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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Correlated oxide Dirac semimetal in the extreme quantum limit

Quantum materials (QMs) with strong correlation and nontrivial topology are indispensable to next-generation information and computing technologies. Exploitation of topological band structure is an ideal starting point to realize correlated topological QMs. Here, we report that strain-induced symmetry modification in correlated oxide SrNbO 3 thin films creates an emerging topological band structure. Dirac electrons in strained SrNbO 3 films reveal ultrahigh mobility (μ max ≈ 100,000 cm 2 /Vs), exceptionally small effective mass (m* ~ 0.04m e ), and nonzero Berry phase. Strained SrNbO 3 films reach the extreme quantum limit, exhibiting a sign of fractional occupation of Landau levels and giant mass enhancement. Our results suggest that symmetry-modified SrNbO 3 is a rare example of correlated oxide Dirac semimetals, in which strong correlation of Dirac electrons leads to the realization of a novel correlated topological QM.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Weyl Fermion magneto-electrodynamics and ultralow field quantum limit in TaAs

Topological semimetals are predicted to exhibit unconventional electrodynamics, but a central experimental challenge is singling out the contributions from the topological bands. TaAs is the prototypical example, where 24 Weyl points and 8 trivial Fermi surfaces make the interpretation of any experiment in terms of band topology ambiguous. We report magneto-infrared reflection spectroscopy measurements on TaAs. We observed sharp inter-Landau level transitions from a single pocket of Weyl Fermions in magnetic fields as low as 0.4 tesla. We determine the W2 Weyl point to be 8.3 meV below the Fermi energy, corresponding to a quantum limit—the field required to reach the lowest LL—of 0.8 tesla—unprecedentedly low for Weyl Fermions. LL spectroscopy allows us to isolate these Weyl Fermions from all other carriers in TaAs, and our result provides a way for directly exploring the more exotic quantum phenomena in Weyl semimetals, such as the chiral anomaly.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Controlling and visualizing Dirac physics in topological semimetal heterostructures

A bulk crystal of cadmium arsenide is a three-dimensional Dirac semimetal, but, in a thin film, it can behave like a three-dimensional topological insulator. This tunability provides unique opportunities to manipulate and explore a topological insulator phase. However, an obstacle to engineering such tunability is the subtlety of transport-based discriminants for topological phases. In this work, the quantum capacitance of cadmium arsenide–based heterostructures provides two direct experimental signatures of three-dimensional topological insulator physics: an insulating three-dimensional bulk and a Landau level at zero energy that does not disperse in a magnetic field. We proceed to join our ability to see these fingerprints of the topological surface states with flexibility afforded by our epitaxial heterostructures to demonstrate a route toward controlling the energy of the Dirac nodes on each surface. These results point to new avenues for engineering topological insulators based on cadmium arsenide.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Hall effect for Dirac electrons in graphene exposed to an Abrikosov flux lattice

The proposals for realizing exotic particles through coupling of quantum Hall effect to superconductivity involve spatially non-uniform magnetic fields. As a step toward that goal, we study, both theoretically and experimentally, a system of Dirac electrons exposed to an Abrikosov flux lattice. Here, we theoretically find that the non-uniform magnetic field causes a carrier-density-dependent reduction of the Hall conductivity. Our studies show that this reduction originates from a rather subtle effect: a levitation of the Berry curvature within Landau levels broadened by the non-uniform magnetic field. Experimentally, we measure the magneto-transport in a monolayer graphene-hexagonal boron nitride-niobium diselenide (NbSe 2 ) heterostructure, and find a density-dependent reduction of the Hall resistivity of graphene as the temperature is lowered from above the superconducting critical temperature of NbSe 2 , when the magnetic field is uniform, to below, where the magnetic field bunches into an Abrikosov flux lattice.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ferromagnets, a new anomaly, instantons, and (noninvertible) continuous translations

