arXiv subjects

A. Magrez

Publications and source records attributed to A. Magrez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Imaging magnetic spiral phases, skyrmion clusters, and skyrmion displacements at the surface of bulk Cu$_2$OSeO$_3$

Surfaces -- by breaking bulk symmetries, introducing roughness, or hosting defects -- can significantly influence magnetic order in magnetic materials. Determining their effect on the complex nanometer-scale phases present in certain non-centrosymmetric magnets is an outstanding problem requiring high-resolution magnetic microscopy. Here, we use scanning SQUID-on-tip microscopy to image the surface of bulk Cu$_2$OSeO$_3$ at low temperature and in a magnetic field applied along $\left\langle100\right\rangle$. Real-space maps measured as a function of applied field reveal the microscopic structure of the magnetic phases and their transitions. In low applied field, we observe a magnetic texture consistent with an in-plane stripe phase, pointing to the existence of a distinct surface state. In the low-temperature skyrmion phase, the surface is populated by clusters of disordered skyrmions, which emerge from rupturing domains of the tilted spiral phase. Furthermore, we displace individual skyrmions from their pinning sites by applying an electric potential to the scanning probe, thereby demonstrating local skyrmion control at the surface of a magnetoelectric insulator.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2023

Dynamics of K$_2$Ni$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$ governed by proximity to a 3D spin liquid model

Quantum spin liquids (QSLs) have become a key area of research in magnetism due to their remarkable properties, such as long-range entanglement, fractional excitations, pinch-point singularities, and topologically protected phenomena. In recent years, the search for QSLs has expanded into the three-dimensional world, where promising features have been found in materials that form pyrochlore and hyper-kagome lattices, despite the suppression of quantum fluctuations due to high dimensionality. One such material is the $S = 1$ K$_2$Ni$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$ compound, which belongs to the langbeinite family consisting of two interconnected trillium lattices. Although magnetically ordered, K$_2$Ni$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$ has been found to exhibit a highly dynamical and correlated state which can be driven into a pure quantum spin liquid under magnetic fields of only $B \simeq 4$~T. In this article, we combine inelastic neutron scattering measurements with pseudo-fermion functional renormalization group (PFFRG) and classical Monte Carlo (cMC) calculations to study the magnetic properties of K$_2$Ni$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$, revealing a high level of agreement between the experiment and theory. We further reveal the origin of the dynamical state in K$_2$Ni$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$ by studying a larger set of exchange parameters, uncovering an `island of liquidity' around a focal point given by a magnetic network composed of tetrahedra on a trillium lattice.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Light-induced renormalization of the Dirac quasiparticles in the nodal-line semimetal ZrSiSe

In nodal-line semimetals linearly dispersing states form Dirac loops in the reciprocal space, with high degree of electron-hole symmetry and almost-vanishing density of states near the Fermi level. The result is reduced electronic screening and enhanced correlations between Dirac quasiparticles. Here we investigate the electronic structure of ZrSiSe, by combining time- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy with ab initio density functional theory (DFT) complemented by an extended Hubbard model (DFT +U +V). We show that electronic correlations are reduced on an ultrashort timescale by optical excitation of high-energy electrons-hole pairs, which transiently screen the Coulomb interaction. Our findings demonstrate an all-optical method for engineering the band structure of a quantum material.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Spin-wave coupling to electromagnetic cavity fields in dysposium ferrite

Coupling of spin-waves with electromagnetic cavity field is demonstrated in an antiferromagnet, dysprosium ferrite (DyFeO3). By measuring transmission at 0.2-0.35 THz and sweeping sample temperature, magnon-photon coupling signatures were found at crossings of spin-wave resonances with Fabry-Perot cavity modes formed in samples. The obtained spectra are explained in terms of classical electrodynamics and a microscopic model.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

Evidence of Coulomb interaction induced Lifshitz transition and robust hybrid Weyl semimetal in Td MoTe2

Using soft x-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy we probed the bulk electronic structure of Td MoTe2. We found that on-site Coulomb interaction leads to a Lifshitz transition, which is essential for a precise description of the electronic structure. A hybrid Weyl semimetal state with a pair of energy bands touching at both type-I and type-II Weyl nodes is indicated by comparing the experimental data with theoretical calculations. Unveiling the importance of Coulomb interaction opens up a new route to comprehend the unique properties of MoTe2, and is significant for understanding the interplay between correlation effects, strong spin-orbit coupling and superconductivity in this van der Waals material.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2018

