Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “domain walls”

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 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

High-quality composite Pati-Salam axion

We present a composite QCD axion model where the Peccei-Quinn symmetry emerges as a high-quality, accidental symmetry. The axion potential is only modified by eight-fermion, dimension-12 operators, which if present at the Planck scale, allow for axion dark matter from misalignment while solving the strong 𝐶⁢𝑃 problem. The model is an SU⁡(𝑁 𝑐 ) gauge theory with ten flavors where the Pati-Salam unified subgroup SO⁡(6) × SO⁡(4) ⊂ SU⁢(10)𝐿 and Sp⁡(10) ⊂ SU⁢(10) 𝑅 are weakly gauged. The dynamics breaks SU⁢(10) 𝐿 × SU⁢(10) 𝑅 → SU⁢(10) 𝑉 and the weakly gauged groups to U⁡(3) × U⁡(2) ⊃ SU⁢(3) 𝑐 × SU⁢(2) 𝐿 × U⁡(1) 𝑌 , with the QCD axion identified as one of the Nambu-Goldstone bosons. This axion has a relatively large coupling to photons while a residual $\bar{𝜃}$ eff may be just below the current limit on the neutron electric dipole moment. If the dimension-12 operators are present near the grand unified theory scale, they can cause domain wall networks to decay, allowing for axion dark matter even for the postinflationary scenario.

Gherghetta, Tony [University of Minnesota, Minneap↗
DOE OSTI2025

Topological solitons in square-root graphene nanoribbons controlled by electric fields

Conjugational defects, also known as solitons, play an important role in the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of materials. Understanding solitons can uncover intriguing physics and provide insights for designing quantum materials with tailored band structures and electronic properties. Here we propose a framework to create and control solitons via topological phase transitions in a class of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) called square-root GNRs, using a transverse electric field. To demonstrate the experimental feasibility, we design and synthesize a representative GNR with a bottom-up approach, with first-principles calculations revealing topological soliton states at the domain wall induced by the electric field. In conclusion, the framework introduced in this work can potentially enable direct manipulation of solitons and provide a platform to study them systematically.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Binding energy of the 𝑇 𝑏⁢𝑏 tetraquark from lattice QCD with relativistic and nonrelativistic heavy-quark actions

We present a new determination of the $b\bar{b}$𝑢⁢𝑑 (𝐽 𝑃 = 1 + , 𝐼 = 0) tetraquark binding energy using lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) with domain-wall light quarks and a nonperturbatively tuned three-parameter anisotropic-clover “relativistic” action for the 𝑏 quarks. We also perform a direct comparison with a reanalysis of data generated in prior work using a lattice-nonrelativistic QCD (NRQCD) action for the 𝑏 quarks and otherwise identical parameters. Using the new data with relativistic 𝑏 quarks from seven different ensembles with multiple lattice spacings and pion masses, we perform combined chiral and continuum extrapolations and obtain (𝑚 𝑇 𝑏⁢𝑏 −𝑚 𝐵 −𝑚 𝐵* ) RHQ =(−76 ±23) MeV. For the NRQCD data from five ensembles, we perform chiral-only extrapolations and obtain (𝑚 𝑇 𝑏⁢𝑏 −𝑚 𝐵 −𝑚 𝐵* ) NRQCD = (−74 ±17 ±10) MeV. The lower magnitude of the results obtained here, compared to the original analysis in [Phys. Rev. D 100, 014503 (2019)], is due to the use of the symmetric parts of the correlation matrices with local four-quark operators only.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Stretched exponential magnetic relaxation dynamics in artificial square ice revealed through x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy

X-ray photon correlation scattering measurements are undertaken on a thermally active artificial spin ice based on the square lattice, referred to as artificial square ice, to probe the fluctuation timescales as a function of temperature as the system passes through the paramagnetic-antiferromagnetic phase transition, which belongs to the two-dimensional Ising universality class. In the paramagnetic regime, a single exponential timescale is seen, whereas at and below the critical temperature, a stretched exponential decorrelation is observed, with the stretching exponent decreasing from unity down to below one-half as the temperature reduces. This trend is confirmed by kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of a simplified point-dipolar square ice system, and is in agreement with past theoretical work on the kinetic Ising model where stretched exponential relaxation due to equilibrium domain wall dynamics below the critical temperature was found.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Spontaneously Broken Noninvertible Symmetries in Transverse-Field Ising Qudit Chains

