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At least 487 records · Page 27

Fractional Quantum Hall Effect in Weyl Semimetals

Weyl semimetal may be thought of as a gapless topological phase protected by the chiral anomaly, where the symmetries involved in the anomaly are the U(1) charge conservation and the crystal translational symmetry. The absence of a band gap in a weakly interacting Weyl semimetal is mandated by the electronic structure topology and is guaranteed as long as the symmetries and the anomaly are intact. The nontrivial topology also manifests in the Fermi arc surface states and topological response, in particular taking the form of an anomalous Hall effect in magnetic Weyl semimetals, whose magnitude is only determined by the location of the Weyl nodes in the Brillouin zone. In this work, we consider the situation when the interactions are not weak and ask whether it is possible to open a gap in a magnetic Weyl semimetal while preserving its nontrivial electronic structure topology along with the translational and the charge conservation symmetries. Surprisingly, the answer turns out to be yes. The resulting topologically ordered state provides a nontrivial realization of the fractional quantum Hall effect in three spatial dimensions in the absence of an external magnetic field, which cannot be viewed as a stack of two dimensional states. Our state contains loop excitations with nontrivial braiding statistics when linked with lattice dislocations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A new re-redistribution scheme for weighted state redistribution with adaptive mesh refinement

State redistribution (SRD) is a recently developed technique for stabilizing cut cells that result from finite-volume embedded boundary methods. SRD has been successfully applied to a variety of compressible and incompressible flow problems. When used in conjunction with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR), additional steps are needed to preserve the accuracy and conservation properties of the solution if the embedded boundary is not restricted to a single level of the mesh hierarchy. In this work, we extend the weighted state redistribution algorithm to cases where cut cells live at or near a coarse-fine interface within the domain. Here, we present numerical results that demonstrate that the algorithm is conservative when the coarse-fine interface intersects the embedded boundary. Additionally we compare the numerical solution of the Sod shock tube problem in an inclined cylinder with the analytic solution, and we compare the simulation of a shock hitting a cylindrical obstacle with experimental data. Finally we demonstrate the methodology for simulation of the multicomponent compressible Navier-Stokes equations in a piston-bowl geometry, and discuss the computational efficiency gained by not requiring the entire embedded boundary to be defined at the finest level.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Optical potential approach to the electron-atom impact ionization threshold problem

The problem of the threshold law for electron-atom impact ionization is reconsidered as an extrapolation of inelastic cross sections through the ionization threshold. The cross sections are evaluated from a distorted wave matrix element, the final state of which describes the scattering from the Nth excited state of the target atom. The actual calculation is carried for the e-H system, and a model is introduced which is shown to preserve the essential properties of the problem while at the same time reducing the dimensionability of the Schrodinger equation. Nevertheless, the scattering equation is still very complex. It is dominated by the optical potential which is expanded in terms of eigen-spectrum of QHQ. It is shown by actual calculation that the lower eigenvalues of this spectrum descend below the relevant inelastic thresholds; it follows rigorously that the optical potential contains repulsive terms. Analytical solutions of the final state wave function are obtained with several approximations of the optical potential.

Temkin, A.↗

Antiferromagnetic metal phase in an electron-doped rare-earth nickelate

Long viewed as passive elements, antiferromagnetic materials have emerged as promising candidates for spintronic devices due to their insensitivity to external fields and potential for high-speed switching. Recent work exploiting spin and orbital effects has identified ways to electrically control and probe the spins in metallic antiferromagnets, especially in non-collinear or non-centrosymmetric spin structures. The rare-earth nickelate NdNiO 3 is known to be a non-collinear antiferromagnet in which the onset of antiferromagnetic ordering is concomitant with a transition to an insulating state. In this work, we find that for low electron doping, the magnetic order on the nickel site is preserved, whereas electronically, a new metallic phase is induced. We show that this metallic phase has a Fermi surface that is mostly gapped by an electronic reconstruction driven by bond disproportionation. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability to write to and read from the spin structure via a large zero-field planar Hall effect. Our results expand the already rich phase diagram of rare-earth nickelates and may enable spintronics applications in this family of correlated oxides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Data and Analysis Preservation in the PHENIX Experiment at RHIC

