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At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Topological Hall Effect in Antiferromagnetic Co-Doped Fe 3 GaTe 2

Fe 3 GaTe 2 is van der Waals (vdW) ferromagnet with a Curie temperature T C ranging from 350 K to 380 K, followed upon cooling by a ferrimagnetic transition near room temperature. Substituting Fe with Co was previously reported to induce antiferromagnetism (AFM) at a Co fraction dependent Néel temperature TN. In this work, we confirm the overall phase diagram of the Fe 3-x Co x GaTe 2 series as a function of x and temperature via magnetization and electrical transport measurements. For x ≥ 0.6 the Hall effect is observed to mimic the magnetization as the AF ground state is suppressed by the external magnetic field via a metamagnetic transition, thus displaying an anomalous Hall response. At low temperatures, we also observe a pronounced topological Hall signal peaking at μ 0 H = 4 T, or within the metamagnetic transition region of fields. This observation points to the presence of magnetic field-induced chiral spin textures, such as skyrmions upon approaching magnetization saturation. Remarkably, magnetic force microscopy (MFM) reveals the emergence of nearly circular magnetic domains, with diameters on the order of 100–200 nm, within the antiferromagnetic phase. Here, a detailed analysis of the MFM images indicates that the topological Hall effect is closely linked to the field-induced stabilization of magnetic domain structures, likely exhibiting chiral textures. This observation suggests the possible formation of skyrmions already in the AFM phase, i.e., AFM skyrmions, that evolve into ferromagnetic (FM) ones upon increasing the magnetic field. Consequently, Co-doped Fe 3 GaTe 2 might provide a platform to investigate the transformation of skyrmions, initially coupled antiferromagnetically into ferromagnetic skyrmions, and to explore its impact on the topological and skyrmion Hall effects.

anomalous Hall effect↗
DOE OSTI2025

Spin Dynamics of Triple-𝐐 Magnetic Orderings in a Triangular Lattice: Implications for Multi-𝐐 Orderings in General Two-Dimensional Lattices

Multi-𝐐 magnetic structures on two-dimensional (2D) lattices provide a key route to realizing topological physics in 2D magnetism. A major experimental challenge is to unambiguously confirm their formation by excluding the possibility of topologically trivial multidomain single- or double-𝐐 magnetic orders, which cannot be distinguished using conventional diffraction techniques. Here, we propose that long-wavelength spin dynamics offers a universal diagnostic for triangular lattices: Triple-𝐐 orders that preserve rotational symmetry and single- or double-𝐐 orders that break it exhibit qualitatively distinct anisotropies in their Goldstone-mode velocities, stemming from fundamental differences in their underlying spin configurations. We validate this concept using the metallic triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Co 0.325 ⁢TaS 2 , which hosts both a stripe-type single-𝐐 state and a triple-𝐐 tetrahedral ordering at different temperatures. Using inelastic neutron-scattering and spin dynamics simulations, we first refine the spin Hamiltonian by fitting the paramagnetic excitation spectra, allowing us to develop an unbiased model independent of magnetic ordering. We then show that the observed velocity profiles of the Goldstone modes agree with the high-temperature model’s predictions: markedly anisotropic for the single-𝐐 phase and near isotropic for the triple-𝐐 phase. Importantly, this contrast persists across various exchange parameters, highlighting its model-independent nature and suggesting potential applicability to other 2D lattice systems. Beyond the long-wavelength regime, we present a substantial discrepancy between the measured and simulated magnon spectra exclusively in the triple-𝐐 phase. We attribute this discrepancy to magnon energy renormalization arising from order-of-magnitude-enhanced magnon-magnon interactions in the triple-𝐐 phase, due to its noncollinear configuration. This work provides universal insight into the dynamical properties of topological multi-𝐐 magnetic orderings in 2D lattice structures, offering a broadly applicable diagnostic to distinguishing them from topologically trivial single- or double-𝐐 counterparts. The unequivocal confirmation of the triple-𝐐 structure in Co 0.325 ⁢TaS 2 further establishes it as a prominent material platform for exploring topological spin textures in the genuine 2D limit.

