arXiv subjects

Anup Pradhan Sakhya

Publications and source records attributed to Anup Pradhan Sakhya.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2023

Complex electronic structure evolution of NdSb across the magnetic transition

The rare-earth monopnictide (REM) family, which hosts magnetic ground states with extreme magnetoresistance, has established itself as a fruitful playground for the discovery of interesting topological phases. Here, by using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy complemented by first-principles density functional-theory based modeling, we examine the evolution of the electronic structure of the candidate REM Dirac semimetal NdSb across the magnetic transition. A complex angel-wing-like band structure near the zone center and three arc-like features at the zone corner have been observed. This dramatic reconstruction of the itinerant bands around the zone center is shown to be driven by the magnetic transition: Specifically,, the Nd 5d electron band backfolds at the Gamma point and hybridizes with the Sb 5p hole bands in the antiferromagnetic phase. Our study indicates that antiferromagnetism plays an intricate role in the electronic structure of the REM family.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2023

Observation of Fermi arcs and Weyl nodes in a non-centrosymmetric magnetic Weyl semimetal

Weyl semimetal (WSM), a novel state of quantum matter, hosts Weyl fermions as emergent quasiparticles resulting from the breaking of either inversion or time-reversal symmetry. Magnetic WSMs that arise from broken time-reversal symmetry provide an exceptional platform to understand the interplay between magnetic order and Weyl physics, but few WSMs have been realized. Here, we identify CeAlSi as a new non-centrosymmetric magnetic WSM via angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and first-principles, density-functional theory based calculations. Our surface-sensitive vacuum ultraviolet ARPES data confirms the presence of surface Fermi arcs as, the smoking gun evidence for the existence of the Weyl semimetallic state in CeAlSi. We also observe bulk Weyl cones in CeAlSi using bulk-sensitive soft-X-ray ARPES measurements. In addition, Ce 4f at bands are found near the Fermi level, indicating that CeAlSi is a unique platform for investigating exotic quantum phenomena resulting from the interaction of topology, magnetism and electronic correlations.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Observation of gapless nodal-line states in NdSbTe

Lanthanide (Ln) based systems in the ZrSiS-type nodal-line semimetals have been subjects of research investigations as grounds for studying the interplay of topology with possible magnetic ordering and electronic correlations that may originate from the presence of Ln 4f electrons. In this study, we carried out a thorough study of a LnSbTe system - NdSbTe - by using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy along with first-principles calculations and thermodynamic measurements. We experimentally detect the presence of multiple gapless nodal-line states, which is well supported by first-principles calculations. A dispersive and an almost non-dispersive nodal-line exist along the bulk X-R direction. Another nodal-line is present well below the Fermi level across the G- M direction, which is formed by bands with high Fermi velocity that seem to be sensitive to light polarization. Our study provides an insight into the electronic structure of a new LnSbTe material system that will aid towards understanding the connection of Ln elements with topological electronic structure in these systems.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Spectroscopic evidence of flat bands in breathing kagome semiconductor Nb3I8

Kagome materials have become solid grounds to study the interplay among geometry, topology, correlation, and magnetism. Recently, semiconductors Nb3X8(X = Cl, Br, I) have been predicted to be two-dimensional (2D) magnets and importantly these materials possess breathing kagome geometry. Electronic structure study of these promising materials is still lacking. Here, we report the spectroscopic evidence of at and weakly dispersing bands in breathing-kagome semiconductor Nb3I8 around 500 meV binding energy, which is well supported by our first-principles calculations. These bands originate from the breathing kagome lattice of Niobium atoms and have Nb d character. They are found to be sensitive to polarization of the incident photon beam. Our study provides insight into the electronic structure and at band topology in an exfoliable kagome semiconductor thereby providing an important platform to understand the interaction of geometry and electron correlations in 2D material.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Observation of anisotropic Dirac cones in the topological material Ti2Te2P

Anisotropic bulk Dirac (or Weyl) cones in three dimensional systems have recently gained intense research interest as they are examples of materials with tilted Dirac (or Weyl) cones indicatig the violation of Lorentz invariance. In contrast, the studies on anisotropic surface Dirac cones in topological materials which contribute to anisotropic carrier mobility have been limited. By employing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations, we reveal the anisotropic surface Dirac dispersion in a tetradymite material Ti2Te2P on the (001) plane of the Brillioun zone. We observe the quasi-elliptical Fermi pockets at the M -point of the Brillouin zone forming the anisotropic surface Dirac cones. Our calculations of the Z2 indices confirm that the system is topologically non-trivial with multiple topological phases in the same material. In addition, the observed nodal-line like feature formed by bulk bands makes this system topologically rich.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Behavior of gapped and ungapped Dirac cones in an antiferromagnetic topological metal, SmBi

We studied the behavior of nontrivial Dirac fermion states in an antiferromagnetic metal SmBi using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The experimental results exhibit multiple Fermi pockets around $\overlineΓ$ and $\overline{M}$ points along with a band inversion in the spectrum along the $\overlineΓ$-$\overline{M}$ line consistent with the density functional theory results. In addition, ARPES data reveal Dirac cones at $\overlineΓ$ and $\overline{M}$ points within the energy gap of the bulk bands. The Dirac cone at $\overline{M}$ exhibit a distinct Dirac point and is intense in the high photon energy data while the Dirac cone at $\overlineΓ$ is intense at low photon energies. Employing ultra-high-resolution ARPES, we discover destruction of a Fermi surface constituted by the surface states across the Neél temperature of 9 K. Interestingly, the Dirac cone at $\overlineΓ$ is found to be gapped at 15 K and the behavior remains similar across the magnetic transition. These results reveal complex momentum dependent gap formation and fermi surface destruction across magnetic transition in an exotic correlated topological material; the interplay between magnetism and topology in this system calls for ideas beyond existing theoretical models.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Energy relaxation dynamics in a nodal-line semimetal