Recent developments have revealed that symmetries need not form a group, but instead can be noninvertible. Here we use analytical arguments and numerical evidence to illuminate how spontaneous symmetry breaking of a noninvertible symmetry is similar yet distinct from ordinary, invertible, symmetry breaking. We consider one-dimensional chains of group-valued qudits, whose local Hilbert space is spanned by elements of a finite group 𝐺 (reducing to ordinary qubits when 𝐺=ℤ 2 ). We construct Ising-type transverse-field Hamiltonians with Rep⁡(𝐺) symmetry whose generators multiply according to the tensor product of irreducible representations (irreps) of the group 𝐺 . For non-Abelian 𝐺 , the symmetry is noninvertible. In the symmetry broken phase there is one ground state per irrep on a closed chain. The symmetry breaking can be detected by local order parameters but, unlike the invertible case, different ground states have distinct entanglement patterns. We show that for each irrep of dimension greater than one the corresponding ground state exhibits string order, entanglement spectrum degeneracies, and has gapless edge modes on an open chain—features usually associated with symmetry-protected topological order. Consequently, domain wall excitations behave as one-dimensional non-Abelian anyons with nontrivial internal Hilbert spaces and fusion rules. Our Letter identifies properties of noninvertible symmetry breaking that existing quantum hardware can probe.

1-dimensional spin chains↗
DOE OSTI2026

Lattice calculation of short-range contributions to neutrinoless double-beta decay 𝜋 − → 𝜋 + ⁢𝑒⁢𝑒 at physical pion mass

Neutrinoless double-beta (0⁢𝜈⁢𝛽⁢𝛽) decays provide an excellent probe for determining whether neutrinos are Dirac or Majorana fermions. The short-range matrix elements associated with the 𝜋 − → 𝜋 + ⁢𝑒⁢𝑒 process contribute at leading order in the 0⁢𝜈⁢𝛽⁢𝛽 decay channel 𝑛⁢𝑛 → 𝑝⁢𝑝⁢𝑒⁢𝑒 through pion exchange between nucleons. However, current lattice calculations show notable discrepancies in predicting these short-range contributions. To address this issue, we perform a lattice QCD calculation of the 𝜋 − → 𝜋 + ⁢𝑒⁢𝑒 matrix elements using domain wall fermion ensembles at the physical pion mass generated by the RBC/UKQCD Collaboration. To mitigate contamination from around-the-world effects, we develop a new method to reconstruct and subtract them directly from lattice data. We then perform nonperturbative renormalization in the regularization-independent symmetric momentum-subtraction scheme (RI/SMOM), using the (𝛾 𝜇 , 𝛾 𝜇 ) and ($\not{𝑞}$, $\not{𝑞}$) projectors. Compared with previous studies, this work reduces the uncertainties in the matrix elements and provides an independent cross-check that helps to reconcile the discrepancies among previous lattice calculations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Alignment of Polarization against an Electric Field in van der Waals Ferroelectrics

Polarization in ferroelectrics can be switched in the direction of an applied electric field by dipole reorientation, enabling numerous applications and fundamental phenomena. In this study, we demonstrate that, in the van der Waals (vdW) layered ferrielectric Cu In P 2 S 6 , a unique mechanism exists where polarization aligns against the direction of the applied electric field, seemingly in violation of the fundamental properties of a dipolar solid. The mechanism is the result of the electric field driving the Cu atoms unidirectionally across the vdW gaps, which is distinctively different from dipole reorientation. The crossing of Cu atoms is the fundamental process of ionic conductivity, yet it is compatible with the existence of polarization. These phenomena are confirmed by nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy of ferroelectric capacitors, coupled with dynamic density-functional-theory simulations. The symbiotic relationship of ferroelectric and ionic phenomena enables alternative approaches to control polarization and necessitates a change in perspective on nucleation, domain-wall dynamics, and other ferroelectric and electromechanical characteristics in material systems where ionic and ferroelectric phenomena manifest.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Robust Skyrmion Shift Device Through Engineering the Local Exchange-Bias Field

