arXiv subjects

A. Ardavan

Publications and source records attributed to A. Ardavan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2021

A phase diagram for light-induced superconductivity in $\kappa$-(ET)$_2$-X

Resonant optical excitation of certain molecular vibrations in $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$Cu[N(CN)$_2$]Br has been shown to induce transient superconducting-like optical properties at temperatures far above equilibrium $T_c$. Here, we report experiments across the bandwidth-tuned phase diagram of this class of materials, and study the Mott insulator $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$Cu[N(CN)$_2$]Cl and the metallic compound $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$Cu(NCS)$_2$. We find non-equilibrium photoinduced superconductivity only in $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$Cu[N(CN)$_2$]Br, indicating that the proximity to the Mott insulating phase and possibly the presence of preexisting superconducting fluctuations are pre-requisites for this effect.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2020

Photo-molecular high temperature superconductivity

Superconductivity in organic conductors is often tuned by the application of chemical or external pressure. With this type of tuning, orbital overlaps and electronic bandwidths are manipulated, whilst the properties of the molecular building blocks remain virtually unperturbed.Here, we show that the excitation of local molecular vibrations in the charge-transfer salt $\kappa-(BEDT-TTF)_2Cu[N(CN)_2]Br$ induces a colossal increase in carrier mobility and the opening of a superconducting-like optical gap. Both features track the density of quasi-particles of the equilibrium metal, and can be achieved up to a characteristic coherence temperature $T^* \approxeq 50 K$, far higher than the equilibrium transition temperature $T_C = 12.5 K$. Notably, the large optical gap achieved by photo-excitation is not observed in the equilibrium superconductor, pointing to a light induced state that is different from that obtained by cooling. First-principle calculations and model Hamiltonian dynamics predict a transient state with long-range pairing correlations, providing a possible physical scenario for photo-molecular superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2019

Unconventional field-induced spin gap in an $S = 1/2$ chiral staggered chain

We investigate the low-temperature magnetic properties of the molecule-based chiral spin chain [Cu(pym)(H$_2$O)$_4$]SiF$_6\cdot$H$_2$O (pym = pyrimidine). Electron-spin resonance, magnetometry and heat capacity measurements reveal the presence of staggered $g$ tensors, a rich low-temperature excitation spectrum, a staggered susceptibility and a spin gap that opens on the application of a magnetic field. These phenomena are reminiscent of those previously observed in non-chiral staggered chains, which are explicable within the sine-Gordon quantum-field theory. In the present case, however, although the sine-Gordon model accounts well for the form of the temperature-dependence of the heat capacity, the size of the gap and its measured linear field dependence do not fit with the sine-Gordon theory as it stands. We propose that the differences arise due to additional terms in the Hamiltonian resulting from the chiral structure of [Cu(pym)(H$_2$O)$_4$]SiF$_6\cdot$H$_2$O, particularly a uniform Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya coupling and a four-fold periodic staggered field.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Strong coupling of microwave photons to antiferromagnetic fluctuations in an organic magnet

Coupling between a crystal of di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium radicals and a superconducting microwave resonator is investigated in a circuit quantum electrodynamics (circuit QED) architecture. The crystal exhibits paramagnetic behavior above 4~K, with antiferromagnetic correlations appearing below this temperature, and we demonstrate strong coupling at base temperature. The magnetic resonance acquires a field angle dependence as the crystal is cooled down, indicating anisotropy of the exchange interactions. These results show that multispin modes in organic crystals are suitable for circuit QED, offering a platform for their coherent manipulation. They also utilize the circuit QED architecture as a way to probe spin correlations at low temperature.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2017

The spin resonance clock transition of the endohedral fullerene $^{15}\mathrm{N@C}_{60}$

The endohedral fullerene $^{15}\mathrm{N@C}_{60}$ has narrow electron paramagnetic resonance lines which have been proposed as the basis for a condensed-matter portable atomic clock. We measure the low-frequency spectrum of this molecule, identifying and characterizing a clock transition at which the frequency becomes insensitive to magnetic field. We infer a linewidth at the clock field of 100 kHz. Using experimental data, we are able to place a bound on the clock's projected frequency stability. We discuss ways to improve the frequency stability to be competitive with existing miniature clocks.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2015

The magnetic ground state of two isostructual polymeric quantum magnets, [Cu(HF$_{2}$)(pyrazine)$_{2}$]SbF$_{6}$ and [Co(HF$_{2}$)(pyrazine)$_{2}$]SbF$_{6}$, investigated with neutron powder diffraction

