Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Quantum spin chains”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13

Quantification of Native Lignin Structural Features with Gel–Phase 2D–HSQC 0 Reveals Lignin Structural Changes During Extraction

Our ability to study and valorize the lignin fraction of biomass is hampered by the fundamental and still unmet challenge of precisely quantifying native lignin's structural features. Here, we developed a rapid elevated-temperature 1 H– 13 C Heteronuclear Single-Quantum Coherence Zero (HSQC 0 ) NMR method that enables this precise quantification of native lignin structural characteristics even with whole plant cell wall (WPCW) NMR spectroscopy, overcoming fast spin relaxation in the gel phase. We also formulated a Gaussian fitting algorithm to perform automatic and reliable spectral integration. By combining HSQC 0 measurements with yield measurements following depolymerisation, we can confirm the combinatorial nature of radical coupling reactions during biosynthesis leading to a random sequential organization of linkages within a largely linear lignin chain. Such analyses illustrate how this analytical method can greatly facilitate the study of native lignin structure, which can then be used for fundamental studies or to understand lignin depolymerization methods like reductive catalytic fractionation or aldehyde-assisted fractionation.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Every-other-layer dipolar excitons in a spin-valley locked superlattice

Monolayer semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides possess broken inversion symmetry and strong spin-orbit coupling, leading to a unique spin-valley locking effect. In 2H stacked pristine multilayers, spin-valley locking yields an electronic superlattice structure, where alternating layers correspond to barriers and quantum wells depending on the spin-valley indices. Here, in this work, we show that the spin-valley locked superlattice hosts a kind of dipolar exciton with the electron and hole constituents separated in an every-other-layer configuration: that is, either in two even or two odd layers. Such excitons become optically bright via hybridization with intralayer excitons. This effect is also manifested by the presence of multiple anti-crossing patterns in the reflectance spectra, as the dipolar exciton is tuned through the intralayer resonance by an electric field. The reflectance spectra further reveal an excited state orbital of the every-other-layer exciton, pointing to a sizable binding energy in the same order of magnitude as the intralayer exciton. As layer thickness increases, the dipolar exciton can form a one-dimensional Bose–Hubbard chain displaying layer number-dependent fine spectroscopy structures.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Electronic Properties of the Weyl Semimetals Co 2 MnX (X=Si, Ge, Sn)

Using first-principles electronic structure calculations, iwe show that ferromagnetic Heusler compounds Co2MnX (X = Si, Ge, Sn) present nontrivial topological characteristics and belong to the category of Weyl semimetals. These materials exhibit two topologically interesting band crossings near the Fermi level. These band crossings have complex 3D geometries in the Brillouin zone and are characterized by nontrivial topology as Hopf links and chain-like nodal lines that are protected by the perpendicular mirror planes. The spin–orbit interaction split these nodal lines into several 0D Weyl band crossings. Unlike previously known topologically nontrivial Heusler materials, these majority spin band crossings lie in or very near to the bandgap of minority spin bands, potentially facilitating experimental observation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Repulsive Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid in the quasi-one-dimensional alternating spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ antiferromagnet NaVOPO 4

Here, we probe the magnetic field-induced Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid (TLL) state in the bond-alternating spin1/2 antiferromagnetic (AFM) chain compound NaVOPO 4 using thermodynamic as well as local μSR and 31 P NMR probes down to mK temperatures in magnetic fields up to 14 T. The μSR and NMR relaxation rates in the gapless TLL regime decay slowly following characteristic power-law behavior, enabling us to directly determine the interaction parameter K as a function of the magnetic field. These estimates are crosschecked using magnetization and specific heat data. The field-dependent K lies in the range of 0.4 < K < 1 and indicates the repulsive nature of interactions between the spinless fermions, in line with the theoretical predictions. This renders NaVOPO 4 the first experimental realization of TLL with repulsive fermionic interactions in hitherto studied S = 1/2 bond-alternating AFM-AFM chain compounds.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

