map" of Nickelate superconductivity
We comment on the electronic structure of Nickelate system $Nd Ni O_2$ which shows superconductivity on doping. The doped system $Nd_{0.8}Sr_{0.2}NiO_2$ shows (most probably unconventional) superconductivity with transition temperatures ranging from $9~K$ to $15~K$\cite{dang}. The resistivity of the parent compound $Nd NiO_2$ shows a minimum at around 60K, and an up-turn at lower temperatures. In the current understanding it is thought to be originating from a Kondo like coupling between mobile d-states of the $Nd~5d$ bands and un-paired electrons in $Ni 3d_{x^2-y^2}-O2p$ hybrid orbitals of $Ni^{1+}$ and $O^{2-}$ions. In this note we offer alternative possibilities of the observed resistance minimum in $LaNiO_2$. We attempt to construct a "road-map" of various possibilities to comprehend the observed behaviour and suggest further experiments to prove or disprove a given explanation. We also compare and contrast Nickelates with Cuprates. Comparison points towards unconventional superconductivity in Nickelates.
1909.07688v1
2019-09-23
Nanostructured La0.5Ba0.5CoO3 as cathode for solid oxide fuel cells
A simple method has been used to synthesize nanostructured La0.5Ba0.5CoO3 (LBCO) powders, by confining chemical precursors into the pores of polycarbonate filters. The proposed method allows us to obtain powders formed by crystallites of different sizes, it is scalable and does not involve the use of sophisticated deposition techniques. The area specific polarization resistance of symmetrical cells was studied to analyze the electrochemical behavior of the LBCO nanostructures as cathodes for Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells. We show that the performance is improved by reducing the size of the crystallites, obtaining area specific resistance values of 0.2 Wcm2 at 700C, comparable with newly developed cathodes using novel deposition techniques.
1909.10611v1
2020-03-31
In-situ grown single crystal aluminum as a non-alloyed ohmic contact to n-ZnSe by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE)
Novel ohmic contacts to n-ZnSe are demonstrated using single crystal Al films deposited on epitaxially grown ZnSe (100) by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) confirmed the single crystalline structure of the Al films. The (110)-oriented Al layer was rotated rotated 45$^\circ$ relative to substrate to match the ZnSe (100) lattice constant. The as-grown Al-ZnSe contact exhibited nearly ideal ohmic characteristics over a large doping range of n-ZnSe without any additional treatment. The contact resistances are in a range of 10$^{-3}$ $\Omega$-cm$^{2}$ for even lightly doped ZnSe ($\sim$10$^{17}$ cm$^{-3}$). Leaky Schottky behavior in lightly doped ZnSe samples suggested Al-ZnSe formed a low barrier height, Schottky limit contact. In-situ grown Al could act as a simple metal contact to n-ZnSe regardless of carrier concentration with lower resistance compared to other reported contacts in literatures. The reported novel metallization method could greatly simplify the ZnSe-based device fabrication complexity as well as lower the cost
2003.14411v2
2014-08-16
Control of InGaAs facets using metal modulation epitaxy (MME)
Control of faceting during epitaxy is critical for nanoscale devices. This work identifies the origins of gaps and different facets during regrowth of InGaAs adjacent to patterned features. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) near SiO2 or SiNx led to gaps, roughness, or polycrystalline growth, but metal modulated epitaxy (MME) produced smooth and gap-free "rising tide" (001) growth filling up to the mask. The resulting self-aligned FETs were dominated by FET channel resistance rather than source-drain access resistance. Higher As fluxes led first to conformal growth, then pronounced {111} facets sloping up away from the mask.
1408.3714v1
2014-08-20
Fluctuation Effects on the Transport Properties of Unitary Fermi Gases
In this letter, we investigate the fluctuation effects on the transport properties of unitary Fermi gases in the vicinity of the superfluid transition temperature $T_c$. Based on the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau formalism of the BEC-BCS crossover, we investigate both the residual resistivity below $T_c$ induced by phase slips and the paraconductivity above $T_c$ due to pair fluctuations. These two effects have been well studied in the weak coupling BCS superconductor, and here we generalize them to the unitary regime of ultracold Fermi gases. We find that while the residual resistivity below $T_c$ increases as one approaches the unitary limit, consistent with recent experiments, the paraconductivity exhibits non-monotonic behavior. Our results can be verified with the recently developed transport apparatus using mesoscopic channels.