Park, Pyeongjae [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (OR↗
DOE OSTI2024

Formation of a Decanuclear Organometallic Dysprosium Complex via a Radical–Radical Cross–Coupling Reaction

Over the years, polynuclear cyclic or torus complexes have attracted increasing interest due to their unique metal topologies and properties. However, the isolation of polynuclear cyclic organometallic complexes is extremely challenging due to their inherent reactivity, which stems from the labile and reactive metal-carbon bonds. In this study, the pyrazine ligand undergoes a radical-radical cross-coupling reaction leading to the formation of a decanuclear [(Cp*) 20 Dy 10 (L1) 10 ] ⋅ 12(C 7 H 8 ) ( 1 ; where L1 = anion of 2-prop-2-enyl-2 H -pyrazine; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) complex, where all Dy III metal centres are bridged by the anionic L1 ligand. Amongst the family of polynuclear Ln organometallic complexes bearing Cp R 2 Ln x units (Cp R = substituted cyclopentadienyl), 1 features the highest nuclearity obtained to date. In-depth computational studies were conducted to elucidate the proposed reaction mechanism and formation of L1, while probing of the magnetic properties of 1 , revealed slow magnetic relaxation upon application of a static dc field.

cross-coupling↗
DOE OSTI2021

Various Low-Symmetry Phases in High- χ and Conformationally Asymmetric PDMS- b -PTFEA Copolymers

Since the discovery of the Frank–Kasper (FK) phase a decade ago, single-component block copolymer systems have offered unique opportunities to explore the structural and phase-transition properties of topologically close-packed FK phases composed of point-particle motifs. Here, we present the formation of complex low-symmetry phases and their thermodynamic stability using high-χ and high-ε linear diblock copolymers, where χ and ε are the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter and conformational asymmetry between the two blocks, respectively. In this work, a series of polydimethylsiloxane-b-poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate) (PDMS-b-PTFEA) copolymers are prepared by tuning the volume fraction ($f_{\text{PTFEA}}$) of a minor PTFEA block. The packing structures of PDMS-b-PTFEAs are mapped in the space of temperature versus $f_{\text{PTFEA}}$ using X-ray scattering measurements. In addition to the packing structures reported earlier, we identify another A15 phase at higher $f_{\text{PTFEA}}$ close to a hexagonally packed cylinder (HEX) phase and establish the phase sequence of HEX–A15–σ–C14–BCC with decreasing $f_{\text{PTFEA}}$. Theoretical calculation of relative free-energy densities confirms the experimental phase sequence of the composition-dependent sphere-packing structures. Interestingly, the domain sizes of three-dimensional (3D) sphere-packing structures are nearly temperature-invariant compared to that of a two-dimensional HEX structure, and we attribute this dimensional stability to the strong enthalpic effects in the formation of 3D packing structures and the geometrical characteristics of spherical domains. Our results demonstrate that the interaction parameter χ, together with the known role of conformational asymmetry ε, serves as the primary thermodynamic parameter for selecting and stabilizing various low-symmetry packing structures in sphere-forming linear diblock copolymer systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nanoscale studies of electric field effects on monolayer 1T′-WTe2

Abstract Monolayer 1 T′-WTe 2 is a quantum spin Hall insulator with a gapped 2D-bulk and gapless helical edge states persisting to temperatures ~100 K. Despite the far-ranging interest, the magnitude of the bulk gap, the effect of gating on the 2D-band structure, as well the role interactions are not established. In this work we use STM spectroscopy to measure the intrinsic bulk gap of monolayer 1 T′-WTe 2 and show that gate induced electric fields cause large changes of the gap magnitude. Our first-principles DFT-derived tight-binding model reveal that a combination of spatial localization of the conduction and valance bands and Rashba-like spin-orbit coupling leads to a gating induced spin-splitting of the 2D-bulk bands in the tens of meV, thereby reducing the band gap. Our work explains the large sensitivity of the band structure to electric fields and suggests a new avenue for realizing proximity induced non-trivial superconductivity in monolayer 1 T′-WTe 2 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-temperature phonon-mediated superconductivity in monolayer Mg 2 B 4 C 2

A two-dimensional material – Mg 2 B 4 C 2 , belonging to the family of the conventional superconductor MgB 2 , is theoretically predicted to exhibit superconductivity with critical temperature T c estimated in the 47–48 K range (predicted using the McMillian-Allen-Dynes formula) without any tuning of external parameters such as doping, strain, or substrate-induced effects. The origin of such a high intrinsic T c is ascribed to the presence of strong electron-phonon coupling and large density of states at the Fermi level. This system is obtained after replacing the chemically active boron-boron surface layers in a MgB 2 slab by chemically inactive boron-carbon layers. Hence, the surfaces of this material are inert. Our calculations confirm the stability of 2D Mg 2 B 4 C 2 . We also find that the key features of this material remain essentially unchanged when its thickness is increased by modestly increasing the number of inner MgB 2 layers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Emergence of the spin polarized domains in the kagome lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet Zn-barlowite (Zn 0.95 Cu 0.05 )Cu 3 (OD) 6 FBr