String junctions suspended between giants

We construct (p, q) string junction solutions suspended between both sphere and AdS giant gravitons in AdS 5 × S 5 . Our results extend easily to more general half BPS geometries of LLM type. These carry angular momentum in the directions of the worldvolume of the giant gravitons. We argue that these are charged under a central extension of the supersymmetry algebra similar to the one that has appeared in the works of Beisert for the $\mathcal{N}$ = 4 spin chain. We also argue that they are BPS with respect to this central extension. We show that apart from some kinematical details, the junctions end up solving the same minimization problem that appears in the Coulomb branch of $\mathcal{N}$ = 4 SYM. Their mass and shape is independent of the angular momentum Q that the junction carries.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Network construction of non-Abelian chiral spin liquids

We use a network of chiral junctions to construct a family of topological chiral spin liquids in two spatial dimensions. The chiral spin liquid phase harbors SU(2) _k k anyons, which stem from the underlying SU(2) _k k WZW models that describe the constituent spin chains of the network. The network exhibits quantized spin and thermal Hall conductances. We illustrate our construction by inspecting the topological properties of the SU(2) _2 2 model. We find that this model has emergent Ising anyons, with spinons acting as vortex excitations that bind Majorana zero modes. We also show that the ground state of this network is threefold degenerate on the torus, asserting its non-Abelian character. Our results shed new light on the stability of non-Abelian topological phases in artificial quantum materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Magnetic dipole γ-ray strength functions in the crossover from spherical to deformed neodymium isotopes

We calculate the magnetic dipole $\gamma$-ray strength functions in a chain of even-mass neodymium isotopes $^{144-152}$Nd in the framework of the configuration-interaction (CI) shell model. We infer the strength function by applying the maximum entropy method (MEM) to the exact imaginary-time response function calculated with the shell-model Monte Carlo (SMMC) method. The success of the MEM depends on the choice of a good strength function as a prior distribution. We investigate two choices for the prior strength function: the static path approximation (SPA) and the quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA). We find that the QRPA is a better approximation at low temperatures (i.e., near the ground state), while the SPA is a better choice at finite temperatures. We identify a low-energy enhancement (LEE) in the MEM deexcitation $M1$ strength functions of the even-mass neodymium isotopes and compare with recent experimental results for the total deexcitation $\gamma$-ray strength functions. The LEE is already seen in the SPA strength function but not in the QRPA strength function, indicating the importance of large-amplitude static fluctuations around the mean field in reproducing the LEE. Our method is currently the only one which can reproduce LEE in heavy open-shell nuclei where conventional CI shell model calculations are prohibited. With the onset of deformation as number of neutrons increases along the chain of neodymium isotopes, we observe that some of the LEE strength transfers to a low-energy excitation, which we interpret as a finite-temperature ``scissors'' mode. Here, we also observe a finite-temperature spin-flip mode.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

[Fe 4 S 4 ] cubane in sulfite reductases: new insights into bonding properties and reactivity

The dissimilatory sulfite reductase enzyme has very characteristic active site where the substrate binds to an iron site, ligated by a siroheme macrocycle and a thiol directly connected to a [Fe 4 S 4 ] cluster. This arrangement gives the enzyme remarkable efficiency in reducing sulfite and nitrite all the way to hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. For the first time we present a theoretical study where substrate binding modalities and activation are elucidated using active site models containing proton supply side chains and the [Fe 4 S 4 ] cluster. Density functional theory (DFT) was deployed in conjunction with the energy decomposition scheme (as implemented in AMS), the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and conceptual DFT (cDFT) descriptors. We quantified the role of the electrostatic interactions inside the active site created by the side chains as well as the influence of the [Fe4S4] cluster on the substrate binding. Furthermore, using conceptual DFT results we shed light of the activation process, thus, laying foundation for further mechanistic studies. We found that the bonding of the ligands to the iron complex is dominated by electrostatic interactions, but the presence of the [Fe 4 S 4 ] cubane leads to substantial changes in electronic interaction. The spin state of the cubane, however, affects the binding energy only marginally. The conceptual DFT results show that the presence of the [Fe 4 S 4 ] cubane affects the reactivity of the active site as it is involved in electron transfer. This is corroborated by an increase in the electrophilicity index, thus making the active site more prone to react with the ligands. The interaction energies between the ligand and the siroheme group are also increased upon the presence of the cubane group, thus, suggesting that the siroheme group is not an innocent spectator but plays an active role in the reactivity of the dSIR active site.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Confinement and Kink Entanglement Asymmetry on a Quantum Ising Chain