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected spin structures, offering great promise as information carriers for future spintronic devices. However, a series of challenges, such as unreliable skyrmion motion, pinning effects, and a weak read-out signal, prevent the development of skyrmionic applications. The recently demonstrated capability to engineer the local exchange-bias field (LEBF) in an exchange biased composite, provides solutions to these challenges. By exploiting LEBF, we design and analyze a robust skyrmion shift device. LEBF-induced magnetic domain walls form the boundary of the device channel, and LEBF potential wells are implemented in the channel for positioning skyrmions. Based on simulations with comprehensive models, we demonstrate the proposed device has the advantages of (i) localizing the skyrmions in the absence of current, (ii) suppressing skyrmion annihilation during transport, (iii) promoting steady skyrmion motion, (iv) enhancing the skyrmion velocity, and (v) magnifying the read-out signal. Our results form the basis for the design of robust skyrmion devices through LEBF engineering.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Understanding Complex Magnetic Spin Textures with Simulation-Assisted Lorentz Transmission Electron Microscopy

There is an increased interest in topologically nontrivial magnetic spin textures such as skyrmions and chiral domain-wall solitons, both from a point of fundamental physics understanding as well as potential technological interest in low-power memory applications. In order to control their behavior, it is necessary to understand their complex spin texture at the nanoscale. Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM) is a suitable technique for studying these systems due to its high spatial resolution and capability to simultaneously characterize magnetic texture and microstructure. In this work, we present the application of PyLorentz, an open-source software suite that we have developed, for quantitative image analysis of Neel-type skyrmions in thin-film heterostructures. PyLorentz enhances LTEM capabilities by enabling reconstruction of magnetic induction maps from experimental images, as well as simulating LTEM images using micromagnetic simulation data. We demonstrate this for simulated Neel skyrmions as well as experimental data from [Pt/Co/W] multilayer heterostructures. Finally, we also show how simulation-assisted LTEM analysis is crucial for understanding these complex magnetic spin textures, in which the reconstructed magnetic induction map (seen in the LTEM images) differs significantly from the magnetization configuration.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Topological spin texture in Janus monolayers of the chromium trihalides Cr(I, X ) 3

Topological magnetic states are promising for ultradense memory and logic devices. Recent progress in two-dimensional magnets encourages the idea to realize topological states, such as skyrmions and merons, in freestanding monolayers. However, monolayers such as CrI 3 lack Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions (DMIs) and thus do not naturally exhibit skyrmions/merons but rather a ferromagnetic state. Here we propose the fabrication of Cr(I, $X)_3$ Janus monolayers, in which the Cr atoms are covalently bonded to the underlying I ions and top-layer Br or Cl atoms. By performing first-principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations, we identify strong enough DMIs, which leads to not only helical cycloid phases, but also to topologically nontrivial states, such as the intrinsic domain wall skyrmions in Cr(I, Br) 3 and the magnetic-field-induced bimerons in Cr(I, Cl) 3 . Finally, microscopic origins of such spin textures are revealed as well.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Theory of the phase transition in random unitary circuits with measurements