We discuss a large class of classical field theories with continuous translation symmetry. In the quantum theory, a new anomaly explicitly breaks this translation symmetry to a discrete symmetry. Furthermore, this discrete translation symmetry is extended by a d – 2-form global symmetry. All these theories can be described as U(1) gauge theories where Gauss law states that the system has nonzero charge density. Special cases of such systems can be phrased as theories with a compact phase space. Examples are ferromagnets and lattices in the lowest Landau level. In some cases, the broken continuous translation symmetry can be resurrected as a noninvertible symmetry. We clarify the relation between the discrete translation symmetry of the continuum theory and the discrete translation symmetry of an underlying lattice model. Our treatment unifies, clarifies, and extends earlier works on the same subject.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Enhance coherence time in intensely driven quantum systems

Not long ago, it was shown that a discrete time crystal can be realized if a quantum system is periodically driven to a non-equilibrium state. Proof-of-concept experiments are reported by two groups using trapped ions and nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, respectively. The concept of discrete time crystals vividly demonstrates that the coherence time of a quantum system may be enhanced by driving the system out of equilibrium. In this project, we want to test this novel concept in another canonical quantum system, the quantum Hall system in a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). Compared to other systems, quantum Hall magnetism (QHM) in high quality, industry-compatible GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures allows for detailed and quantitative studies in a particularly simple and clean environment. This detailed knowledge should help achieve longer coherence times in a driven QHM system. This report will detail the results from a recent study on the stability of the quantum Hall skyrmions (QHS) state at a Landau level filling close to ν = 1 by measuring its current-voltage (I-V) breakdown characteristics under radio-frequency (RF) radiations. We observe that the critical current increases visibly when the RF frequency is right at the Larmor frequency of 75As nuclei, where the hyperfine interaction between electron and nuclear spins perturbs the QHS state most significantly. We believe that this observation is consistent with the novel concept that the coherence time of a quantum system may be enhanced by driving the system out of equilibrium.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Artificial High-Transition Temperature Superconductors

In this work, we have used the well-understood quantum Hall (QH) stripes in high quality two-dimensional electron gases to mimic charge stripes in high transition temperature (Tc) superconductors. The science question we want to address is “Can QH stripes mimic high Tc superconductor stripes and provide a controlled experimental setup to pin-down the role of stripes in high Tc superconductivity?”. We have observed anomalous superconducting transition like behavior in GaAs double quantum well systems (DQWs) when each quantum well (QW) is tuned to the charge stripe states but with different Landau level fillings. Furthermore, we have shown that the transition like behavior is sharper in the DQWs when the two QWs are more strongly coupled. Our results suggest, for the first time, experimental evidence of the paired charge stripes model, which might lead to room-temperature superconductors that have enormously wide applications in computing, energy, and transportation industries. Advancing the science of high transition temperature superconductivity will have a profound impact in advancing energy technologies, ranging from the next generation microchips, new energy transfer grid to public transportation, and thus is important to nation’s energy security and relevant across the landscape of many mission spaces. Sandia has been a leader in materials science research and development. The proposed research takes advantage of Sandia’s state-ofthe-art MBE facilities at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) and utilizes Sandia’s extensive advanced materials characterization resources. We envision a significant impact on the nation’s energy research and security challenges by investing in this research.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

THz Plasmonics and Topological Optics of Weyl Semimetals

THz magneto-optical properties of 3D topological Weyl semimetals were investigated with both THz spectroscopy and THz pump-probe measurements. The unique THz effects predicted in these materials may have important applications in THz technology. The electronic band structure was characterized spectroscopically through THz zero-field reflectance and/or cyclotron resonance measurements. The studies included the dynamic chiral pumping and the study of the predicted novel magneto-electric effects arising from the underlying Berry curvature and magneto plasmonic-like effects in the absence of an applied magnetic field. Chiral pumping in the extreme quantum limit was studied on Weyl semimetals to directly probe the chiral N=0 Landau level. Non-linear pump-probe measurements were used to measure the chiral pumping lifetime. Solids with topologically robust electronic states exhibit unusual electronic and optical transport properties that do not exist in other materials. A particularly interesting example is chiral charge pumping, the so-called chiral anomaly, in recently discovered topological Weyl and Dirac semimetals, where simultaneous application of parallel DC electric and magnetic fields creates an imbalance in the number of carriers of opposite topological charge (chirality). In an earlier study we investigated the Weyl metals Na 3 Bi and Cd 3 As 2 . In this grant we followed up with magneto-optical studies of TaAs, another Weyl semimetal. More recently, we have also characterized other Weyl and Dirac systems that have come on line. The Physics community is still looking for the “hydrogen atom” of the Weyl semimetal. CoSi is one promising new system which features Weyl node spacing comparable to the Brillouin zone size. This system may be suitable for study of the predicted chiral plasmons that arise from the Berry curvature in Weyl materials. In other experiments gates can be applied to the samples in order to study the Fermi arc surface states by modulation reflectance spectroscopy at THz frequencies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Impact of Magnetic-field-driven Anisotropies on the Equation of State Probed in Neutron Star Mergers