Kagome lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnets are known to be highly sensitive to perturbations caused by the structural disorder. NMR is a local probe ideally suited for investigating such disorder-induced effects, but in practice, large distributions in the conventional one-dimensional NMR data make it difficult to distinguish the intrinsic behavior expected for pristine kagome quantum spin liquids from disorder-induced effects. Here we report the development of a two-dimensional NMR data acquisition scheme applied to Zn-barlowite (Zn 0.95 Cu 0.05 )Cu 3 (OD) 6 FBr kagome lattice, and successfully correlate the distribution of the low energy spin excitations with that of the local spin susceptibility. We present evidence for the gradual growth of domains with a local spin polarization induced by 5% Cu 2+ defect spins occupying the interlayer non-magnetic Zn 2+ sites. These spin-polarized domains account for ~60% of the sample volume at 2 K, where gapless excitations induced by interlayer defects dominate the low-energy sector of spin excitations within the kagome planes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Structural tweaking of 2D quantum magnetism

Here, a combination of tunnelling spectroscopy, magnetotransport, electron diffraction and ab initio calculations have revealed that picometre-scale lattice distortions reverse magnetic anisotropy and enhance magnetic frustration in atomically thin ruthenium trichloride — a key step towards realizing a quantum spin liquid in the two-dimensional limit.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Topology-dependent stability of vortex-antivortex structures

The non-trivial topology of magnetic structures such as vortices and skyrmions is considered as a key concept to explain the stability of those structures. The stability, dictated by non-trivial topology, provides great potential for device applications. Although it is a very critical scientific and technological issue, it is elusive to experimentally study the topology-dependent stability owing to the difficulties in establishing stably formed magnetic structures with different topologies. Here, we establish a platform for vortex-antivortex structures with different topological charges within Ni 80 Fe 20 rectangular elements thick enough to stabilize a unique three-dimensional magnetic structure with non-uniform magnetization along the thickness of the elements. The detailed magnetization configurations of the three-dimensional vortex-antivortex structures and their annihilations during their field-driven motions are investigated by utilizing magnetic transmission soft x-ray microscopy and micromagnetic simulation. We demonstrate that the stability of vortex-antivortex structures significantly depends on their topologies and the topology-dependent stability is associated with their different annihilation mechanisms. Furthermore, we believe that this work provides in-depth insight into the stability of magnetic structures and its topology dependence.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Quadratic pseudospectrum for identifying localized states

Here we examine the utility of the quadratic pseudospectrum for understanding and detecting states that are somewhat localized in position and energy, in particular, in the context of condensed matter physics. Specifically, the quadratic pseudospectrum represents a method for approaching systems with incompatible observables {A j |1 ≤ j ≤ d} as it minimizes collectively the errors $\parallel$A j v - λ j v$\parallel$ while defining a joint approximate spectrum of incompatible observables. Moreover, we derive an important estimate relating the Clifford and quadratic pseudospectra. Finally, we prove that the quadratic pseudospectrum is local and derive the bounds on the errors that are incurred by truncating the system in the vicinity of where the pseudospectrum is being calculated.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Flat-Band-Enabled Triplet Excitonic Insulator in a Diatomic Kagome Lattice

The excitonic insulator (EI) state is a strongly correlated many-body ground state, arising from an instability in the band structure of narrow-gap semiconductors towards exciton formation. Here we show that the flat valence and conduction bands of a Yin-Yang Kagome lattice, as exemplified in a superatomic graphene lattice, conspire to enable an interesting state of triplet EI, based on first-principles Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations combined with many-body GW and Bethe-Salpeter Equation (BSE). As an intrinsic property of topological flat bands, highly localized electron and hole wavefunctions significantly reduce the screening and enhance the exchange interaction, leading to an unusually high triplet exciton binding energy (~1.2 eV) exceeding the GW band gap by ~0.2 eV and a huge singlet-triplet splitting of ~0.4 eV. Here, the flat-bands-enabled triplet EI state also points to the possibility of complete population inversion between the two topological flat bands for the realization of excited quantum spin Hall effect. Our findings enrich once again the intriguing physics of flat bands, which has drawn broad interest.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electronic and magnetic properties of hole-doped topological kagome Fe 1−𝑥 ⁢Mn 𝑥 ⁢Sn thin films