The magnetic ground state of two isostructural coordination polymers (i) the quasi two-dimensional S = 1/2 square-lattice antiferromagnet [Cu(HF$_{2}$)(pyrazine)$_{2}$]SbF$_{6}$; and (ii) a new compound [Co(HF$_{2}$)(pyrazine)$_{2}$]SbF$_{6}$, were examined with neutron powder diffraction measurements. We find the ordered moments of the Heisenberg S = 1/2 Cu(II) ions in [Cu(HF$_{2}$)(pyrazine)$_{2}$]SbF$_{6}$ are 0.6(1)$μ_{B}$, whilst the ordered moments for the Co(II) ions in [Co(HF$_{2}$)(pyrazine)$_{2}$]SbF$_{6}$ are 3.02(6)$μ_{B}$. For Cu(II), this reduced moment indicates the presence of quantum fluctuations below the ordering temperature. We show from heat capacity and electron spin resonance measurements, that due to the crystal electric field splitting of the S = 3/2 Co(II) ions in [Co(HF$_{2}$)(pyrazine)$_{2}$]SbF$_{6}$, this isostructual polymer also behaves as an effective spin-half magnet at low temperatures. The Co moments in [Co(HF$_{2}$)(pyrazine)$_{2}$]SbF$_{6}$ show strong easy-axis anisotropy, neutron diffraction data which do not support the presence of quantum fluctuations in the ground state and heat capacity data which are consistent with 2D or close to 3D spatial exchange anisotropy.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2015

Quantum interference between charge excitation paths in a solid state Mott insulator

The competition between electron localization and de-localization in Mott insulators underpins the physics of strongly-correlated electron systems. Photo-excitation, which re-distributes charge between sites, can control this many-body process on the ultrafast timescale. To date, time-resolved studies have been performed in solids in which other degrees of freedom, such as lattice, spin, or orbital excitations come into play. However, the underlying quantum dynamics of bare electronic excitations has remained out of reach. Quantum many-body dynamics have only been detected in the controlled environment of optical lattices where the dynamics are slower and lattice excitations are absent. By using nearly-single-cycle near-IR pulses, we have measured coherent electronic excitations in the organic salt ET-F2TCNQ, a prototypical one-dimensional Mott Insulator. After photo-excitation, a new resonance appears on the low-energy side of the Mott gap, which oscillates at 25 THz. Time-dependent simulations of the Mott-Hubbard Hamiltonian reproduce the oscillations, showing that electronic delocalization occurs through quantum interference between bound and ionized holon-doublon pairs.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2015

Magnetism in a family of $S = 1$ square lattice antiferromagnets Ni$X_2$(pyz)$_2$ ($X = $ Cl, Br, I, NCS; pyz = pyrazine)

The crystal structures of Ni$X_2$(pyz)$_2$ ($X$ = Cl (\textbf{1}), Br (\textbf{2}), I (\textbf{3}) and NCS (\textbf{4})) were determined at 298~K by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. All four compounds consist of two-dimensional (2D) square arrays self-assembled from octahedral NiN$_4$$X_2$ units that are bridged by pyz ligands. The 2D layered motifs displayed by \textbf{1}-\textbf{4} are relevant to bifluoride-bridged [Ni(HF$_2$)(pyz)$_2$]$Z$F$_6$ ($Z$ = P, Sb) which also possess the same 2D layers. In contrast, terminal $X$ ligands occupy axial positions in \textbf{1}-\textbf{4} and cause a staggering of adjacent layers. Long-range antiferromagnetic order occurs below 1.5 (Cl), 1.9 (Br and NCS) and 2.5~K (I) as determined by heat capacity and muon-spin relaxation. The single-ion anisotropy and $g$ factor of \textbf{2}, \textbf{3} and \textbf{4} are measured by electron spin resonance where no zero--field splitting was found. The magnetism of \textbf{1}-\textbf{4} crosses a spectrum from quasi-two-dimensional to three-dimensional antiferromagnetism. An excellent agreement was found between the pulsed-field magnetization, magnetic susceptibility and $T_\textrm{N}$ of \textbf{2} and \textbf{4}. Magnetization curves for \textbf{2} and \textbf{4} calculated by quantum Monte Carlo simulation also show excellent agreement with the pulsed-field data. \textbf{3} is characterized as a three-dimensional antiferromagnet with the interlayer interaction ($J_\perp$) slightly stronger than the interaction within the two-dimensional [Ni(pyz)$_2$]$^{2+}$ square planes ($J_\textrm{pyz}$).