Electric field-driven topological phase switching and skyrmion lattice metastability in magnetoelectric Cu$_{2}$OSeO$_{3}$

Due to their topological protection and nanometric size, magnetic skyrmions are anticipated to form components of new high-density memory technologies. In metallic systems skyrmion manipulation is achieved easily under a low density electric current flow, although the inevitable thermal dissipation ultimately limits the energy efficacy of potential applications. On the other hand, a near dissipation-free skyrmion and skyrmion phase manipulation is expected by using electric \emph{fields}, thus meeting better the demands of an energy-conscious society. In this work on an insulating chiral magnet Cu$_{2}$OSeO$_{3}$ with magnetoelectric coupling, we use neutron scattering to demonstrate directly i) the creation of metastable skyrmion states over an extended range in magnetic field and temperature, and ii) the in-situ electric field-driven switching between topologically distinct phases; the skyrmion phase and a competing non-topological cone phase. For our accessible electric field range, the phase switching is achieved in a high temperature regime, and the remnant (E=0) metastable skyrmion state is thermally volatile with an exponential lifetime on hour timescales. Nevertheless, by taking advantage of the demonstrably longer-lived metastable skyrmion states at lower temperatures, a truly non-volatile and near dissipation-free topological phase change memory function is promised in magnetoelectric chiral magnets.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Enhanced ultrafast relaxation rate in the Weyl semimetal phase of $\mathbf{MoTe_2}$ measured by time-and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy

$\mathrm{MoTe_2}$ has recently been shown to realize in its low-temperature phase the type-II Weyl semimetal (WSM). We investigated by time- and angle- resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (tr-ARPES) the possible influence of the Weyl points in the electron dynamics above the Fermi level $\mathrm{E_F}$, by comparing the ultrafast response of $\mathrm{MoTe_2}$ in the trivial and topological phases. In the low-temperature WSM phase, we report an enhanced relaxation rate of electrons optically excited to the conduction band, which we interpret as a fingerprint of the local gap closure when Weyl points form. By contrast, we find that the electron dynamics of the related compound $\mathrm{WTe_2}$ is slower and temperature-independent, consistent with a topologically trivial nature of this material. Our results shows that tr-ARPES is sensitive to the small modifications of the unoccupied band structure accompanying the structural and topological phase transition of $\mathrm{MoTe_2}$.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

Universal response of the type-II Weyl semimetals phase diagram

The discovery of Weyl semimetals represents a significant advance in topological band theory. They paradigmatically enlarged the classification of topological materials to gapless systems while simultaneously providing experimental evidence for the long-sought Weyl fermions. Beyond fundamental relevance, their high mobility, strong magnetoresistance, and the possible existence of even more exotic effects, such as the chiral anomaly, make Weyl semimetals a promising platform to develop radically new technology. Fully exploiting their potential requires going beyond the mere identification of materials and calls for a detailed characterization of their functional response, which is severely complicated by the coexistence of surface- and bulk-derived topologically protected quasiparticles, i.e., Fermi arcs and Weyl points, respectively. Here, we focus on the type-II Weyl semimetal class where we find a stoichiometry-dependent phase transition from a trivial to a non-trivial regime. By exploring the two extreme cases of the phase diagram, we demonstrate the existence of a universal response of both surface and bulk states to perturbations. We show that quasi-particle interference patterns originate from scattering events among surface arcs. Analysis reveals that topologically non-trivial contributions are strongly suppressed by spin texture. We also show that scattering at localized impurities generate defect-induced quasiparticles sitting close to the Weyl point energy. These give rise to strong peaks in the local density of states, which lift the Weyl node significantly altering the pristine low-energy Weyl spectrum. Visualizing the microscopic response to scattering has important consequences for understanding the unusual transport properties of this class of materials. Overall, our observations provide a unifying picture of the Weyl phase diagram.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2017

$J_1$-$J_2$ square lattice antiferromagnetism in the orbitally quenched insulator MoOPO$_4$