1408.4557v1
2017-01-11
Morphology and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline Cu/Ag alloy
Hybrid Monte Carlo (MC)/molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are conducted to study the microstructures of nanocrystalline (nc) Cu/Ag alloys with various Ag concentrations. When the Ag concentration is below 50 Ag atoms/nm!, an increase in Ag concentration leads to a gradual growth of monolayer grain boundary (GB) complexions into nanolayer complexions. Above the concentration of 50 Ag atoms/nm!, wetting layers with a bulk crystalline phase are observed. The effects of Ag on mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of nc Cu/Ag alloys are investigated in MD simulations of uniaxial tension. GB sliding resistance is found to first increase and then decrease with an increase in Ag concentration. Surprisingly, we also find that the dislocation density decreases monotonically with an increase in Ag concentration, which suggests that the grain interiors are softened by the introduction of Ag dopants at GBs. In addition, there is a critical Ag concentration that maximizes flow stress of nc Cu/Ag alloys. The flow stress, GB sliding resistance, and the intragranular dislocation densities become less sensitive to Ag dopants when the grain diameter increases from 5nm to 40nm.
1701.03013v1
2017-01-15
Heat generation due to spin transport in spin valves
Using a macroscopic approach, we studied theoretically the heat generation due to spin transport in a typical spin valve with nonmagnetic spacer layer of finite thickness. Our analysis shows that the spin-dependent heat generation can also be caused by another mechanism, the spin-conserving scattering in the presence of spin accumulation gradient, in addition to the well-known spin-flip scattering. The two mechanisms have equal contributions in semi-infinite layers, such as the ferromagnetic layers of the spin valve. However, in the nonmagnetic layer of a thickness much smaller than its spin-diffusion length, the spin-dependent heat generation is dominated by the spin-flip scattering in the antiparallel configuration, and by the spin-conserving scattering in the parallel configuration. We also proved that the spin-dependent heat generation cannot be interpreted as the Joule heating of the spin-coupled interface resistance in each individual layer. An effective resistance is proposed as an alternative so that the heat generation can still be described simply by applying Joule's law to an equivalent circuit.
1701.03984v1
2017-01-17
Conditions for $T^2$ resistivity from electron-electron scattering
Many complex oxides (including titanates, nickelates and cuprates) show a regime in which resistivity follows a power law in temperature ($\rho\propto T^2$). By analogy to a similar phenomenon observed in some metals at low temperature, this has often been attributed to electron-electron (Baber) scattering. We show that Baber scattering results in a $T^2$ power law only under several crucial assumptions which may not hold for complex oxides. We illustrate this with sodium metal ($\rho_\text{el-el}\propto T^2$) and strontium titanate ($\rho_\text{el-el}\not\propto T^2$). We conclude that an observation of $\rho\propto T^2$ is not sufficient evidence for electron-electron scattering.
1701.04744v1
2017-01-30
Negative differential resistance and magnetoresistance in zigzag borophene nanoribbons
We investigate the transport properties of pristine zigzag-edged borophene nanoribbons (ZBNRs) of different widths, using the fist-principles calculations. We choose ZBNRs with widths of 5 and 6 as odd and even widths. The differences of the quantum transport properties are found, where even-N BNRs and odd-N BNRs have different current-voltage relationships. Moreover, the negative differential resistance (NDR) can be observed within certain bias range in 5-ZBNR, while 6-ZBNR behaves as metal whose current rises with the increase of the voltage. The spin filter effect of 36% can be revealed when the two electrodes have opposite magnetization direction. Furthermore, the magnetoresistance effect appears to be in even-N ZBNRs, and the maximum value can reach 70%.
1701.08501v1
2017-01-27
Dynamics of a capacitive electret-based microcantilever for energy harvesting
In this paper, a novel electret-based capacitive energy harvesting device has been developed according to out-of-plane gap closing scheme. The device is composed of a micro cantilever and a substrate which form a variable capacitor and is in series with a resistance. An electret material is used to provide the bias voltage which is needed in capacitive energy harvesters in order to scavenge energy from ambient vibration. The ambient vibration is applied to the system as a harmonic base excitation. The motion equations and the corresponding boundary conditions are derived using Hamilton's principle based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and the Kirchhoff's voltage law is employed to couple the mechanical and electrical fields. The equations of motion are discretized using Galerkin procedure and integrated numerically over time. Pull-in instability of the system is investigated in both static and dynamic cases. The effect of various parameters on the behavior of the device is studied. The maximum theoretical harvested power is resistance in the order of 1 micro-watt.