Binary neutron star mergers can produce extreme magnetic fields, some of which can lead to strong magnetar-like remnants. While strong magnetic fields have been shown to affect the dynamics of outflows and angular momentum transport in the remnant, they can also crucially alter the properties of nuclear matter probed in the merger. In this work, we provide a first assessment of the latter, determining the strength of the pressure anisotropy caused by Landau-level quantization and the anomalous magnetic moment. To this end, we perform the first numerical relativity simulation with a magnetic polarization tensor and a magnetic-field-dependent equation of state using a new algorithm we present here, which also incorporates a mean-field dynamo model to control the magnetic field strength present in the merger remnant. Our results show that—in the most optimistic case—corrections to the anisotropy can be in excess of 10% and are potentially largest in the outer layers of the remnant. This work paves the way for a systematic investigation of these effects.

General relativity↗
NASA NTRS1972

Quantum theory of the dielectric constant of a magnetized plasma and astrophysical applications. I.

A quantum mechanical treatment of an electron plasma in a constant and homogeneous magnetic field is considered, with the aim of (1) defining the range of validity of the magnetoionic theory (2) studying the deviations from this theory, in applications involving high densities, and intense magnetic field. While treating the magnetic field exactly, a perturbation approach in the photon field is used to derive general expressions for the dielectric tensor. Numerical estimates on the range of applicability of the magnetoionic theory are given for the case of the 'one-dimensional' electron gas, where only the lowest Landau level is occupied.

Canuto, V.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Magnetic field generated resistivity maximum in graphite

In zero magnetic field, B, the electrical resistivity, rho(O,T) of highly oriented pyrolytic (polycrystalline) graphite drops smoothly with decreasing T, becoming constant below 4 K. However, in a fixed applied magnetic field B, the resistivity rho(B,T) goes through a maximum as a function of T, with larger maximum for larger B. The temperature of the maximum increases with B, but saturates to a constant value near 25 K (exact T depends on sample) at high B. In single crystal graphite a maximum in rho(B,T) as a function of T is also present, but has the effects of Landau level quantization superimposed. Several possible explanations for the rho(B,T) maximum are proposed, but a complete explanation awaits detailed calculations involving the energy band structure of graphite, and the particular scattering mechanisms involved.

Wollam, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Magnetic field generated resistivity maximum in graphite

In a zero magnetic field, the electrical resistivity of highly oriented pyrolytic (polycrystalline) graphite drops smoothly with decreasing temperature, becoming constant below 4 K. However, in a fixed applied magnetic field, the resistivity goes through a maximum as a function of temperature, with a larger maximum for a larger field intensity. The temperature of the maximum increases with field intensity, but saturates to a constant value near 25 K (the exact temperature depends on the sample) at high intensity. In single-crystal graphite, a maximum in resistivity as a function of temperature is also present, but has the effects of Landau level quantization superimposed. Several possible explanations for the resistivity maximum are proposed, but a complete explanation awaits detailed calculations involving the energy band structure of graphite, and the particular scattering mechanisms involved.