We report magnetic and thermodynamic properties of a $4d^1$ (Mo$^{5+}$) magnetic insulator MoOPO$_4$ single crystal, which realizes a $J_1$-$J_2$ Heisenberg spin-$1/2$ model on a stacked square lattice. The specific-heat measurements show a magnetic transition at 16 K which is also confirmed by magnetic susceptibility, ESR, and neutron diffraction measurements. Magnetic entropy deduced from the specific heat corresponds to a two-level degree of freedom per Mo$^{5+}$ ion, and the effective moment from the susceptibility corresponds to the spin-only value. Using {\it ab initio} quantum chemistry calculations we demonstrate that the Mo$^{5+}$ ion hosts a purely spin-$1/2$ magnetic moment, indicating negligible effects of spin-orbit interaction. The quenched orbital moments originate from the large displacement of Mo ions inside the MoO$_6$ octahedra along the apical direction. The ground state is shown by neutron diffraction to support a collinear Néel-type magnetic order, and a spin-flop transition is observed around an applied magnetic field of 3.5 T. The magnetic phase diagram is reproduced by a mean-field calculation assuming a small easy-axis anisotropy in the exchange interactions. Our results suggest $4d$ molybdates as an alternative playground to search for model quantum magnets.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Direct control of the skyrmion phase stability by electric field in a magnetoelectric insulator

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected spin-whirl quasiparticles currently considered as promising components for ultra-dense memory devices. In the bulk they form lattices that are stable over just a few Kelvin below the ordering temperature. This narrow stability range presents a key challenge for applications, and finding ways to tune the SkL stability over a wider phase space is a pressing issue. Here we show experimentally that the skyrmion phase in the magnetoelectric insulator ${\text{Cu}_2 \text{O} \text{Se} \text{O}_3}$ can either expand or shrink substantially depending on the polarity of a moderate applied electric field. The data are well-described by an expanded mean-field model with fluctuations that show how the electric field provides a direct control of the free energy difference between the skyrmion and the surrounding conical phase. Our finding of the direct electric field control of the skyrmion phase stability offers enormous potential for skyrmionic applications based on a magnetoelectric coupling.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2016

Micro-engineered CH$_3$NH$_3$PbI$_3$ nanowire/graphene phototransistor for low intensity light detection at room temperature

Methylammonium lead iodide perovskite has revolutionized the field of third generation solid-state solar cells leading to simple solar cell structures1 and certified efficiencies up to 20.1%. Recently the peculiar light harvesting properties of organometal halide perovskites have been exploited in photodetectors where responsivities of ~3.5 A/W and 180 A/W have been respectively achieved for pure perovskite-based devices and hybrid nanostructures. Here, we report on the first hybrid phototransistors where the performance of a network of photoactive Methylammonium Lead Iodide nanowires (hereafter MAPbI$_3$NW) are enhanced by CVD-grown monolayer graphene. These devices show responsivities as high as ~2.6x10$^6$ A/W in the visible range showing potential as room-temperature single-electron detector.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Revealing the role of electrons and phonons in the ultrafast recovery of charge density wave correlations in 1$T$-TiSe$_2$

Using time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with selective near- and mid-infrared photon excitations, we investigate the femtosecond dynamics of the charge density wave (CDW) phase in 1$T$-TiSe$_2$, as well as the dynamics of CDW fluctuations at 240 K. In the CDW phase, we observe the coherent oscillation of the CDW amplitude mode. At 240 K, we single out an ultrafast component in the recovery of the CDW correlations, which we explain as the manifestation of electron-hole correlations. Our momentum-resolved study of femtosecond electron dynamics supports a mechanism for the CDW phase resulting from the cooperation between the interband Coulomb interaction, the mechanism of excitonic insulator phase formation, and electron-phonon coupling.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2016

BiTeCl and BiTeBr: a comparative high-pressure optical study

We here report a detailed high-pressure infrared transmission study of BiTeCl and BiTeBr. We follow the evolution of two band transitions: the optical excitation $β$ between two Rashba-split conduction bands, and the absorption $γ$ across the band gap. In the low pressure range, $p< 4$~GPa, for both compounds $β$ is approximately constant with pressure and $γ$ decreases, in agreement with band structure calculations. In BiTeCl, a clear pressure-induced phase transition at 6~GPa leads to a different ground state. For BiTeBr, the pressure evolution is more subtle, and we discuss the possibility of closing and reopening of the band gap. Our data is consistent with a Weyl phase in BiTeBr at 5$-$6~GPa, followed by the onset of a structural phase transition at 7~GPa.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Possibility of an unconventional spin state of Ir$^{4+}$ in Ba$_{21}$Ir$_9$O$_{43}$ single crystal