The PHENIX experiment (the Pioneering High Energy Nuclear Interaction eXperiment) is the largest of the four experiments that have operated at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), taking data in 2000-2016. PHENIX has made fundamental contributions to the discovery and study of the Quark-Gluon Plasma, advancement of spin physics and other areas. Currently, the PHENIX Collaboration is analyzing large data samples previously collected, while facing challenges in the area of Data and Analysis Preservation. We describe the strategy and practices employed by the PHENIX Collaboration to meet these challenges by leveraging state-of-the-art platforms and tools created and maintained by the High Energy and Nuclear Physics communities, including Zenodo, HEPData, OpenData, REANA and others.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Microcam: A Low Power and Privacy Preserving Multi-modal Platform for Occupancy Detection (Final Report)

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) consumes a significant portion of the energy used in buildings. Much of this is wasted energy, used when buildings are either not occupied at all, or occupied well under their maximum design conditions. This project has focused on residential occupancy detection to autonomously control HVAC systems and save energy. Limitations of existing occupancy sensors include one or more of the following: (i) they employ sensors or algorithms that are not able to detect stationary occupants; (ii) they cannot classify the source of the motion (such as a pet); (iii) depending on the camera resolution and employed algorithms, they do not allow for embedded or onboard computation, and require external or cloud-based processing; (iv) many algorithms developed for camera-based systems are sensitive to lighting changes, and thus prone to missed detections or false alarms; (v) Most existing systems depend on adjustment of settings for different scenarios, complicating self-commissioning; (vi) they cannot provide high enough accuracy; (vii) they are costly; (viii) they are not battery-powered, thus limiting ease of use and installation. In this project, Syracuse University and its partner SRI have developed a low-cost, high accuracy, standalone residential occupancy sensing platform, referred to as the MicroCam, to address all of the aforementioned challenges. MicroCam can operate on typical alkaline batteries without relying on the “cloud” or external computing resources, and consists of low-power, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based, IoT platforms. Each platform has multi-modal sensors and can process motion, audio and video data, and send binary occupancy result to a lead platform. All sensor data is processed locally on platforms, and the only transmitted data is the binary occupancy state. In addition, preliminary work has been done on images wherein occupants are not discernable. Thus, MicroCam is a standalone solution preserving privacy of the occupants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Use of NASA Satellite Data in Aiding Mississippi Barrier Island Restoration Projects

This presentation discusses a NASA Stennis Space Center project in which NASA-supported satellite and aerial data is being used to aid state and federal agencies in restoring the Mississippi barrier islands. Led by the Applied Science and Technology Project Office (ASTPO), this project will produce geospatial information products from multiple NASA-supported data sources, including Landsat, ASTER, and MODIS satellite data as well as ATLAS multispectral, CAMS multispectral, AVIRIS hyperspectral, EAARL, and other aerial data. Project objectives include the development and testing of a regional sediment transport model and the monitoring of barrier island restoration efforts through remote sensing. Barrier islands provide invaluable benefits to the State of Mississippi, including buffering the mainland from storm surge impacts, providing habitats for valuable wildlife and fisheries habitat, offering accessible recreational opportunities, and preserving natural environments for educating the public about coastal ecosystems and cultural resources. Unfortunately, these highly valued natural areas are prone to damage from hurricanes. For example, Hurricane Camille in 1969 split Ship Island into East and West Ship Island. Hurricane Georges in 1998 caused additional land loss for the two Ship Islands. More recently, Hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike impacted the Mississippi barrier islands. In particular, Hurricane Katrina caused major damage to island vegetation and landforms, killing island forest overstories, overwashing entire islands, and causing widespread erosion. In response, multiple state and federal agencies are working to restore damaged components of these barrier islands. Much of this work is being implemented through federally funded Coastal Impact Assessment and Mississippi Coastal Improvement programs. One restoration component involves the reestablishment of the island footprints to that in 1969. Our project will employ NASA remote sensing data and products to support these federally funded efforts on multiple fronts. Landsat and ASTER data is being analyzed to assess changes in barrier island land cover over the last 35 years. ASTER, SRTM, and EAARL terrain products and other NASA airborne imagery are being applied in assessing changes in barrier island geomorphology and geospatial extent. MODIS data is being examined as a tool for sediment transport modeling by supplying geospatial data that quantifies in-water sediment concentrations. MODIS satellite data is being assessed for monitoring changes in the spatial extent of individual barrier islands. Results thus far indicate that NASA data products are useful in assessing barrier island conditions and changes. This value is enhanced with additional historical geospatial data, commercial high resolution satellite data, other non-NASA aerial imagery, and field survey data. The project s products are relevant to the Gulf of Mexico Alliance priority issues, including coastal habitat conservation, restoration and coastal community resilience. Such products will be available to state and federal agencies involved with coastal restoration. Potential end-users of these products include the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, and Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