In this work, we explore the interplay of confinement, string breaking and entanglement asymmetry on a 1D quantum Ising chain. We consider the evolution of an initial domain wall and show that, surprisingly, while the introduction of confinement through a longitudinal field typically suppresses entanglement, it can also serve to increase it beyond a bound set for free particles. Our model can be tuned to conserve the number of domain walls, which gives an opportunity to explore entanglement asymmetry associated with link variables. We study two approaches to deal with the non-locality of the link variables, either directly or following a Kramers-Wannier transformation that maps bond variables (kinks) to site variables (spins). We develop a numerical procedure for computing the asymmetry using tensor network methods and use it to demonstrate the different types of entanglement and entanglement asymmetry.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Absence of magnetoelastic deformation in the spin-chain compound CuBr 2

Here, we investigate a spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ antiferromagnet, CuBr 2 , which has quasi-one-dimensional structural motifs. The system has previously been observed to exhibit unusual Raman modes possibly due to a locally deformed crystal structure driven by the low-dimensional magnetism. Using hard x-ray scattering and neutron total scattering, here we aim to verify a specific form of tetramerizing deformation proposed in the previous study. Apart from diffuse scattering signals, which we can reproduce by performing a thorough modeling of the lattice's thermal vibrations, we do not observe evidence for a tetramerized lattice structure within our detection sensitivity. Consequently, we consider it unlikely that the unusual Raman modes in CuBr 2 arise from quantum spin-singlet-driven lattice deformations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Quasi-One-Dimensional Spin Excitations in the Iron Pnictide NaFe 0.53 ⁢Cu 0.47 ⁢As

Spectroscopic measurements in model 1D correlated systems offer insights for understanding their two-dimensional counterparts, which include the cuprate and iron pnictide/chalcogenide superconductors. A major challenge is the identification of such correlated systems with dominantly 1D physics. Here, in this Letter, inelastic neutron scattering measurements on NaFe 0.53⁢ Cu 0.47 ⁢As single crystal directly reveal quasi-1D spin excitations, resulting from atomic order that leads to magnetic Fe and nonmagnetic Cu chains. The dominant exchange interaction is antiferromagnetic along the chain [𝑆⁢𝐽 ∥ ≈ 90.1⁢(3) meV], whereas the inter-chain couplings are much weaker [𝑆⁢𝐽 ⊥ ≈ −2.4⁢(1) meV and 𝑆⁢𝐽 c ≈ 0.15⁢(5) meV]. The quasi-1D spin excitations in NaFe 0.53 ⁢Cu 0.47⁢ As stem from both the Néel and stripe vectors, with Néel excitations sensitive to Fe impurities on the Cu site. The spin excitations in quasi-1D NaFe 0.53 ⁢Cu 0.47⁢ As and quasi-2D FeSe exhibit a striking resemblance, suggesting a common origin for their coexistent stripe and Néel excitations. Our findings demonstrate magnetic dilution in NaFeAs leads to dimension reduction of its magnetic degree of freedom, presenting a strategy for discovering low-dimensional quantum materials.

Wang, Yifan [Zhejiang Univ., Hangzhou (China)]↗

Tuning Electronic Properties of 2D Materials Using Metal Adsorbates: Cu at WTe 2 Edges

Two-dimensional materials exhibit properties promising for novel applications. Topologically protected states at their edges can be harnessed for use in quantum devices. We use ab initio simulations to examine properties of edges in 1T'-WTe 2 monolayers, known to exhibit topological order, and their interactions with Cu atoms. Comparison of (010)-oriented edges that have the same composition but different terminations shows that, as the number of Cu atoms increases, their thermodynamically-preferred arrangement depends on the details of the edge structure. Cu atoms aggregate into a cluster at the most stable edge; while the cluster is non-magnetic, it spin-polarizes the W atoms along the edge, which removes the topological protection. At the metastable edge, Cu atoms form a chain incorporated into the WTe 2 lattice; the topological state is preserved in spite of the dramatic edge restructuring. This suggests that exploiting interactions of metal species with metastable edge terminations can provide a path towards non-invasive interfaces.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Chemically and electrically tunable spin polarization in ferroelectric Cd-based hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites

