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At least 667 records · Page 37

New Constraints on the Melting Temperature and Phase Stability of Shocked Iron up to 270 GPa Probed by Ultrafast X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Studying the properties and phase diagram of iron at high-pressure and high-temperature conditions has relevant implications for Earth’s inner structure and dynamics and the temperature of the inner core boundary (ICB) at 330 GPa. Also, a hexagonal-closed packed to body-centered cubic (bcc) phase transition has been predicted by many theoretical works but observed only in a few experiments. The recent coupling of high-power laser with advanced x-ray sources from synchrotrons allows for novel approaches to address these issues. Here, we present a study on shock compressed iron up to 270 GPa and 5800 K probed by single-pulse (100 ps FWHM) x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Based on the analysis of the XAS spectra, we provide structural identification and bulk temperature measurements along the Hugoniot up to the melting. These results rule out the predicted transition to a high-temperature bcc phase and allow one to discriminate among existing equations of state models and melting curves. In particular, we report the first bulk temperature measurement in shock compressed iron on the melting plateau at 240(20) GPa and 5345(600) K. The melting curve resulting from our work extrapolates to a temperature of 6202(514) K at 330 GPa and represents a refined upper bound for the ICB temperature. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Balugani, S.↗

Equilipy

There is high demand for high-throughput calculations of phase equilibria based on the CALPHAD method (CALculation of PHAse Diagram). High-throughput calculations are possible through HPC, currently by a commercial program called Thermo-Calc. However, the number of nodes/processors are limited to the number of purchased license (16 processors per license). This program provides a toolkit for high-throughput calculations of phase equilibria by the CALPHAD method. The program is prepared for Python environment, so that it can be easily installed and used together with other open-source programs. The program can be run in supercomputer.

Kwon, Sunyong [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL↗

Manipulating high-temperature superconductivity by oxygen doping in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ thin flakes

Abstract Harnessing the fascinating properties of correlated oxides requires precise control of their carrier density. Compared to other methods, oxygen doping provides an effective and more direct way to tune the electronic properties of correlated oxides. Although several approaches, such as thermal annealing and oxygen migration, have been introduced to change the oxygen content, a continuous and reversible solution that can be integrated with modern electronic technology is much in demand. Here, we report a novel ionic field-effect transistor using solid Gd-doped CeO2 as the gate dielectric, which shows a remarkable carrier-density-tuning ability via electric-field-controlled oxygen concentration at room temperature. In Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (Bi-2212) thin flakes, we achieve a reversible superconductor–insulator transition by driving oxygen ions in and out of the samples with electric fields, and map out the phase diagram all the way from the insulating regime to the over-doped superconducting regime by continuously changing the oxygen doping level. Scaling analysis indicates that the reversible superconductor–insulator transition for the Bi-2212 thin flakes follows the theoretical description of a two-dimensional quantum phase transition. Our work provides a route for realizing electric-field control of phase transition in correlated oxides. Moreover, the configuration of this type of transistor makes heterostructure/interface engineering possible, thus having the potential to serve as the next-generation all-solid-state field-effect transistor.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Superconducting properties of MoTe 2 from ab initio anisotropic Migdal-Eliashberg theory

Molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe 2 ) is attracting considerable interest since it is the archetypal type-II Weyl semimetal and a candidate for topological superconductivity. In this work, we investigate the superconducting phase diagram of two MoTe 2 polymorphs using the ab initio anisotropic Migdal-Eliashberg theory, and we show that the superconducting dome originates from the synergistic contribution of the density of states at the Fermi level and the transverse acoustic Te modes in the 1$\textit{T}’$ phase. We find that the electron and hole pockets carry trivial $\textit{s}$-wave order parameters of slightly different magnitude, reminiscent of a two-gap structure as suggested by recent experiments. We suggest that a possible route for enhancing the superconducting critical temperature, and realizing $s_{+ –}$ pairing, in the $T_d$ phase is to exploit its nontrivial band topology via electron doping.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Dimerization and spin decoupling in a two-leg Heisenberg ladder with frustrated trimer rungs

We study the antiferromagnetic spin-half Heisenberg ladder in the presence of an additional frustrating rung spin which is motivated and relevant also for the description of real two-dimensional materials such as the two-dimensional trimer magnet Ba 4 Ir 3 O 10 . We study the zero-temperature phase diagram, where we combine numerical and analytical methods into an overall consistent description. All numerical simulations are also accompanied by studies of the dynamical spin structure factor obtained via the density matrix renormalization group. Overall, we find in the regime of strong rung coupling a gapped dimerized phase related to competing symmetry sectors in Hilbert space that ultimately results in frustration-driven spin-Peierls transition. In the weak rung-coupling regime, the system is uniform, yet shows a gapped spinon continuum together with a sharp coherent low-energy branch which renders the system critical overall. In either case, the additional rung spin quickly get sidelined and nearly decouple in the regime when their bare coupling to the ladder is weakened