1701.08843v1
2017-03-07
Possible devil's staircase in the Kondo lattice CeSbSe
The temperature ($T$) - magnetic field ($H$) phase diagram for the tetragonal layered compound CeSbSe, is determined from magnetization, specific heat, and electrical resistivity measurements. This system exhibits complex magnetic ordering at $T_{\rm{M}}$ $=$ 3 K and the application of a magnetic field results in a cascade of magnetically ordered states for $H$ $\lesssim$ 1.8 T which are characterized by fractional integer size steps: i.e., a possible Devil's staircase is observed. Electrical transport measurements show a weak temperature dependence and large residual resistivity which suggest a small charge carrier density and strong scattering from the $f$-moments. These features reveal Kondo lattice behavior where the $f$-moments are incompletely screened, resulting in a fine balanced magnetic interaction between different Ce neighbors that is mediated by the RKKY interaction. This produces the nearly degenerate magnetically ordered states that are accessed under an applied magnetic field.
1703.02204v3
2017-03-07
Strong Electron-Phonon Interaction and Colossal Magnetoresistance in EuTiO$_3$
At low temperatures, EuTiO$_3$ system has very large resistivities and exhibits colossal magnetoresistance. Based on a first principle calculation and the dynamical mean-field theory for small polaron we have calculated the transport properties of EuTiO$_3$. It is found that due to electron-phonon interaction the conduction band may form a tiny subband which is close to the Fermi level. The tiny subband is responsible for the large resistivity. Besides, EuTiO$_3$ is a weak antiferromagnetic material and its magnetization would slightly shift the subband via exchange interaction between conduction electrons and magnetic atoms. Since the subband is close to the Fermi level, a slight shift of its position gives colossal magnetoresistance.
1703.02238v4
2018-10-06
Impact of Angular Deviation from Coincidence Site Lattice Grain Boundaries on Hydrogen Segregation and Diffusion in Alpha-iron
Coincidence Site Lattice (CSL) grain boundaries (GBs) are believed to be low-energy, resistant to intergranular fracture, as well as to hydrogen embrittlement. Nevertheless, the behavior of CSL-GBs are generally confused with their angular deviations. In the current study, the effect of angular deviation from the perfect sigma3 (111) [1-10] GBs in Alpha-iron on the hydrogen diffusion and the susceptibility of the GB to hydrogen embrittlement is investigated through molecular static and dynamics simulations. By utilizing Rice-Wang model it is shown that the ideal GB shows the highest resistance to decohesion below the hydrogen saturation limit. Finally, the hydrogen diffusivity along the ideal GB is observed to be the highest.
1810.02988v1
2018-10-07
Thermal properties of NbN single-photon detectors
We investigate thermal properties of a NbN single-photon detector capable of unit internal detection efficiency. Using an independent calibration of the coupling losses we determine the absolute optical power absorbed by the NbN film and, via a resistive superconductor thermometry, the thermal resistance Z(T) of the NbN film in dependence of temperature. In principle, this approach permits a simultaneous measurement of the electron-phonon and phonon-escape contributions to the energy relaxation, which in our case is ambiguous for their similar temperature dependencies. We analyze the Z(T) within the two-temperature model and impose an upper bound on the ratio of electron and phonon heat capacities in NbN, which is surprisingly close to a recent theoretical lower bound for the same quantity in similar devices.
1810.03134v2
2018-10-16
Quantitative and systematic analysis of bias dependence of spin accumulation voltage in a non-degenerate Si spin valve
Spin accumulation voltages in a non-degenerate Si spin valve are discussed quantitatively as a function of electric bias current using systematic experiments and model calculations. As an open question in semiconductor spintronics, the origin of the deviation of spin accumulation voltages measured experimentally in a non-degenerate Si spin valve is clarified from that obtained by model calculation using the spin drift diffusion equation including the effect of the spin-dependent interfacial resistance of tunneling barriers. Unlike the case of metallic spin valves, the bias dependence of the resistance-area product for a ferromagnet/MgO/Si interface, resulting in the reappearance of the conductance mismatch, plays a central role to induce the deviation.
1810.06879v1
2019-02-19
Nanoelectromechanical resonators from high-T$_c$ superconducting crystals of Bi$_2$Sr$_2$Ca$_1$Cu$_2$O$_{8+δ}$
In this report, we present nanoelectromechanical resonators fabricated with thin exfoliated crystals of a high-T$_c$ cuprate superconductor Bi$_2$Sr$_2$Ca$_1$Cu$_2$O$_{8+\delta}$. The mechanical readout is performed by capacitively coupling their motion to a coplanar waveguide microwave cavity fabricated with a superconducting alloy of molybdenum-rhenium. We demonstrate mechanical frequency tunability with external dc-bias voltage, and quality factors up to 36600. Our spectroscopic and time-domain measurements show that mechanical dissipation in these systems is limited by the contact resistance arising from resistive outer layers. The temperature dependence of dissipation indicates the presence of tunneling states, further suggesting that their intrinsic performance could be as good as other two-dimensional atomic crystals such as graphene.