Here, we present a theory of the entanglement transition tuned by measurement strength in qudit chains evolved by random unitary circuits and subject to either weak or random projective measurements. The transition can be understood as a nonanalytic change in the amount of information extracted by the measurements about the initial state of the system, quantified by the Fisher information. To compute the von Neumann entanglement entropy $\textit{S}$ and the Fisher information $\mathcal{F}$, we apply a replica method based on a sequence of quantities $\tilde{S}^{(n)}$ and $\mathcal{F}^{(n)}$ that depend on the $\textit{n}$th moments of density matrices and reduce to $\textit{S}$ and $\mathcal{F}$ in the limit $\textit{n}$ → 1. These quantities with $\textit{n}$ ≥ 2 are mapped to free energies of a classical spin model with $\textit{n}$! internal states in two dimensions with specific boundary conditions. In particular, $\tilde{S}^{(n)}$ is the excess free energy of a domain wall terminating on the top boundary, and $\mathcal{F}^{(n)}$ is related to the magnetization on the bottom boundary. Phase transitions occur as the spin models undergo ordering transitions in the bulk. Taking the limit of large local Hilbert space dimension $\textit{q}$ followed by the replica limit $\textit{n}$ → 1, we obtain the critical measurement probability $p_c$ = 1/2 and identify the transition as a bond percolation in the 2D square lattice in this limit. Finally, we show there is no phase transition if the measurements are allowed in an arbitrary nonlocal basis, thereby highlighting the relation between the phase transition and information scrambling. We establish an explicit connection between the entanglement phase transition and the purification dynamics of a mixed state evolution and discuss implications of our results to experimental observations of the transition and simulability of quantum dynamics.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Instantons in chiral magnets

In this work, we exhaustively construct instanton solutions and elucidate their properties in one-dimensional antiferromagnetic chiral magnets based on the $\textit{O}(3)$ nonlinear sigma model description of spin chains with the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction. By introducing an easy-axis potential and a staggered magnetic field, we obtain a phase diagram consisting of ground-state phases with two points (or one point) in the easy-axis dominant cases, a helical modulation at a fixed latitude of the sphere, and a tricritical point allowing helical modulations at an arbitrary latitude. We find that instantons (or skyrmions in two-dimensional Euclidean space) appear as composite solitons in different fashions in these phases: temporal domain walls or wall-antiwall pairs (bions) in the easy-axis dominant cases, dislocations (or phase slips called merons) with fractional instanton numbers in the helical state, and isolated instantons and calorons living on the top of the helical modulation at the tricritical point. We also show that the models with DM interaction and an easy-plane potential can be mapped into those without them, providing a useful tool to investigate the model with the DM interaction.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Phase diagrams of single-layer two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides: Landau theory

We report single layer (SL) two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS 2 , ReS 2 , WSe 2 , and MoTe 2 have now become the focus of intensive fundamental and applied research due to their intriguing and tunable physical properties. These materials exhibit a broad range of structural phases that can be induced via elastic strain, chemical doping, and electrostatic field effect. These transformations, in turn, can open and close the band gap of SL-TMDs, leading to metal-insulator transitions, and lead to emergence of more complex quantum phenomena. These considerations necessitate detailed understanding of the mesoscopic mechanisms of these structural phase transitions. Here we develop a Landau-type thermodynamic description of SL-TMDs on a sample of the SL-(MoS 2 ) 1-x -(ReS 2 ) x system and analyze the free energy surfaces, phase diagrams, and order parameter behavior. Our results predict the existence of multiple structural phases with two-, six- and 12-fold degenerated energy minima for in-plane and out-of-plane order parameters. This analysis suggests that out-of-plane ferroelectricity can exist in many of these phases, with the switchable polarization being proportional to the out-of-plane order parameter. We further predict that the domain walls in SL-(MoS 2 ) 1-x -(ReS 2 ) x should become conductive above a certain strain threshold.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Topological superconductivity induced by a triple- q magnetic structure

Here we demonstrate that the recently discovered triple- q (3 q ) magnetic structure, when embedded in a magnet-superconductor hybrid (MSH) system, gives rise to the emergence of topological superconductivity. We investigate the structure of chiral Majorana edge modes at domain walls, and show that they can be distinguished from trivial in-gap modes through the spatial distribution of the induced supercurrents. Finally, we show that topological superconductivity in 3 q MSH systems is a robust phenomenon that does not depend on the relative alignment of the magnetic and superconducting layers, or on the presence of electronic degrees of freedom in the magnetic layer.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Topological quantum switch and controllable one-dimensional conducting paths in antimonene facilitated by breaking the inversion symmetry

Based on the nontrivial topology of buckled antimonene, we propose two conceptual device designs based on breaking the inversion symmetry which can be achieved by gating. The first one is a quantized topological switch obtained by breaking the degeneracy of the fractionalized charge conducting edge states, inducing a metal-insulator transition. In the second one, using local gating with different polarity in different areas, a domain wall is created at their interface, which hosts a soliton type electronic gap state in which transport could be accessed by doping and shown to be robust over a wide range of disorder.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Unifying femtosecond and picosecond single-pulse magnetic switching in Gd-Fe-Co