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Plaquette valence bond state in the spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ J 1 –J 2 XY model on the square lattice

Here, we studied the ground-state phase diagram of spin-1/2 J 1 –J 2 XY model on the square lattice with first-neighbor J 1 and second-neighbor J 2 antiferromagnetic interactions using both infinite density matrix renormalization group (iDMRG) and DMRG approaches. We show that a plaquette valence bond phase is realized in an intermediate region 0.50 ≤ J 2 /J 1 < 0.54 between a Néel magnetic ordered phase at J 2 /J 1 < 0.50 and a stripy magnetic ordered phase at J 2 /J 1 ≥ 0.54 . The plaquette valence bond phase is characterized by finite dimer orders in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Contrary to the spin-1/2 J 1 –J 2 Heisenberg model, we do not find numerical evidence for a quantum spin liquid phase in the J 1 –J 2 XY model.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Experimental Progress in Superconducting Nickelates

The superconducting nickelates were first proposed as potential analogs to the cuprate unconventional superconductors in 1999, but it took twenty years before superconductivity was successfully stabilized in epitaxial thin films. Since then, a flurry of both experimental and theoretical efforts have sought to understand the similarities and differences between the two systems and how they manifest in the macroscopic superconducting and normal state properties. Although the nickelates and cuprates indeed share many commonalities within their respective phase diagrams, several notable differences have also emerged, especially regarding their parent compounds, electronic hybridization, and fermiology. Here, we provide a survey of the rapidly developing landscape of layered nickelate superconductors, including recent experimental progress to probe not just the superconducting but also normal state and other ordered phases stabilized in these compounds.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Decision-tree structures utilizing a phase-transition material

The rich internal physics due to competing electronic phases present in phase-transition materials such as VO2 offer the potential for compact building block design for emerging non-von Neumann computing technologies. Here, based on the relaxation dynamics of an insulator-metal phase transition, we demonstrate experimentally a decision-tree classifier embedded within a single volatile resistive switching device. The tree is constructed by the combination of the voltage pulse and relaxation time and can adapt to different tasks. We use machine learning to analyze the relaxation process, enabling a predictive voltage-relaxation time phase diagram for the electrical resistance state. Classification of the etiology of the chronic cough is presented as a proof-of-principle use case. Further, our approach can be generalized to broader classes of solid-state and solid-liquid interfacial systems that demonstrate a variety of phase relaxations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Possible continuous transition from fractional quantum Hall to stripe phase at ν e = 7 / 3

We study the phase diagram of the ν e = 7/3 state in the N=1 Landau level in the presence of band mass anisotropy. Using the density matrix renormalization group on an infinite cylinder geometry, we find a continuous transition from the topologically ordered Laughlin fractional quantum Hall state to a stripe phase with a period of approximately five and a half magnetic lengths. The transition is driven by the condensation of the magnetoroton mode which becomes gapless at the critical point. We interpret the transition within the composite-boson theory as the onset of stripe order in a superfluid background, resulting from the roton mode going soft.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Revisiting spin ice physics in the ferromagnetic Ising pyrochlore Pr 2 Sn 2 O 7

Pyrochlore materials are characterized by their hallmark network of corner-sharing rare-earth tetrahedra, which can produce a wide array of complex magnetic ground states. Ferromagnetic Ising pyrochlores often obey the “two-in-two-out” spin ice rules, which can lead to a highly degenerate spin structure. Large moment systems, such as Ho 2 Ti 2 O 7 and Dy 2 Ti 2 O 7 , tend to host a classical spin ice state with low-temperature spin freezing and emergent magnetic monopoles. Systems with smaller effective moments, such as Pr 3+ -based pyrochlores, have been proposed as excellent candidates for hosting a “quantum spin ice” characterized by entanglement and a slew of exotic quasiparticle excitations. However, experimental evidence for a quantum spin ice state has remained elusive. Here, in this work, we show that the low-temperature magnetic properties of Pr 2 Sn 2 O 7 satisfy several important criteria for continued consideration as a quantum spin ice. We find that Pr 2 Sn 2 O 7 exhibits two distinct spin-correlation time scales of τ ≥ 10 –4 and ~10 –10 s in the spin ice regime. Our comprehensive bulk characterization and neutron scattering measurements enable us to map out the magnetic field-temperature phase diagram, producing results consistent with expectations for a ferromagnetic Ising pyrochlore. We identify key hallmarks of spin ice physics and show that the application of small magnetic fields (μ 0 H c ~0.5 T) suppresses the spin ice state and induces a field-polarized, ordered spin-ice phase. Together, our work clarifies the current state of Pr 2 Sn 2 O 7 and encourages future studies aimed at exploring the potential for a quantum spin ice ground state in this system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