1902.06896v1
2020-02-10
Structural and magneto-transport studies of iron intercalated Bi2Se3 single crystals
A detailed investigation on the structural and magneto-transport properties of iron intercalated Bi2Se3 single crystals have been presented. The x-ray diffraction and Raman studies confirm the intercalation of Fe in the van der Waals gaps between the layers. The electrical resistivity of the compounds decreases upon intercalation, and Hall resistivity shows the enhancement of the charge carriers upon intercalation. The magnetoresistance shows the non-saturating linear behavior at higher magnetic field and low temperature. Intercalation of Fe increases the onset of the linear magnetoresistance behavior, indicating the reduction in quantum effects. The Kohler scaling employed on the magnetoresistance data indicates single scattering process for all these compounds in the measured temperature range of 3- 300 K.
2002.03609v2
2020-02-20
Tunable correlation-driven symmetry breaking in twisted double bilayer graphene
A variety of correlated phases have recently emerged in select twisted van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures owing to their flat electronic dispersions. In particular, heterostructures of twisted double bilayer graphene (tDBG) manifest electric field-tunable correlated insulating (CI) states at all quarter fillings of the conduction band, accompanied by nearby states featuring signatures suggestive of superconductivity. Here, we report electrical transport measurements of tDBG in which we elucidate the fundamental role of spontaneous symmetry breaking within its correlated phase diagram. We observe abrupt resistivity drops upon lowering the temperature in the correlated metallic phases neighboring the CI states, along with associated nonlinear $I$-$V$ characteristics. Despite qualitative similarities to superconductivity, concomitant reversals in the sign of the Hall coefficient instead point to spontaneous symmetry breaking as the origin of the abrupt resistivity drops, while Joule heating appears to underlie the nonlinear transport. Our results suggest that similar mechanisms are likely relevant across a broader class of semiconducting flat band vdW heterostructures.
2002.08904v1
2020-03-31
Efficiency Increase in Multijunction Monochromatic Photovoltaic Devices Due to Luminescent Coupling
We present a multijunction detailed balance model that includes the effects of luminescent coupling, light trapping and nonradiative recombination, suitable for treatment of multijunction solar cells and photonic power converters -- photovoltaic devices designed to convert narrow-band light. The model includes both specular and Lambertian reflections using a ray-optic formalism and treats nonradiative processes using an internal radiative efficiency. Using this model, we calculate and optimize the efficiency of multijunction photonic power converters for a range of material qualities and light-trapping schemes. Multijunction devices allow increased voltage with lower current, decreasing series resistance losses. We show that efficiency increases significantly with increased number of junctions, even without series resistance, when the device has an absorbing substrate. Such an increase does not occur when the device has a back reflector. We explain this effect using a simplified model, which illustrates the origin of the decreased radiative losses in multijunction devices on substrates.
2004.00081v1
2020-04-15
Theory for Non-Fermi Liquid Temperature Dependence in Resistivity of Ce_xLa_{1-x} Cu_{5.62} Au_{0.38} (x=0.02-0.10) on the Local Quantum Valence Criticality of Ce Impurities
It was reported by Shiino et al in J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 86, 123705 (2017) that Ce_xLa_{1-x} Cu_{5.62} Au_{0.38} (x=0.02-0.10) exhibits a new type of quantum criticality in both magnetic and thermal properties, which is the same as that observed in a series of materials exhibiting quantum critical valence fluctuations (QCVF), such as \beta-YbAlB_4, Yb_{15}Al_{34}Au_{51}, and so on. However, the temperature (T) dependence in the resistivity rho(T) for T<0.5K is quite anomalous, i.e., \rho(T)\propto (const.-T^{n}) with n \simeq 0.75 at x=0.05. We find that this anomalous exponent is given by n=2(1-\zeta), with zeta being the weakly temperature dependent (0.5 \lsim \zeta \lsim 0.7) critical exponent for the QCVF.The observed critical exponent n\simeq 0.75 at x=0.05 is reproduced by choosing \zeta\simeq 0.63 which is consistent with the divergent behavior observed in the uniform magnetic susceptibility \chi\propto T^{-\zeta} with \zeta\simeq 0.67 at x=0.02.