We have investigated the electronic and magnetic structures of topological kagome Fe 1−𝑥 ⁢Mn 𝑥 ⁢Sn (0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 0.3) thin films via neutron diffraction, electronic transport measurements, and ab initio density functional theory (DFT) to understand the interplay between hole doping, magnetism, and the electronic structures. Temperature-dependent neutron diffraction measurements on parent FeSn reveal the Néel temperature to be 𝑇 N ∼ 355 K and the underlying A-type antiferromagnetic ordering is associated with a wave vector 𝒒 = (001/2). Upon Mn doping to 𝑥 = 0.15, 𝑇 N decreases slightly while the magnetic ordering vector remains the same. Resistivity measurements show metallic characteristics and in-plane anisotropy down to 10 K for all the investigated samples. The effects of hole doping are mapped in terms of electronic ground state calculations via DFT which show that the Dirac point is moved closer to the Fermi level (𝐸 F ) and the flat bands get pushed away from 𝐸 F upon hole doping. However, a comparison between hole-doped Fe 1−𝑥⁢ Mn 𝑥⁢ Sn and electron-doped Fe 1−𝑥 ⁢Co 𝑥 ⁢Sn indicates that the Néel temperature does not scale with the position of 𝐸 F relative to the flat band. Furthermore, our results establish the antiferromagnetic state of FeSn and Fe 1−𝑥 ⁢Mn 𝑥⁢ Sn films at room temperature, laying the groundwork for future studies of magnetism in kagome heterostructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Capturing 3D atomic defects and phonon localization at the 2D heterostructure interface

The three-dimensional (3D) local atomic structures and crystal defects at the interfaces of heterostructures control their electronic, magnetic, optical, catalytic, and topological quantum properties but have thus far eluded any direct experimental determination. Here, we use atomic electron tomography to determine the 3D local atomic positions at the interface of a MoS 2 -WSe 2 heterojunction with picometer precision and correlate 3D atomic defects with localized vibrational properties at the epitaxial interface. We observe point defects, bond distortion, and atomic-scale ripples and measure the full 3D strain tensor at the heterointerface. By using the experimental 3D atomic coordinates as direct input to first-principles calculations, we reveal new phonon modes localized at the interface, which are corroborated by spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy. We expect that this work will pave the way for correlating structure-property relationships of a wide range of heterostructure interfaces at the single-atom level.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Multicomponent superconducting order parameter in UTe 2

An unconventional superconducting state was recently discovered in uranium ditelluride (UTe 2 ), in which spin-triplet superconductivity emerges from the paramagnetic normal state of a heavy-fermion material. The coexistence of magnetic fluctuations and superconductivity, together with the crystal structure of this material, suggests that a distinctive set of symmetries, magnetic properties, and topology underlie the superconducting state. Here, we report observations of a nonzero polar Kerr effect and of two transitions in the specific heat upon entering the superconducting state, which together suggest that the superconductivity in UTe 2 is characterized by a two-component order parameter that breaks time-reversal symmetry. These data place constraints on the symmetries of the order parameter and inform the discussion on the presence of topological superconductivity in UTe 2 .

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of micro-sandwich structures via direct ink writing epoxy based cores

Sandwich structured (SS) composites demonstrate considerable flexural stiffness and high strength-to-weight ratios and can be tailored as functional materials. Historically they have been constrained to specific material types and geometry due to limitations in manufacturing methods. However, employing additive manufacturing (AM), specifically direct ink writing (DIW), can provide an alternative method for making SS composites with complex and controllable micro and mesostructures with multifunctionality targeted at desired mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. DIW, an extrusion-based AM technique, uses a viscous and thixotropic ink with desired components that, once printed, is cured to obtain the final complex net shape parts. In this paper, a novel hybrid AM technique is employed to manufacture SS composite materials containing bisphenol A-based epoxy core and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) face sheets that are fabricated via DIW and vacuum infusion process (VIP), respectfully. We demonstrate that the fabrication of these SS composites can be tailored from a thermosetting material, from which additives and/or various lattice structures can be manufactured to achieve enhanced and desirable mechanical integrity with functional properties. Surface topology and mechanical testing techniques are used to characterize the fabricated hybrid SS composites to study and assess mechanical stability. A rheo-kinetic cure model was developed for the core material to allow for additive manufacturing process requirements while ensuring complete cross-linking for the thermoset-based core material. Because of the ability to obtain relatively small core-thickness and controlled architecture, this method now allows for fabricating layered micro-sandwich structures for realizing further light-weighting in relevant applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Computational Data Associated with the publication: Formation of a Decanuclear Organometallic Dysprosium Complex via a Radical–Radical Cross–Coupling Reaction