First-principles thermodynamics of Al 10 ⁢V: An analytical treatment of localized anharmonic modes

Many complex intermetallic structures possess cagelike environments that can host additional guest atoms. In Al 10 ⁢V, these atoms give rise to low-frequency, localized vibrations (Einstein modes) that dominate the thermodynamic response at low temperature. They become imaginary under volume expansion as temperature rises, invalidating the harmonic approximation. Here, we develop a framework to incorporate these strongly anharmonic vibrational modes into first-principles thermodynamic calculations. By explicitly modeling the cage potential and solving the associated Schrödinger equation numerically, we compute the full anharmonic free energy contribution and demonstrate its impact on the thermodynamic behavior of Al 10⁢ V. This allows us to examine structures with different cage fillings and construct the Al-V phase diagram in the relevant composition range. Our results reproduce key experimental signatures, including the anomalous rise in the thermal expansion coefficient and heat capacity at low temperatures, and reveal that the presence and the extent of cage filling by guest atoms is essential to stabilizing the Al 10 ⁢V phase at elevated temperatures.

anharmonic lattice dynamics↗

Trends in Formic Acid Electro-Oxidation on Transition Metals Alloyed with Platinum and Palladium

Direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) have emerged as a promising power source to meet increased demands for alternative energy sources in the transportation and portable energy storage sectors. Furthermore, these fuel cells utilize formic acid (FA), a nontoxic and carbon-neutral fuel when produced from biomass or via CO 2 reduction. Despite the promise of DFAFCs, the best monometallic catalysts, platinum and palladium, are poisoned by CO through the indirect oxidation pathway and require large overpotentials. By alloying Pt and Pd with other metals, we aim to improve both the activity and selectivity of these catalysts. Here, we present a systematic density functional theory (GGA-PW91) study of FA electro-oxidation (FAO) on the (111) facet of bimetallic Pt (Pt 3 M) or Pd (Pd 3 M) catalysts (M = Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, Ru, or Re) to evaluate the catalytic performance of these surfaces. For each surface, we calculate free energy diagrams and onset potentials of three key reaction mechanisms: direct oxidation of FA via carboxyl (COOH), direct oxidation of FA via formate (HCOO), and the indirect oxidation of FA that first forms CO en route to full oxidation to CO 2 . We then display the trends in the form of phase diagrams that compare the activity of the calculated surfaces against regions of high activity using the free energies of adsorbed CO and OH as descriptors, enabling high-throughput screening and design of improved catalysts, particularly those alloying Pt or Pd with Ir, Ru, or Re.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Tuning chemical precompression: Theoretical design and crystal chemistry of novel hydrides in the quest for warm and light superconductivity at ambient pressures

Over the past decade, a combination of crystal structure prediction techniques and experimental synthetic work has thoroughly explored the phase diagrams of binary hydrides under pressure. The fruitfulness of this dual approach is demonstrated in the recent identification of several superconducting hydrides with T c s approaching room temperature. We start with an overview of the computational procedures for predicting stable structures and estimating their propensity for superconductivity. A survey of phases with high T c reveals some common structural features that appear conducive to the strong coupling of the electronic structure with atomic vibrations that leads to superconductivity. We discuss the stability and superconducting properties of phases containing two of these—molecular H 2 units mixed with atomic H and hydrogenic clathrate-like cages—as well as more unique motifs. Lastly, we argue that ternary hydride phases, whose exploration is still in its infancy, are a promising route to achieve simultaneous superconductivity at high temperatures and stability at low pressures. Several ternary hydrides arise from the addition of a third element to a known binary hydride structure through site mixing or onto a new site, and several more are based on altogether new structural motifs.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Twisted symmetric trilayer graphene. II. Projected Hartree-Fock study