2004.06869v1
2020-04-20
Anomalous pressure dependence of the electronic transport and anisotropy in SrIrO3 films
Iridate oxides display exotic physical properties that arise from the interplay between a large spin-orbit coupling and electron correlations. Here, we present a comprehensive study of the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the electronic transport properties of SrIrO3 (SIO), a system that has recently attracted a lot of attention as potential correlated Dirac semimetal. Our investigations on untwinned thin films of SIO reveal that the electrical resistivity of this material is intrinsically anisotropic and controlled by the orthorhombic distortion of the perovskite unit cell. These effects provide another evidence for the strong coupling between the electronic and lattice degrees of freedom in this class of compounds. Upon increasing pressure, a systematic increase of the transport anisotropies is observed. The anomalous pressure-induced changes of the resistivity cannot be accounted for by the pressure dependence of the density of the electron charge carriers, as inferred from Hall effect measurements. Moreover, pressure-induced rotations of the IrO6 octahedra likely occur within the distorted perovskite unit cell and affect electron mobility of this system.
2004.09116v1
2022-02-07
Time-correlation functions for odd Langevin systems
We investigate the statistical properties of fluctuations in active systems that are governed by non-symmetric responses. Both an underdamped Langevin system with an odd resistance tensor and an overdamped Langevin system with an odd elastic tensor are studied. For a system in thermal equilibrium, the time-correlation functions should satisfy time-reversal symmetry and the anti-symmetric parts of the correlation functions should vanish. For the odd Langevin systems, however, we find that the anti-symmetric parts of the time-correlation functions can exist and that they are proportional to either the odd resistance coefficient or the odd elastic constant. This means that the time-reversal invariance of the correlation functions is broken due to the presence of odd responses in active systems. Using the short-time asymptotic expressions of the time-correlation functions, one can estimate an odd elastic constant of an active material such as an enzyme or a motor protein.
2202.03225v3
2022-02-24
Resistivity anisotropy from the multiorbital Boltzmann equation in nematic FeSe
We compute the resistivity anisotropy in the nematic phase of FeSe from the static solution of the multiorbital Boltzmann equation. By introducing disorder at the level of the microscopic multiorbital model we show that even elastic scattering by localized impurities may lead to non-trivial anisotropic renormalization of the electronic velocities, challenging the usual understanding of transport based only on cold- and hot-spots effects. Our model takes into account both the $xz/yz$ and the recently proposed $xy$ nematic ordering. We show that the latter one has a crucial role in order to reproduce the experimentally-measured anisotropy, providing a direct fingerprint of the different nematic scenarios on the bulk transport property of FeSe.
2202.12070v2
2007-10-05
Strain-induced insulator state in La_0.7Sr_0.3CoO_3
We report on the observation of a strain-induced insulator state in ferromagnetic La_0.7Sr_0.3CoO_3 films. Tensile strain above 1% is found to enhance the resistivity by several orders of magnitude. Reversible strain of 0.15% applied using a piezoelectric substrate triggers huge resistance modulations, including a change by a factor of 10 in the paramagnetic regime at 300 K. However, below the ferromagnetic ordering temperature, the magnetization data indicate weak dependence on strain for the spin state of the Co ions. We interpret the changes observed in the transport properties in terms of a strain-induced splitting of the Co e_g levels and reduced double exchange, combined with a percolation-type conduction in an electronic cluster state.
0710.1306v1
2012-01-10
Giant resistance change across the phase transition in spin crossover molecules
The electronic origin of a large resistance change in nanoscale junctions incorporating spin crossover molecules is demonstrated theoretically by using a combination of density functional theory and the non-equilibrium Green's functions method for quantum transport. At the spin crossover phase transition there is a drastic change in the electronic gap between the frontier molecular orbitals. As a consequence, when the molecule is incorporated in a two terminal device, the current increases by up to four orders of magnitude in response to the spin change. This is equivalent to a magnetoresistance effect in excess of 3,000 %. Since the typical phase transition critical temperature for spin crossover compounds can be extended to well above room temperature, spin crossover molecules appear as the ideal candidate for implementing spin devices at the molecular level.