Giardino, Marco↗

Blockchain for Fault-Tolerant Grid Operations

Radial topology and vast geographic coverage make distribution systems prone to widespread power outages upon the failure of a single (or multiple) upstream component. Fault-handling algorithms depend heavily on correct estimations of the system’s state to effectively isolate the affected area and reduce the number of affected customers while maintaining operational safety. The work described here leverages the core features of distributed, consensus-based decision-making processes and the immutability of blockchain, and demonstrates their value in improving fault-tolerant grid operations. In this work, blockchain was used to create a trusted data-sharing platform that enables independent actors to reconstruct the system state; this enables distributed resources to make intelligent decisions with limited knowledge. Although the process requires data sharing, its algorithms have been designed to limit the amount of private information that is exchanged, which helps preserve business-sensitive data and maintain customer privacy. In addition, by reducing the information that must be shared, the communication requirements are also reduced; (however, an in-depth analysis of the communication requirements is beyond the scope of this project). The proposed use cases are intended to represent a foundational basis for third parties to develop functional solutions that can eventually be deployed in the field. To further provide guidance, the envisioned use cases have incorporated design requirements that consider the blockchain characteristics and a need to limit information from surrounding resources, which preserve the assumption and the possibility that such resources could belong to different entities. This report presents a detailed design of the three use cases with the tools needed to enable the analysis being tested. The implemented gross error detection method can detect mismatches when the error exceeds 3.8 times the sensor’s rated accuracy. Detection of the circuit breaker state successfully identified the correct states across all simulation tests. A distribution-system power-flow solution in the simulator OpenDSS generally possesses a convergency tolerance of 0.01% on the voltage magnitude. The evaluation of possible reconnection using voltage magnitude—preserving the data ownership—has a voltage magnitude difference smaller than 0.001% from the OpenDSS result. The results preserving data ownership have a difference within the expected power flow tolerance with full knowledge of the system, which surpasses expectations.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Reconstruction of boosted and resolved multi-Higgs-boson events with symmetry-preserving attention networks

The production of multiple Higgs bosons at the CERN LHC provides a direct way to measure the trilinear and quartic Higgs self-interaction strengths as well as potential access to beyond the standard model effects that can enhance production at large transverse momentum p T . The largest event fraction arises from the fully hadronic final state in which every Higgs boson decays to a bottom quark-antiquark pair ($b\bar{b}$). This introduces a combinatorial challenge known as the jet assignment problem: assigning jets to sets representing Higgs boson candidates. Symmetry-preserving attention networks (SPA-Nets) have been developed to address this challenge. However, the complexity of jet assignment increases when simultaneously considering both H → $b\bar{b}$ reconstruction possibilities, i.e., two “resolved” small-radius jets each containing a shower initiated by a b quark or one “boosted” large-radius jet containing a merged shower initiated by a $b\bar{b}$ pair. The latter improves the reconstruction efficiency at high p T . In this work, we introduce a generalization to the SPA-Net approach to simultaneously consider both boosted and resolved reconstruction possibilities and unambiguously interpret an event as “fully resolved”, “fully boosted”, or in between. We report the performance of baseline methods, the original SPA-Net approach, and our generalized version on nonresonant HH and HHH production at the LHC. Considering both boosted and resolved topologies, our SPA-Net approach increases the Higgs boson reconstruction purity by 56–80% and the efficiency by 37–38% compared to the baseline method depending on the final state.