Woollam, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Pair Production near Threshold in Pulsar Magnetic Fields

In pulsar polar cap models, curvature radiation gamma rays produce e(+)e(-) pairs in the strong magnetic fields near the surface of the neutron star. While these gamma rays have energies E sub gamma mc(2), they also propagate at very small angles to the fields, such that the threshold condition, E gamma 2mc(2)/sin theta is just barely satisfied when they pair produce. Threshold effects on the pair production attenuation coefficient, which are due to the discreteness of the e(+)e(-) Landau states, must therefore be considered when computing the mean free paths of curvature radiation photons in pulsar magnetic fields. These effects, which are not incorporated in the asymptotic expression for the attenuation coefficient, have some interesting consequences for pulsar models. Since pair production is suppressed near threshold, the photon mean free paths are longer than previously thought. In magnetic fields approximately 6x10 approximately G, the pairs tend to be produced in the ground state Landau level and will not synchrotron radiate. Since synchrotron radiation is an essential ingredient in the electromagnetic cascades which produce low energy pairs above the acceleration region, pulsars with very high magnetic fields may not produce many pairs.

Harding, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Magnetic flare model of gamma-ray bursts

The thermal synchrotron (TS) interpretation of gamma-ray burst continuum spectra requires an emission region which is hot, optically thin, and possessed of a super-Eddington flux of 10 to the 30 ergs/sq cm per sec for a 10-km neutron star. In order to maintain a pair population close to the Maxwellian, the collision excitation rate into higher Landau levels must exceed the cyclotron decay rates. Even if collective processes whose rates are close to the electron plasma frequency, or scattering by heavy ions, are invoked, a particle density of 10 to the 25th/cu cm is still needed. Both hypotheses point in the direction of a dense but thin emitting sheet, to whose structure attention is presently given together with the generation, propagation and coupling of the electromagnetic energy fluxes. A flare-like model can account for most of gamma ray bursts' general features.

Liang, E. P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Pair production near threshold in pulsar magnetic fields

In Pulsar polar cap models, curvature radiation gamma-rays produce e(+) e(-) pairs in the strong magnetic fields near the surface of the neutron star. While these gamma rays havea energies E sub gamma mc(2), they also propagate at very small angies to the fields, such that the threshold condition, E gamma 2mc(2)/sin theta is just barely satisfied when they pair produce. Threshold effects on the pair production attenuation coefficient, which are due to the discreteness of the e(+) e(-) Landau states, must therefore be considered when computing the mean free paths of curvature radiation photons in pulsar magnetic fields. These effects, which are not incorporated in the asymptotic expression for the attenuation coefficient, have some interesting consequences for pulsar models. Since pair production is suppressed near threshold, the photon mean free paths are longer than previously thought. In magnetic fields greater than approximately 6 x 10 to the 12th G, the pairs tend to be produced in the ground state Landau level and will not synchrotron radiate. Since synchrotron radiation is an essential ingredient in the eiectromagnetic cascades which produce low energy pairs above the acceleration region, pulsars with very high magnetic fields may not produce many pairs.

Harding, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Soft X-ray production by photon scattering in pulsating binary neutron star sources

A new mechanism is proposed as a source of soft (less than 1 keV) radiation in binary pulsating X-ray sources, in the form of photon scattering which leaves the electron in an excited Landau level. In a plasma with parameters typical of such sources, the low-energy X-ray emissivity of this mechanism far exceeds that of bremsstrahlung. This copious source of soft photons is quite adequate to provide the seed photons needed to explain the power-law hard X-ray spectrum by inverse Comptonization on the hot electrons at the base of the accretion column.

Bussard, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

One- and two-photon Compton scattering in strong magnetic fields

Calculations are made of the Compton scattering cross section in a very strong magnetic field, such as encountered in pulsars, for arbitrary photon and electron energies. The effect of the vacuum polarization in the weak-field limit is included as well as the plasma polarizability. Radiative transitions between any pair of Landau levels are included as well as two-photon scattering. The latter process, due to the presence of the cyclotron resonance, becomes comparable to nonresonant one-photon scattering when excited final states are allowed, and acts as a source of photons which is more important than bremsstrahlung at low plasma densities.

Bussard, R. W.↗