Over the years, polynuclear cyclic or torus complexes have attracted increasing interest due to their unique metal topologies and properties. However, the isolation of polynuclear cyclic organometallic complexes is extremely challenging due to their inherent reactivity, which stems from the labile and reactive metal‐carbon bonds. In this study, the pyrazine ligand undergoes a radical‐radical cross‐coupling reaction leading to the formation of a decanuclear [(Cp*)20Dy10(L1)10] ⋅ 12(C7H8) (1; where L1 = anion of 2‐prop‐2‐enyl‐2H‐pyrazine; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) complex, where all DyIII metal centres are bridged by the anionic L1 ligand. Amongst the family of polynuclear Ln organometallic complexes bearing CpR2Lnx units (CpR = substituted cyclopentadienyl), 1 features the highest nuclearity obtained to date. In‐depth computational studies were conducted to elucidate the proposed reaction mechanism and formation of L1, while probing of the magnetic properties of 1, revealed slow magnetic relaxation upon application of a static dc field.

Bajaj, Neha↗
DOE OSTI2024

New insight into tuning magnetic phases of RMn6Sn6 kagome metals

Abstract Predicting magnetic ordering in kagome compounds offers the possibility of harnessing topological or flat-band physical properties through tuning of the magnetism. Here, we examine the magnetic interactions and phases of ErMn 6 Sn 6 which belongs to a family of R Mn 6 Sn 6 , R = Sc, Y, Gd–Lu, compounds with magnetic kagome Mn layers, triangular R layers, and signatures of topological properties. Using results from single-crystal neutron diffraction and mean-field analysis, we find that ErMn 6 Sn 6 sits close to the critical boundary separating the spiral-magnetic and ferrimagnetic ordered states typical for non-magnetic versus magnetic R layers, respectively. Finding interlayer magnetic interactions and easy-plane Mn magnetic anisotropy consistent with other members of the family, we predict the existence of a number of temperature and field dependent collinear, noncollinear, and noncoplanar magnetic phases. We show that thermal fluctuations of the Er magnetic moment, which act to weaken the Mn-Er interlayer magnetic interaction and quench the Er magnetic anisotropy, dictate magnetic phase stability. Our results provide a starting point and outline a multitude of possibilities for studying the behavior of Dirac fermions in R Mn 6 Sn 6 compounds with control of the Mn spin orientation and real-space spin chirality.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hidden Local Symmetry Breaking in a Kagome-Lattice Magnetic Weyl Semimetal

Exploring the relationship between intriguing physical properties and structural complexity is a central topic in studying modern functional materials. Co 3 Sn 2 S 2 , a newly discovered kagome-lattice magnetic Weyl semimetal, has triggered intense interest owing to the intimate coupling between topological semimetallic states and peculiar magnetic properties. However, the origins of the magnetic phase separation and spin glass state below T C in this ordered compound are two unresolved yet important puzzles in understanding its magnetism. Here, we report the discovery of local symmetry breaking surprisingly co-emerges with the onset of ferromagnetic order in Co 3 Sn 2 S 2 , by a combined use of neutron total scattering and half-polarized neutron diffraction. An anisotropic distortion of the cobalt kagome lattice at the atomic/nano level is also found, with distinct distortion directions among the two Co1 and four Co2 atoms. The mismatch of local and average symmetries occurs below T C , indicating that Co 3 Sn 2 S 2 evolves to an intrinsically lattice disordered system when the ferromagnetic order is established. The local symmetry breaking with intrinsic lattice disorder provides new understanding of the puzzling magnetic properties. Our density functional theory (DFT) calculation indicates that the local symmetry breaking is expected to reorient local ferromagnetic moments, unveiling the existence of the ferromagnetic instability associated with the lattice instability. Furthermore, DFT calculation unveils that the local symmetry breaking could affect the Weyl property by breaking the mirror plane. In conclusion, our findings highlight the fundamentally important role that the local symmetry breaking plays in advancing our understanding on the magnetic and topological properties in Co 3 Sn 2 S 2 , which may draw attention to explore the overlooked local symmetry breaking in Co 3 Sn 2 S 2 , its derivatives and more broadly in other topological Dirac/Weyl semimetals and kagome-lattice magnets.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