Higgs Production↗

Visualizing symmetry-breaking electronic orders in epitaxial Kagome magnet FeSn films

Abstract Kagome lattice hosts a plethora of quantum states arising from the interplay of topology, spin-orbit coupling, and electron correlations. Here, we report symmetry-breaking electronic orders tunable by an applied magnetic field in a model Kagome magnet FeSn consisting of alternating stacks of two-dimensional Fe 3 Sn Kagome and Sn 2 honeycomb layers. On the Fe 3 Sn layer terminated FeSn thin films epitaxially grown on SrTiO 3 (111) substrates, we observe trimerization of the Kagome lattice using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, breaking its six-fold rotational symmetry while preserving the translational symmetry. Such a trimerized Kagome lattice shows an energy-dependent contrast reversal in dI/dV maps, which is significantly enhanced by bound states induced by Sn vacancy defects. This trimerized Kagome lattice also exhibits stripe modulations that are energy-dependent and tunable by an applied in-plane magnetic field, indicating symmetry-breaking nematicity from the entangled magnetic and charge degrees of freedom in antiferromagnet FeSn.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Surface chemical trapping of optical cycling centers

Quantum information processors based on trapped atoms utilize laser-induced optical cycling transitions for state preparation and measurement. These transitions consist of an electronic excitation from the ground to an excited state and a decay back to the initial ground state, associated with a photon emission. While this technique has been used primarily with atoms, it has also recently been shown to work for some divalent metal hydroxides ( e.g. SrOH) and alkoxides ( e.g. SrOCH 3 ). Additionally, this extension to molecules is possible because these molecules feature nearly isolated, atomic-like ground and first-excited electronic states centered on the radical metal atom. We theoretically investigate the extension of this idea to a larger scale by growing the alkyl group, R, beyond the initial methyl group, CH 3 , while preserving the isolated and highly vertical character of the electronic excitation on the radical metal atom, M. Theory suggests that in the limit as the size of the ligand carbon chain increases, it can be considered a functionalized diamond (or cubic boron nitride) surface. Several requirements must be observed for the cycling centers to function when bound to the surface. First, the surface must have a significant band gap that fully encapsulates both the ground and excited states of the cycling center. Second, while the surface lattice imposes strict limits on the achievable spacing between the SrO– groups, at high coverage, SrO– centers can interact, and show geometric changes and/or electronic state mixing. We show that the coverage of the diamond surface with SrO– cycling centers needs to be significantly sub-monolayer for the functionality of the cycling center to be preserved. Having the lattice-imposed spatial control of SrO– placements will allow nanometer-scale proximity between qubits and will eliminate the need for atom traps for localized cycling emitters. Our results also imply that a functionalization could be done on a scanning microscope tip for local quantum sensing or on photonic structures for optically-mediated quantum information processing.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Celestial Topology, Symmetry Theories, and Evidence for a NonSUSY D3‐Brane CFT

Symmetry Theories (SymThs) provide a flexible framework for analyzing the global categorical symmetries of a D -dimensional QFT D in terms of a (D + 1)-dimensional bulk system SymTh D+1 . In QFTs realized via local string backgrounds, these SymThs naturally arise from dimensional reduction of the linking boundary geometry. To track possible time dependent effects we introduce a celestial generalization of the standard “boundary at infinity” of a SymTh. As an application of these considerations we revisit large N quiver gauge theories realized by spacetime filling D3-branes probing a non-supersymmetric orbifold $\mathbb{R}$ 6 /Γ. Comparing the imprint of symmetry breaking on the celestial geometry at small and large ‘t Hooft coupling we find evidence for an intermediate symmetry preserving conformal fixed point.

conformal field theory↗

Enhancing segmentation fairness through curriculum learning and progressive loss: a centralized and federated perspective on radiograph analysis

Bias in medical image segmentation can lead to unequal performance across demographic subgroups, raising concerns about fairness and reliability in clinical AI systems. While deep learning models have achieved high segmentation accuracy, ensuring equitable performance across race and gender remains a significant challenge, particularly in privacy-sensitive healthcare environments. This study investigates fairness-aware medical image segmentation for hip and knee radiographs using deep learning models evaluated in both centralized and Federated Learning (FL) settings. We introduce Curriculum Learning (CL) strategies and Progressive Loss (PL) functions to regulate sample difficulty during training. In addition, we propose two novel fairness-oriented federated learning algorithms, Federated Intersection over Union (FedIoU) and Federated Intersection over Union with Outlier Analysis (FedIoUoutlier). Experiments are conducted using multiple segmentation backbones and simulated multi-site data partitions derived from the Osteoarthritis Initiative dataset. Model performance is evaluated using Intersection over Union (IoU), IoU standard deviation, Skewed Error Ratio (SER), and Min-Max Disparity across race and gender subgroups. Statistical significance was verified using paired t-tests to compare per-sample IoU performance against baseline configurations. Across both hip and knee segmentation tasks, curriculum learning and progressive loss strategies consistently improved segmentation accuracy and reduced demographic performance disparities in centralized training. In federated settings, fairness-aware aggregation further enhanced performance. Notably, FedIoUoutlier combined with balanced curriculum learning and tiered progressive loss achieved the highest mean IoU while yielding the lowest SER and Min-Max Disparity, indicating improved fairness without sacrificing accuracy. In several configurations, federated models matched or exceeded the performance of optimized centralized models, with statistically significant improvements in per-sample IoU over baseline configurations. The results demonstrate that structured training strategies and fairness-aware federated aggregation can jointly improve accuracy, stability, and demographic fairness in medical image segmentation. By integrating curriculum learning, progressive loss, and novel FL algorithms, this work provides a practical pathway toward equitable and privacy-preserving AI systems for medical imaging.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Physical State of Ices in the Outer Solar System