Many questions are still open regarding the physical mechanisms behind the magnetic switching in Gd-Fe-Co alloys by single optical pulses. Phenomenological models suggest a femtosecond scale exchange relaxation between sublattice magnetization as the driving mechanism for switching. The recent observation of thermally induced switching in Gd-Fe-Co by using both several picosecond optical laser pulse as well as electric current pulses has questioned this previous understanding. This has raised the question of whether or not the same switching mechanics are acting at the femtosecond and picosecond scales. In this work, we aim at filling this gap in the understanding of the switching mechanisms behind thermal single-pulse switching. To that end, we have studied experimentally thermal single-pulse switching in Gd-Fe-Co alloys, for a wide range of system parameters, such as composition, laser power, and pulse duration. We provide a quantitative description of the switching dynamics using atomistic spin dynamics methods with excellent agreement between the model and our experiments across a wide range of parameters and timescales, ranging from femtoseconds to picoseconds. Furthermore, we find distinct element-specific damping parameters as a key ingredient for switching with long picosecond pulses and argue that switching with pulse durations as long as 15 ps is possible due to a low damping constant of Gd. Our findings can be easily extended to speed up dynamics in other contexts where ferrimagnetic Gd-Fe-Co alloys have been already demonstrated to show fast and energy-efficient processes, e.g., domain-wall motion in a track and spin-orbit torque switching in spintronics devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Noncollinear ferromagnetic Weyl semimetal with anisotropic anomalous Hall effect

An emerging frontier in condensed matter physics involves novel electromagnetic responses, such as the anomalous Hall effect (AHE), in ferromagnetic Weyl semimetals (FM-WSMs). Candidate FM-WSMs have been limited to materials that preserve inversion symmetry and generate Weyl crossings by breaking the time-reversal symmetry. These materials share three common features: a centrosymmetric lattice, a collinear FM ordering, and a large AHE observed when the field is parallel to the magnetic easy axis. Here, we present CeAlSi as a new type of FM-WSM in which the Weyl nodes are stabilized by breaking the inversion symmetry, but their positions are tuned by breaking the time-reversal symmetry. Unlike the other FM-WSMs, CeAlSi has a noncentrosymmetric lattice, a noncollinear FM ordering, and a novel AHE that is anisotropic between the easy and hard magnetic axes. It also exhibits large FM domains that are promising for exploring both device applications and the interplay between the Weyl nodes and FM domain walls.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Temperature effects in spin-dependent Hall currents in an ideal skyrmion gas

The quest of novel reliable and fast performing logic and memory elements in classical and quantum computing requires discoveries of new effects in novel quantum materials. Skyrmions are such magnetic textures where electron scattering can essentially change the shape and location of the skyrmion, which can be used as a memory element being more efficient than domain walls as memory device in classical computing. Because the skyrmion motion is sensitive even to very small currents, we study electron scattering by skyrmions in an ideal skyrmion gas in ferromagnetic environment. In such systems, the direct and Hall currents become spin-dependent. For applications it is important to consider a Hall effect in the whole range of temperatures under the assumption of the skyrmion existence. In this study we find the nonmonotonic temperature dependence of the direct spin-up conductivity, i. e., the conductivity for the current directed along the applied electric field due to the electrons with the spin parallel to the ferromagnetic moment. Such a behavior contradicts the traditional understanding where the temperature only increases the value of the conductivity. The spin-down Hall conductivity is found to be even more dramatic exhibiting the conductivity sign change (i.e., the change in the current direction) with temperature for small skyrmion sizes. The found effects strongly depend on Fermi energy. The most pronounced dependencies take place if the Fermi energy is slightly below and above the bottom of the upper (spin-down) energy band of an ideal 2D electron gas. In addition, we also find that the direct and Hall resistivities, ρ xx and ρ xy , are independent of the exchange integral J for 2J > ε F .

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