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2011

Quantum control in spintronics

Superposition and entanglement are uniquely quantum phenomena. Superposition incorporates a phase which contains information surpassing any classical mixture. Entanglement offers correlations between measurements in quantum systems that are stronger than any which would be possible classically. These give quantum computing its spectacular potential, but the implications extend far beyond quantum information processing. Early applications may be found in entanglement enhanced sensing and metrology. Quantum spins in condensed matter offer promising candidates for investigating and exploiting superposition and entanglement, and enormous progress is being made in quantum control of such systems. In GaAs, individual electron spins can be manipulated and measured, and singlet-triplet states can be controlled in double-dot structures. In silicon, individual electron spins can be detected by ionisation of phosphorous donors, and information can be transferred from electron spins to nuclear spins to provide long memory times. Electron and nuclear spins can be manipulated in nitrogen atoms incarcerated in fullerene molecules, which in turn can be assembled in ordered arrays. Spin states of charged nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond can be manipulated and read optically. Collective spin states in a range of materials systems offer scope for holographic storage of information. Conditions are now excellent for implementing superposition and entanglement in spintronic devices, thereby opening up a new era of quantum technologies.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2009

Comparison of multiwavelength observations of 9 broad-band pulsars with the spectrum of the emission from an extended current with a superluminally rotating distribution pattern

The observed spectra of 9 pulsars for which multiwavelength data are available from radio to $X$- or $γ$-ray bands (Crab, Vela, Geminga, B0656+14, B1055-52, B1509-58, B1706-44, B1929+10, and B1951+32) are compared with the spectrum of the radiation generated by an extended polarization current whose distribution pattern rotates faster than light {\it in vacuo}. It is shown that by inferring the values of two free parameters from observational data (values that are consistent with those of plasma frequency and electron cyclotron frequency in a conventional pulsar magnetosphere), and by adjusting the spectral indices of the power laws describing the source spectrum in various frequency bands, one can account {\em quantitatively} for the entire spectrum of each pulsar in terms of a single emission process. This emission process (a generalization of the synchrotron-Ćerenkov process to a volume-distributed source in vacuum) gives rise to an oscillatory radiation spectrum. Thus, the bell-shaped peaks of pulsar spectra in the ultraviolet or $X$-ray bands (the features that are normally interpreted as manifestations of thermal radiation) appear in the present model as higher-frequency maxima of the same oscillations that constitute the emission bands observed in the radio spectrum of the Crab pulsar. Likewise, the sudden steepening of the gradient of the spectrum by -1, which occurs around $10^{18}-10^{21}$ Hz, appears as a universal feature of the pulsar emission: a feature that reflects the transit of the position of the observer across the frequency-dependent Rayleigh distance. Inferred values of the free parameters of the present model suggest, moreover, that the lower the rotation frequency of a pulsar, the more weighted towards higher frequencies will be its observed spectral intensity.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2009

Quantum computing with an electron spin ensemble

We propose to encode a register of quantum bits in different collective electron spin wave excitations in a solid medium. Coupling to spins is enabled by locating them in the vicinity of a superconducting transmission line cavity, and making use of their strong collective coupling to the quantized radiation field. The transformation between different spin waves is achieved by applying gradient magnetic fields across the sample, while a Cooper Pair Box, resonant with the cavity field, may be used to carry out one- and two-qubit gate operations.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2008

Hyperfine structure of Sc@C82 from ESR and DFT

The electron spin g- and hyperfine tensors of the endohedral metallofullerene Sc@C82 are anisotropic. Using electron spin resonance (ESR) and density functional theory (DFT), we can relate their principal axes to the coordinate frame of the molecule, finding that the g-tensor is not axially symmetric. The Sc bond with the cage is partly covalent and partly ionic. Most of the electron spin density is distributed around the carbon cage, but 5% is associated with the scandium d_yz orbital, and this drives the observed anisotropy.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2008

Dynamic nuclear polarization with simultaneous excitation of electronic and nuclear transitions

Dynamic nuclear polarization transfers spin polarization from electrons to nuclei. We have achieved this by a new method, simultaneously exciting transitions of electronic and nuclear spins. The efficiency of this technique improves with increasing magnetic field. Experimental results are shown for N@C60 with continuous-wave microwaves, which can be expected to produce even higher polarization than the corresponding pulsed techniques for electron spins greater than 1/2. The degree of nuclear polarization in this case can be easily monitored through the intensities of the well resolved hyperfine components in the EPR spectrum. The nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time is orders of magnitude longer than that of the electrons.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2008