Comparison of the identity and abundances of ices observed around protostars and those associated with comets clearly suggests that comets preserve the heritage of the interstellar materials that aggregated to form them. However, the ability to identify these same species on icy satellites in the outer solar system is a complex function of the composition of the original ices, their subsequent thermal histories, and their exposure to various radiation environments. Our ability to identify the ices currently present on objects in the outer solar system relies upon observational and laboratory, and theoretical efforts. To date there is ample observational evidence for crystalline water ice throughout the outer solar system. In addition, there is growing evidence that amorphous ice may be present on some bodies. More volatile ices, e.g. N2, CH4. CO, and other species, e.g. ammonia hydrate, are identified on objects lying at and beyond Uranus. Both photolysis and radiolysis play important roles in altering the original surfaces due to chemical reactions and erosion of the surface. Ultraviolet photolysis appears to dominate alteration of the upper few hundred Angstroms, although sputtering the surface can sometimes be a significantly competitative process; dominating on icy surfaces embedded in a strong planetary magnetospheric field. There is growing observational evidence that the by-products of photolysis and radiolysis, suggested on a theoretical basis, are present on icy surfaces.

Roush, Ted L.↗

Site-Selective Modification of Lanthanum Oxychloride to Modulate Halide-Ion Conduction

Design principles for solid-state halide-ion conduction remain poorly defined despite the increasing importance of halide ions as charge carriers in a variety of energy storage and electrochemical computing technologies. Here, we employ a siteselective modification strategy in which aliovalent cations are preferentially introduced at the La 3+ crystallographic site of LaOCl in the 2c Wyckoff position, enabling controlled generation of chloride vacancies and modification of lattice dynamics to enhance chloride-ion conductivity. Aliovalent substitution of La 3+ with Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Sr 2+ generates charge-compensating Cl vacancies while preserving the matlockite crystal structure. X-ray excited optical luminescence measurements with Dy 3+ as a reporter chromophore evidence vacancy-derived midgap electronic states and an extended energy range of radiation-less Auger electron emission corresponding to substantial modification of electronic structure and local electrostatic potentials. Ca alloying at 8−10 at. % increases the chloride-ion conductivity by three- to 4 orders of magnitude as compared to unalloyed LaOCl, whereas comparable amounts of Sr- and Mg-alloying in LaOCl imbue less pronounced conductivity enhancements. Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy measurements reveal that Ca- and Sr-alloying substantially soften the La−Cl sublattice and yield a more compliant crystal lattice that can deform to accommodate Cl-ion migration. Structure solutions derived from Rietveld refinements to powder Xray diffraction reveal larger O−La−Cl bond-angle deviations and enhanced out-of-plane cation displacements for Ca- and Sr-alloyed compositions as compared to Mg-alloyed LaOCl. Such local distortions enhance chloride-ion mobility by reshaping and flattening vacancy migration energy landscapes and by modulating lattice dynamics governing anion conduction. We further illustrate that coalloying of Ca with Mg and Sr induces a nonmonotonic conductivity−defect stoichiometry relationship that can be rationalized based on cooperative interactions. Together, these results establish site-selective aliovalent alloying of LaOCl as an effective route to halide-ion solid electrolytes and provide broadly generalizable design principles for site-selective modification to induce vacancy formation and lattice softening to engender facile anion transport

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Best Practices for Nuclear Experiment Data Preservation at Idaho National Laboratory: A Guide for Researchers and Reactor Operators