We report the synthesis of single crystals of a novel layered iridate Ba$_{21}$Ir$_9$O$_{43}$, and present the crystallographic, transport and magnetic properties of this material. The compound has a hexagonal structure with two iridium oxide layers stacked along the $c$ direction. One layer consists of a triangular arrangement of Ir$_2$O$_9$ dimers while the other layer comprises two regular octahedra and one triangular pyramid, forming inter-penetrated triangular lattices. The resistivity as a function of temperature exhibits an insulating behavior, with a peculiar $T^{-3}$ behavior. Magnetic susceptibility shows antiferromagnetic Curie-Weiss behavior with $Θ_\mathrm{CW} \simeq -$90 K while a magnetic transition occurs at substantially lower temperature of 9 K. We discuss possible valence states and effective magnetic moments on Ir ions in different local environments, and argue that the Ir ions in a unique triangular-pyramidal configuration likely carry unusually large magnetic moments.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2016

Evidence for a Strong Topological Insulator Phase in $\mathrm{ZrTe_5}$

The complex electronic properties of $\mathrm{ZrTe_5}$ have recently stimulated in-depth investigations that assigned this material to either a topological insulator or a 3D Dirac semimetal phase. Here we report a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of both electronic and structural properties of $\mathrm{ZrTe_5}$, revealing that the bulk material is a strong topological insulator (STI). By means of angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, we identify at the top of the valence band both a surface and a bulk state. The dispersion of these bands is well captured by ab initio calculations for the STI case, for the specific interlayer distance measured in our x-ray diffraction study. Furthermore, these findings are supported by scanning tunneling spectroscopy revealing the metallic character of the sample surface, thus confirming the strong topological nature of $\mathrm{ZrTe_5}$.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Discovery of Weyl semimetal state violating Lorentz invariance in MoTe2

A new type of Weyl semimetal state, in which the energy values of Weyl nodes are not the local extrema, has been theoretically proposed recently, namely type II Weyl semimetal. Distinguished from type I semimetal (e.g. TaAs), the Fermi surfaces in a type II Weyl semimetal consist of a pair of electron and hole pockets touching at the Weyl node. In addition, Weyl fermions in type II Weyl semimetals violate Lorentz invariance. Due to these qualitative differences distinct spectroscopy and magnetotransport properties are expected in type II Weyl semimetals. Here, we present the direct observation of the Fermi arc states in MoTe2 by using angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Two arc states are identified for each pair of Weyl nodes whoes surface projections of them possess single topological charge, which is a unique property for type II Weyl semimetals. The experimentally determined Fermi arcs are consistent with our first principle calculations. Our results unambiguously establish that MoTe2 is a type II Weyl semimetal, which serves as a great test bed to investigate the phenomena of new type of Weyl fermions with Lorentz invariance violated.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Ultrafast Optical Control of the Electronic Properties of $ZrTe_5$

We report on the temperature dependence of the $ZrTe_5$ electronic properties, studied at equilibrium and out of equilibrium, by means of time and angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. Our results unveil the dependence of the electronic band structure across the Fermi energy on the sample temperature. This finding is regarded as the dominant mechanism responsible for the anomalous resistivity observed at T* $\sim$ 160 K along with the change of the charge carrier character from holelike to electronlike. Having addressed these long-lasting questions, we prove the possibility to control, at the ultrashort time scale, both the binding energy and the quasiparticle lifetime of the valence band. These experimental evidences pave the way for optically controlling the thermoelectric and magnetoelectric transport properties of $ZrTe_5$.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Dramatic pressure-driven enhancement of bulk skyrmion stability

The recent discovery of magnetic skyrmion lattices initiated a surge of interest in the scientific community. Several novel phenomena have been shown to emerge from the interaction of conducting electrons with the skyrmion lattice, such as a topological Hall-effect and a spin-transfer torque at ultra-low current densities. In the insulating compound Cu2OSeO3, magneto-electric coupling enables control of the skyrmion lattice via electric fields, promising a dissipation-less route towards novel spintronic devices. One of the outstanding fundamental issues is related to the thermodynamic stability of the skyrmion lattice. To date, the skyrmion lattice in bulk materials has been found only in a narrow temperature region just below the order-disorder transition. If this narrow stability is unavoidable, it would severely limit applications. Here we present the discovery that applying just moderate pressure on Cu2OSeO3 substantially increases the absolute size of the skyrmion pocket. This insight demonstrates directly that tuning the electronic structure can lead to a significant enhancement of the skyrmion lattice stability. We interpret the discovery by extending the previously employed Ginzburg-Landau approach and conclude that change in the anisotropy is the main driver for control of the size of the skyrmion pocket. This realization provides an important guide for tuning the properties of future skyrmion hosting materials.

cond-mat.str-el↗