Pauli spin blockade in carbon nanotube double quantum dots

We report Pauli spin blockade in an impurity defined carbon nanotube double quantum dot. We observe a pronounced current suppression for negative source-drain bias voltages which is investigated for both symmetric and asymmetric coupling of the quantum dots to the leads. The measured differential conductance agrees well with a theoretical model of a double quantum dot system in the spin-blockade regime which allows us to estimate the occupation probabilities of the relevant singlet and triplet states. This work shows that effective spin-to-charge conversion in nanotube quantum dots is feasible and opens the possibility of single-spin readout in a material that is not limited by hyperfine interaction with nuclear spins.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2008

Mechanism of generation of the emission bands in the dynamic spectrum of the Crab pulsar

We show that the proportionately spaced emission bands in the dynamic spectrum of the Crab pulsar (Hankins T. H. & Eilek J. A., 2007, ApJ, 670, 693) fit the oscillations of the square of a Bessel function whose argument exceeds its order. This function has already been encountered in the analysis of the emission from a polarization current with a superluminal distribution pattern: a current whose distribution pattern rotates (with an angular frequency $ω$) and oscillates (with a frequency $Ω>ω$ differing from an integral multiple of $ω$) at the same time (Ardavan H., Ardavan A. & Singleton J., 2003, J Opt Soc Am A, 20, 2137). Using the results of our earlier analysis, we find that the dependence on frequency of the spacing and width of the observed emission bands can be quantitatively accounted for by an appropriate choice of the value of the single free parameter $Ω/ω$. In addition, the value of this parameter, thus implied by Hankins & Eilek's data, places the last peak in the amplitude of the oscillating Bessel function in question at a frequency ($\simΩ^3/ω^2$) that agrees with the position of the observed ultraviolet peak in the spectrum of the Crab pulsar. We also show how the suppression of the emission bands by the interference of the contributions from differring polarizations can account for the differences in the time and frequency signatures of the interpulse and the main pulse in the Crab pulsar. Finally, we put the emission bands in the context of the observed continuum spectrum of the Crab pulsar by fitting this broadband spectrum (over 16 orders of magnitude of frequency) with that generated by an electric current with a superluminally rotating distribution pattern.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

Angle-dependent magnetoresistance oscillations due to magnetic breakdown orbits

We present experimental evidence for a hitherto unconfirmed type of angle-dependent magnetoresistance oscillation caused by magnetic breakdown. The effect was observed in the organic superconductor kappa-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$Cu(NCS)$_2$ using hydrostatic pressures of up to 9.8 kbar and magnetic fields of up to 33 T. In addition, we show that similar oscillations are revealed in ambient pressure measurements, provided that the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations are suppressed either by elevated temperatures or filtering of the data. These results provide a compelling validation of Pippard's semiclassical picture of magnetic breakdown.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2007

Occurrence of concurrent `orthogonal' polarization modes in the Lienard-Wichert field of a rotating superluminal source

We evaluate the Lienard-Wiechert field of a rotating superluminal point source numerically and show that this radiation field has the following intrinsic characteristics. (i) It is sharply focused along a narrow, rigidly rotating spiral-shaped beam that embodies the cusp of the envelope of the emitted wave fronts. (ii) It consists of either one or three concurrent polarization modes (depending on the relative positions of the observer and the cusp) that constitute contributions to the field from differing retarded times. (iii) Two of the modes are comparable in strength at both edges of the signal and dominate over the third everywhere except in the middle of the pulse. (iv) The position angle of the total field swings across the beam by as much as 180$^\circ$. (v) The position angles of its two dominant modes remain approximately orthogonal throughout their excursion across the beam. Given the fundamental nature of the Lienard-Wiechert field, the coincidence of these characteristics with those of the radio emission that is received from pulsars is striking.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2006

Comment on "Radial dependence of radiation from a bounded source" by Kirk T. McDonald

The purpose of this note is to point out that McDonald's criticism of our work \cite{r1} is based on a circular argument. In order to show that the field of a bounded source falls off as $f(θ,ϕ)/r$ in the far zone, McDonald uses a Huygens-Kirchhoff diffraction integral whose derivation (from Maxwell's equations) already entails assuming a fall-off of this form for the field at infinity \cite{r2}. ($r$, $θ$ and $ϕ$ are the spherical polar coordinates centred on a point within the source, and $f$ is a factor independent of $r$.

physics.optics↗