1201.2028v2
2014-01-08
The features of contact resistivity behavior at helium temperatures for InP- and GaAs-based ohmic contacts
Contact resistivity rc of InP and GaAs based ohmic contacts was measured in the 4.2/300 K temperature range. Nonmonotonic dependences rc(T), with a minimum at temperature 50 K (150 K) for InP (GaAs) based contacts were obtained. The results can be explained within the framework of the mechanism of current flow through metal shunts (associated with dislocations) penetrating into the semiconductor bulk, with allowance being made for electron freeze-out at helium temperatures. Contact ohmicity in the 4.2/30K temperature range is due to accumulation band bending near shunt ends at the metal/semiconductor interface.
1401.1658v1
2016-03-16
Mathematical Modeling of CRISPR-CAS system effects on biofilm formation
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), linked with CRISPR associated (CAS) genes, play a profound role in the interactions between phage and their bacterial hosts. It is now well understood that CRISPR-CAS systems can confer adaptive immunity against bacteriophage infections. However, the possibility of failure of CRISPR immunity may lead to a productive infection by the phage (cell lysis) or lysogeny. Recently, CRISPR-CAS genes have been implicated in changes to group behaviour, including biofilm formation, of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa when lysogenized. For lysogens with a CRISPR system, another recent experimental study suggests that bacteriophage re-infection of previously lysogenized bacteria may lead to cell death. Thus CRISPR immunity can have complex effects on phage-host-lysogen interactions, particularly in a biofilm. In this contribution, we develop and analyse a series of models to elucidate and disentangle these interactions. From a therapeutic standpoint, CRISPR immunity increases biofilm resistance to phage therapy. Our models predict that lysogens may be able to displace CRISPR-immune bacteria in a biofilm, and thus suggest strategies to eliminate phage resistant biofilms.
1603.05311v1
2017-04-10
Experimental determination of phonon thermal conductivity and Lorenz ratio of single crystal bismuth telluride
We use a magnetothermal resistance method to measure the lattice thermal conductivity of a single crystal of Bi$_2$Te$_3$ from 5 to 60 K. We apply a large transverse magnetic field to suppress the electronic thermal conduction while measuring thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity. The lattice thermal conductivity is then calculated by extrapolating the thermal conductivity versus electrical conductivity curve to a zero electrical conductivity value. Our results show that the measured phonon thermal conductivity follows the $e^{({\Delta}_{min}/T)}$ temperature dependence and the Lorenz ratio corresponds to the modified Sommerfeld value in the intermediate temperature range. Our low-temperature experimental data and analysis on Bi$_2$Te$_3$ are an important compliment to previous measurements of Goldsmid [14] and theoretical calculations by Broido $\textit{et al.}$ [21] at higher temperature 100 - 300 K.
1704.03029v1
2017-04-12
Metal-Insulator Transition in Ga doped ZnO via Controlled Thickness
We report thickness dependent metal insulator transition in Ga doped ZnO (Ga:ZnO) thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition technique. From the electrical transport measurements, we find that while the thinnest film exhibits a resistivity of 0.05 $\Omega$-cm, lying in the insulating regime, the thickest has resistivity of $6.6\times10^{-4}\Omega$-cm which shows metallic type of conduction. Our analysis reveals that the Mott's variable range hopping (VRH) model governs the insulating behavior in the thinner Ga:ZnO whereas the 2D weak localization phenomena is appropriate to explain the electron transport in the thicker Ga:ZnO. Magnetoresistance study further confirms the presence of strong localization in 6 nm film while weak localization is observed in 20 nm and above thicker films. From the density functional calculations, it is found that due to surface reconstruction and Ga doping, strong crystalline disorder sets in very thin films to introduce localized states and thereby, restricts the donor electron mobility.
1704.03846v1
2017-04-24
Spin injection into silicon detected by broadband ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy
We studied the spin injection in a NiFe(Py)/Si system using broadband ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The Gilbert damping parameter of the Py layer on top of the Si channel was determined as a function of the Si doping concentration and Py layer thickness. For fixed Py thickness we observed an increase of the Gilbert damping parameter with decreasing resistivity of the Si channel. For a fixed Si doping concentration we measured an increasing Gilbert damping parameter for decreasing Py layer thickness. No increase of the Gilbert damping parameter was found Py/Si samples with an insulating interlayer. We attribute our observations to an enhanced spin injection into the low-resistivity Si by spin pumping.