Preserving experimental data is essential for supporting advancements in nuclear science and ensuring the longevity of Idaho National Laboratory's contributions to reactor technology and safety. This report provides a comprehensive guide to best practices for experimental data management and preservation, focusing on standardized data formats, redundancy in storage, metadata documentation, and alignment with international standards. By following these recommendations, experimentalists and reactor operators can enhance the accessibility, reproducibility, and utility of critical datasets for regulatory review, validation computational methods, and future research.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Formational History and Geomorphic Preservation of Sea Level Highstands Over the Last 150 ky Near Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA

Cape Canaveral, Florida, is perhaps one of the most important stretches of coastline in the United States of America (USA) due to its critical strategic role in the pursuit of space exploration and as the locus of advanced technological innovation. Due to its geographical setting, the entirety of Cape Canaveral, including its infrastructure, facilities, and important natural habitats (e.g., wetlands, estuaries and dunes) is vulnerable to coastal hazards such as continued sea level rise, storm surges, erosion and flooding. As such, accurate sea level characterization and coastal resiliency predictions are essential to promoting long-term coastal planning and sustainability in the area. This study aims to better understand the temporal and spatial evolution of this area with the purpose of more accurately documenting historical sea level fluctuations and calibrating more localized projections at this site. The Cape Canaveral coastline is situated on a passive margin mostly affected by oceanic (sea level change and wave impact) and atmospheric (aeolian) alteration. This sector is part of the east Florida coast microtidal (1.2 m) setting and low wave energy (1.2-1.6 m and 6.1-8.2 sec for average significant waves) regime and is defined by a well delineated set of beach ridge or cape systems. While the name “Cape Canaveral” is often used as a generic term to describe the geographic area, it is actually an amalgamation or complex of multiple preserved capes. The preserved Cape Canaveral beach ridge plain has largely documented the paleo-sea level highstand history over the last 150 ky. High-resolution mapping of these beach ridges is completed using GPS, LiDAR, aerial, as well as satellite imagery. In order to reconstruct the formational history of the Cape Kennedy Complex and the preserved record of sea level highstands, these detailed geomorphological observations are integrated with OSL and C14 dating techniques. The chronological framework delineated by the OSL dates coupled with detailed geomorphological mapping allows for the creation of high-resolution calibrated site-specific sea level curves that reflect the local environmental and geological conditions. This refinement has the potential to improve the understanding of past sea level variability which is crucial for predicting future trends and assessing the impacts on coastal regions such as Cape Canaveral.

geomorphology↗

Insulating ground state and 2−𝑘 magnetic structure of candidate Weyl hydrogen-atom K2⁢Mn3⁢(AsO4)3

The ideal Weyl "hydrogen-atom" semimetal exhibits only a single pair of Weyl nodes and no other trivial states at the Fermi energy. Such a material would be a panacea in the study of Weyl quasi-particles, allowing direct unambiguous observation of their topological properties. The alluaudite-like K2⁢Mn3⁢(AsO4)3 compound was recently proposed as such a material. Here, we use comprehensive experimental work and first-principle calculations to assess this prediction. We find K2⁢Mn3⁢(AsO4)3 crystallizes in the 𝐶⁢2/𝑐 symmetry with a quasi-one-dimensional Mn sublattice, growing as small needle-like crystals. Bulk property measurements reveal magnetic transitions at ≈8 and ≈4 K, which neutron scattering experiments show correspond to two distinct magnetic orders, first a partially ordered ferrimagnetic 𝐤𝟏=(0,0,0) structure at 8 K and a second transition of 𝐤𝟐=(1,0,0) at 4 K to a fully ordered state. Below the second transition, both ordering vectors are necessary to describe the complex magnetic structure with modulated spin magnitudes. Both of the best-fit magnetic structures in this work are found to break the symmetry necessary for the generation of Weyl nodes, though one of the magnetic structures allowed by 𝐤𝟏 does preserve this symmetry. However, the crystals are optically transparent and ellipsometry measurements reveal a large band gap, undermining expectations of semimetallic behavior. Density functional theory calculations predict an insulating antiferromagnetic ground state, in contrast to previous reports, and suggest potential frustration on the magnetic sublattice. Given the wide tunability of the alluaudite structure, we consider ways to push the system closer to a semimetallic state.

Taddei, Keith M [Argonne National Laboratory]↗