The Hamiltonian of the magic-angle twisted symmetric trilayer graphene (TSTG) can be decomposed into a twisted-bilayer-graphene- (TBG-) like flat band Hamiltonian and a high-velocity Dirac fermion Hamiltonian. We use Hartree-Fock mean field approach to study the projected Coulomb interacting Hamiltonian of TSTG developed in Calugaru et al. [Phys. Rev. B 103, 195411 (2021)] at integer fillings ν = -3, -2, -1, and 0 measured from charge neutrality. We study the phase diagram with w 0 /w 1 , the ratio of AA and AB interlayer hoppings, and the displacement field, which introduces an interlayer potential U and hybridizes the TBG-like bands with the Dirac bands. At small U, we find the ground states at all fillings ν are in the same phases as the tensor products of a Dirac semimetal with the filling ν TBG insulator ground states, which are spin-valley polarized at ν = -3, and fully (partially) intervalley coherent at ν = -2, 0(ν = -1) in the flat bands. An exception is ν = -3 with w 0 /w 1 ≳ 0.7 , which possibly becomes a metal with competing orders at small U due to charge transfers between the Dirac and flat bands. At strong U where the bandwidths exceed interactions, all the fillings ν enter a metal phase with small or zero valley polarization and intervalley coherence. Lastly, at intermediate U, semimetal or insulator phases with zero intervalley coherence may arise for ν = -2, -1, 0. Finally, our results provide a simple picture for the electron interactions in TSTG systems, and reveal the connection between the TSTG and TBG ground states.

2-dimensional systems↗

Ground-state order in magic-angle graphene at filling ν = - 3 : A full-scale density matrix renormalization group study

Here we investigate twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) at filling ν = -3 in the presence of realistic heterostrain. Strain amplifies the band dispersion and drives the system beyond the strong-coupling regime of previous theoretical studies. We use DMRG to conduct an unbiased, large-scale numerical calculations that include all spin and valley degrees of freedom, up to bond dimension χ = 24576. We establish a global phase diagram that unifies a number of theoretical and experimental results. Near zero strain we find an intervalley-coherent quantized anomalous Hall (QAH-IVC) state, a competitive strong-coupling order that evaded past numerical studies. A tiny strain around 0.05% drives a transition into an incommensurate Kekulé spiral (IKS) phase, supporting the mean-field prediction in [Kwan, Phys. Rev. X 11, 041063 (2021)2160-330810.1103/PhysRevX.11.041063]. Even higher strains above 0.2% favor a flavor-symmetric metallic order, which may explain metals found at ν = -3 in many experiments.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Magnetic field induced partially polarized chiral spin liquid in a transition metal dichalcogenide moiré system

As one of the most intriguing states of matter, the chiral spin liquid (CSL) has attracted much scientific interest while its existence and mechanism in crystalline strongly correlated systems remain hotly debated. On the other hand, strong correlation driven emergent phenomena can be realized in twisted transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers with a tremendously tunable large length scale providing a new platform for the emergence of CSLs. Here, we focus on a strongly correlated model relevant to heterobilayer WSe 2 /MoSe 2 and investigate the Mott insulating phase at half filling under an out-of-plane magnetic field. Considering both its orbital and spin Zeeman effects we identify three conventionally ordered phases including a 120° Néel phase, a stripe phase, and an up-up-down phase. For intermediate fields an emergent quantum spin liquid phase is identified with partial spin polarization. We further characterize its topological nature as the v = 1/2 Laughlin CSL through the topological entanglement spectrum and quantized spin pumping under spin flux insertion. In addition, we map out the quantum phase diagram for different twisted angles in an experimentally accessible parameter regime.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Superconductivity in a topological lattice model with strong repulsion

The highly tunable nature of synthetic quantum materials-both in the solid-state and cold atom contexts-invites examining which microscopic ingredients aid in the realization of correlated phases of matter such as superconductors. Recent experimental advances in moiré materials suggest that unifying the features of the Fermi-Hubbard model and quantum Hall systems creates a fertile ground for the emergence of such phases. Here, we introduce the "double Hofstadter"model, a minimal 2D lattice model that incorporates exactly these features: Time-reversal symmetry, band topology, and strong repulsive interactions. By using infinite cylinder density matrix renormalization group methods (cylinder iDMRG), we investigate the ground state phase diagram of this model. We find that it hosts an interaction-induced quantum spin Hall insulator and demonstrate that weakly hole-doping this state gives rise to a superconductor at a finite circumference, with indications that this behavior persists on larger cylinders. Further, at the aforementioned circumference, the superconducting phase is surprisingly robust to perturbations including additional repulsive interactions in the pairing channel. By developing a technique to probe the superconducting gap function in iDMRG, we phenomenologically characterize the superconductor. Namely, we demonstrate that it is formed from the weak pairing of holes atop the quantum spin Hall insulator. Furthermore, we determine the pairing symmetry of the superconductor, finding it to be p-wave-reminiscent of the unconventional superconductivity reported in experiments on twisted bilayer graphene (TBG). Motivated by this, we elucidate structural similarities and differences between our model and those of TBG in its chiral limit. Finally, to provide a more direct experimental realization, we detail an implementation of our Hamiltonian in a system of cold fermionic alkaline-earth atoms in an optical lattice.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