Density functional theory computations are used to predict the electronic structure of Cd-based hybrid organic-inorganic high-T C ferroelectric perovskites with TMCM-CdCl 3 being one representative. Here we report Rashba-Dresselhaus spin splitting in the valence band of these nonmagnetic compounds. Interestingly, we find in computations that the splitting is not necessarily sensitive to the polarization of the material but to the organic molecule itself which opens a way to its chemical tunability through the choice of the molecule. Further chemical tunability of spin splitting is shown to be possible through a substitution of Cl in the CdCl 3 chains as the valence band was found to originate from Cl-Cl weekly bonding orbitals. For example, the substitution of Cl with Br in TMCM-CdCl 3 resulted in a ten times increase of spin splitting. Furthermore, the spin polarization in these materials gives origin to persistent spin textures which are coupled to the polarization direction, and, therefore, can be controlled by the electric field. This is promising for spintronics applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Interwoven magnetic kagome metal overcomes geometric frustration

Magnetic kagome materials provide a platform for exploring magneto-transport phenomena, symmetry breaking and charge ordering driven by the intricate interplay among electronic structure, topology and magnetism. Yet geometric frustration in conventional kagome magnets limits their tunability. Here we propose a design strategy for interweaving quasi-one-dimensional magnetic Tb zigzag chains with non-magnetic Ti-based kagome bilayers in TbTi 3 Bi 4 . Comprehensive spectroscopic analyses reveal coexisting elliptical-spiral magnetic and spin-density-wave orders accompanied by a large ~90 meV band-folding gap. The combined magnetic and electronic state leads to a giant anomalous Hall conductivity of 10 5 Ω −1 cm −1 , which exceeds that observed in frustrated kagome analogues. These results establish TbTi 3 Bi 4 as a model system of magnetic kagome metals with strong electron–magnetism interactions and underscore the necessity of interweaving designed magnetic and charge layers separately to achieve tunable transport properties. This design strategy will enable the discovery of emergent quantum states and next-generation electronic materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Electronic structure, magnetic properties, and pairing tendencies of the copper-based honeycomb lattice Na 2 Cu 2 TeO 6

Spin-1/2 chains with alternating antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) couplings have attracted considerable interest due to the topological character of their spin excitations. Here, using density functional theory and density-matrix renormalization-group (DMRG) methods, we have systematically studied the dimerized chain system Na 2 Cu 2 TeO 6 with a d 9 electronic configuration. Near the Fermi level, in the nonmagnetic phase the dominant states are mainly contributed by the Cu 3d x 2 -y 2 orbitals highly hybridized with the O 2p orbitals, leading to an “effective” single-orbital low-energy model. By calculating the relevant hoping amplitudes, we explain the size and sign of the exchange interactions in Na 2 Cu 2 TeO 6 . In addition, a single-orbital Hubbard model is constructed for this dimerized chain system where the quantum fluctuations are taken into account. Both AFM and FM couplings (leading to an ↑|-|↓-|↓-↑| state) along the chain were found in our DMRG and Lanczos calculations, in agreement with density functional theory and neutron-scattering results. The hole pairing binding energy ΔE is predicted to be negative at Hubbard U~ 11eV, suggesting incipient pairing tendencies.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Chiral symmetry and scale invariance breaking in spin chains

The effects of the Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction on finite size one-dimensional (1D) magnetic chains are investigated as a function of their length. The magnetic configuration the system adopts for varying boundary conditions are explored analytically, which leads to the appearance of chiral configurations that play a crucial role. The coercive and exchange bias fields show an unexpected chain length dependence, caused by the boundary conditions and by chiral symmetry breaking, which in turn leads to the breakdown of scale-invariance. Our treatment yields results in agreement with experimental evidence and ongoing research on phthalocyanine iron chains bonded to hydrogen.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