1704.07006v1
2017-05-27
Magnetic and magnetotransport properties of ThCr2Si2-type Ce2O2Bi composed of conducting Bi2- square net and magnetic Ce-O layer
ThCr2Si2-type Ce2O2Bi epitaxial thin films were grown by recently developed multilayer solid phase epitaxy. The ionic state of Ce was confirmed to be 3+ by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, corresponding to the electronic configuration of [Xe]4f1. Electrical resistivity showed the nonmonotonic temperature dependence with a sharp resistivity maximum, concomitant with a magnetization kink at 10 K, suggesting antiferromagnetic transition. In addition, magnetoresistance showed a large angular-dependent magnetoresistance. These results imply that carrier transport in the Bi2- square net could be influenced by magnetic ordering in the Ce-O layer owing to its unique layered structure [Bi2-/(Ce2O2)2+], particularly in the form of epitaxial thin films.
1705.09774v1
2017-07-03
Inverse spin Hall effect in Nd doped SrTiO3
Conversion of spin to charge current was observed in SrTiO3 doped with Nd (Nd:STO), which exhibited a metallic behavior even with low concentration doping. The obvious variation of DC voltages for Py/Nd:STO, obtained by inverting the spin diffusion direction, demonstrated that the detected signals contained the contribution from the inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) induced by the spin dependent scattering from Nd impurities with strong spin-orbit interaction. The DC voltages of the ISHE for Nd:STO were measured at different microwave frequency and power, which revealed that spin currents were successfully injected into doped STO layer by spin pumping. The linear relation between the ISHE resistivity and the resistivity induced by impurities implied that the skew scattering was the dominant contribution in this case, and the spin Hall angle was estimated to be 0.17%. This work demonstrated that extrinsic spin dependent scattering in oxides can be used in spintroics besides that in heavy elements doped metals.
1707.00444v1
2017-07-27
Chiral transport along magnetic domain walls in the quantum anomalous Hall effect
The recent prediction, and subsequent discovery, of the quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect in thin films of the three-dimensional ferromagnetic topological insulator (MTI) (Cr$_y$Bi$_x$Sb$_{1-x-y}$)$_2$Te$_3$ has opened new possibilities for chiral-edge-state-based devices in zero external magnetic field. Like the $\nu=1$ quantum Hall system, the QAH system is predicted to have a single chiral edge mode circulating along the boundary of the film. Backscattering of the chiral edge mode should be suppressed, as recently verified by the observation of well-quantized Hall resistivities $\rho_{yx} = \pm h/e^2$, along with longitudinal resistivities as low as a few ohms. Dissipationless 1D conduction is also expected along magnetic domain walls. Here, we intentionally create a magnetic domain wall in a MTI and study electrical transport along the domain wall. We present the first observation of chiral transport along domain walls, in agreement with theoretical predictions. We present further evidence that two modes equilibrate and co-propagate along the length of the domain wall.
1707.08677v1
2018-08-20
Theory of bilinear magneto-electric resistance from topological-insulator surface states
We theoretically investigate a new kind of nonlinear magnetoresistance on the surface of three-dimensional topological insulators (TIs). At variance with the unidirectional magnetoresistance (UMR) effect in magnetic bilayers, this nonlinear magnetoresistance does not rely on a conducting ferromagnetic layer and scales linearly with both the applied electric and magnetic fields; for this reason, we name it bilinear magneto-electric resistance (BMER). We show that the sign and the magnitude of the BMER depends sensitively on the orientation of the current with respect to the magnetic field as well as the crystallographic axes -- a property that can be utilized to map out the spin texture of the topological surface states via simple transport measurement, alternative to the angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES).
1808.06339v1
2018-08-28
Impact of antiferromagnetic order on Landau level splitting of quasi-two-dimensional Dirac fermions in EuMnBi$_2$
We report spin-split Landau levels of quasi-two-dimensional Dirac fermions in a layered antiferromagnet EuMnBi$_2$, as revealed by interlayer resistivity measurements in a tilted magnetic field up to $\sim$35 T. The amplitude of Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillation in interlayer resistivity is strongly modulated by changing the tilt angle of the field, i.e., the Zeeman-to-cyclotron energy ratio. The effective $g$ factor estimated from the tilt angle, where the SdH oscillation exhibits a phase inversion, differs by approximately 50% between two antiferromagnetic phases. This observation signifies a marked impact of the magnetic order of Eu sublattice on the Dirac-like band structure. The origin may be sought in strong exchange coupling with the local Eu moments, as verified by the first-principles calculation.
1808.09424v1
2018-08-31
Absence of superconductivity in pulsed laser deposited Au/Ag modulated nanostructured thin films
We have grown Au/Ag modulated nanostructured thin films by pulsed laser deposition using metallic targets. The growths performed at room temperature involved deposition of alternate layers of the two metals with larger thickness of Au and much lower thickness of Ag (two cases) on crystalline silicon (100) and quartz substrates. However, the characterization revealed that nanostructured configuration is realized in the film. We characterized the films by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive analysis of x-rays (EDAX), magnetization (M-T) and resistivity (Rho-T) measurements. The magnetization and resistivity measurements confirm that there is no signature of superconducting transition within the temperature range of 5K to 300K studied in these films.
1808.10699v1
2019-03-02
Turning ZrTe5 into semiconductor through atomic intercalation
In this work, we use the liquid ammonia method to successfully intercalate potassium atoms into ZrTe5 single crystal, and find a transition from semimetal to semiconductor at low temperature in the intercalated ZrTe5. The resistance anomalous peak is gradually suppressed and finally disappears with increasing potassium concentration. Whilst, the according sign reversal is always observed in the Hall resistance measurement. We tentatively attribute the semimetal-semiconductor transition to the lattice expansion induced by atomic intercalation and thereby a larger energy band gap.
1903.00644v1
2019-03-23
An In-situ Annealing effect of Graphene-Graphene Interlayer Conduction
An interlayer distance modulation in twisted bilayer graphene is reported. This is achieved by an in-situ annealing technique. The transformation of systematic vacuum and hydrogen annealing effects in twisted bilayer CVD graphene on SiO2 surface is reported based on experimental results. Incoherent interlayer conduction is observed in the twisted bilayer device. In-situ annealing efficiently removes the residues in the graphene-to-graphene interface and enhances the interlayer conduction. We demonstrate graphene-to-graphene interlayer resistance modulated by an order of magnetite at 5 K. We also report on the behavior of molecular hydrogen on graphene interlayer using the gate voltage-dependent resistance as a function of temperature at atmospheric pressure. It was observed that interlayer conduction in hydrogen/argon gas ambient is reduced. Results imply that modulation in the interlayer distance of graphene-to-graphene junction, as determined by the transport measurement investigation. Overall this result leads to the possibility of making electrically tunable devices using twisted bilayer graphene.
1903.09899v2
2019-04-05
Effect of density on microwave-induced resistance oscillations in back-gated GaAs quantum wells
We report on microwave-induced resistance oscillations (MIROs) in a tunable-density 30-nm-wide GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well. We find that the MIRO amplitude increases dramatically with carrier density. Our analysis shows that the anticipated increase in the effective microwave power and quantum lifetime with density is not sufficient to explain the observed growth of the amplitude. We further observe that the fundamental oscillation extrema move towards cyclotron resonance with increasing density, which also contradicts theoretical predictions. These findings reveal that the density dependence is not properly captured by existing theories, calling for further studies.
1904.03140v1
2019-04-18
Determining Phonon Mean Free Path Spectrum by Ballistic Phonon Resistance within a Nanoslot-Patterned Thin Film
At micro- to nano-scales, classical size effects in heat conduction play an important role in suppressing the thermal transport process. Such effects occur when the characteristic lengths become commensurate to the mean free paths (MFPs) of heat carriers that are mainly phonons for nonmetallic crystals. Beyond existing experimental efforts on thin films using laser-induced thermal gratings, this work provides the complete theoretical analysis for a new approach to extract the effective phonon MFP distribution for the in-plane heat conduction within a thin film or flake-like sample. In this approach, nanoslots are patterned on a suspended thin film. Phonons will transport ballistically through the neck region between adjacent nanoslots if the phonon MFPs are much longer than the neck width. The associated "ballistic thermal resistance" for varied neck dimensions can then be used to reconstruct the phonon MFP distribution within the film. The technique can be further extended to two-dimensional materials when the relaxation time approximation is reasonably accurate.
1904.08956v2
2019-08-23
Anomalous Kerr Effect in SrRuO$_3$ Thin Films
We study the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) in SrRuO$_3$ thin films, uncovering wide regimes of wavelength, temperature, and magnetic field where the Kerr rotation is not simply proportional to the magnetization but instead displays two-component behavior. One component of the MOKE signal tracks the average magnetization, while the second "anomalous" component bears a resemblance to anomalies in the Hall resistivity which have been previously reported in skyrmion materials. We present a theory showing that the MOKE anomalies arise from the non-monotonic relation between the Kerr angle and the magnetization, when we average over magnetic domains which proliferate near the coercive field. Our results suggest that inhomogeneous domain formation, rather than skyrmions, may provide a common origin for the observed MOKE and Hall resistivity anomalies.
1908.08974v2