We study the temperature relaxation dynamics of nodal-line semimetals after a sudden excitation in the presence of acoustic and optical phonon modes. We find that the nodal line constrains the electron momenta in scattering processes and, as a result, the temperature relaxation due to acoustic phonons is exponential as a function of time. However, depending on initial conditions, other functional forms are possible. In typical pump-probe experiments, the temperature relaxation is linear due to acoustic phonons with rates that vary as $\sim n^{1/2}$ with density. The temperature relaxation due to optical phonons is also linear with rates $\sim n^{-1/2}$ or $\sim n$.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2021

Ultrafast relaxation of acoustic and optical phonons in a topological nodal-line semimetal ZrSiS

Despite being the most studied nodal line semimetal, a clear understanding of the transient state relaxation dynamics and the underlying mechanism in ZrSiS is lacking. Using time and angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we study the ultrafast relaxation dynamics in ZrSiS and reveal a unique relaxation in the bulk nodal-line state which is well captured by a simple model based on optical and acoustic phonon cooling. We find linear decay processes for both optical and acoustic phonon relaxations with acoustic cooling suppressed at high temperatures. Our results reveal different decay mechanisms for the bulk and surface states and pave a way to understand the mechanism of conduction in this material.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Unusual magnetic and transport properties in HoMn$_6$Sn$_6$ kagome magnet

With intricate lattice structures, kagome materials are an excellent platform to study various fascinating topological quantum states. In particular, kagome materials, revealing large responses to external stimuli such as pressure or magnetic field, are subject to special investigation. Here, we study the kagome-net HoMn$_6$Sn$_6$ magnet that undergoes paramagnetic to ferrimagnetic transition (below 376 K) and reveals spin-reorientation transition below 200 K. In this compound, we observe the topological Hall effect and substantial contribution of anomalous Hall effect above 100 K. We unveil the pressure effects on magnetic ordering at a low magnetic field from the pressure tunable magnetization measurement. By utilizing high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, Dirac-like dispersion at the high-symmetry point K is revealed in the vicinity of the Fermi level, which is well supported by the first-principles calculations, suggesting a possible Chern-gapped Dirac cone in this compound. Our investigation will pave the way to understand the magneto-transport and electronic properties of various rare-earth-based kagome magnets.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2021

Anisotropically large anomalous and topological Hall effect in a kagome magnet

Recently, kagome materials have become an engrossing platform to study the interplay among symmetry, magnetism, topology, and electron correlation. The latest works on RMn6Sn6 (R = rare earth metal) compounds have illustrated that this family could be intriguing to investigate various physical phenomena due to large spin-orbit coupling and strong magnetic ordering. However, combined transport and spectroscopic studies in RMn6Sn6 materials are still limited. Here, we report magnetic, magneto-transport, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements of a kagome magnet ErMn6Sn6 that undergoes antiferromagnetic (TN = 345 K) to ferrimagnetic (TC = 68 K) phase transitions in the presence of field. We observe large anomalous and topological Hall effects serving as transport signatures of the nontrivial Berry curvature. The isothermal magnetization exhibits strong anisotropic nature and the topological Hall effect of the compound depends on the critical field of metamagnetic transition. Our spectroscopic results complemented by theoretical calculations show the multi-orbital kagome fermiology. This work provides new insight into the tunability and interplay of topology and magnetism in a kagome magnet.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Emergence of well screened states in a superconducting material of the CaFe$_2$As$_2$ family

Coupling among conduction electrons (e.g. Zhang-Rice singlet) are often manifested in the core level spectra of exotic materials such as cuprate superconductors, manganites, etc. These states are believed to play key roles in the ground state properties and appear as low binding energy features. To explore such possibilities in the Fe-based systems, we study the core level spectra of a superconductor, CaFe$_{1.9}$Co$_{0.1}$As$_2$ (CaCo122) in the CaFe$_2$As$_2$ (Ca122) family employing high-resolution hard $x$-ray photoemission spectroscopy. While As core levels show almost no change with doping and cooling, Ca 2$p$ peak of CaCo122 show reduced surface contribution relative to Ca122 and a gradual shift of the peak position towards lower binding energies with cooling. In addition, we discover emergence of a feature at lower binding energy side of the well screened Fe 2$p$ signal in CaCo122. The intensity of this feature grows with cooling and indicate additional channels to screen the core holes. The evolution of this feature in the superconducting composition and it's absence in the parent compound suggests relevance of the underlying interactions in the ground state properties of this class of materials. These results reveal a new dimension in the studies of Fe-based superconductors and the importance of such states in the unconventional superconductivity in general.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2021

Observation of multiple nodal-lines in SmSbTe

Having been a ground for various topological fermionic phases, the family of ZrSiS-type 111 materials has been under experimental and theoretical investigations. Within this family of materials, the subfamily LnSbTe (Ln = lanthanide elements) is gaining interests in recent times as the strong correlation effects and magnetism arising from the 4f electrons of the lanthanides can provide an important platform to study the linking between topology, magnetism, and correlation. In this paper, we report the systematic study of the electronic structure of SmSbTe - a member of the LnSbTe subfamily - by utilizing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy in conjunction with first-principles calculations, transport, and magnetic measurements. Our experimental results identify multiple Dirac nodes forming the nodal-lines along the G- X and Z- R directions in the bulk Brillouin zone (BZ) as predicted by our theoretical calculations. A surface Dirac-like state that arises from the square net plane of the Sb atoms is also observed at the X point of the surface BZ. Our study highlights SmSbTe as a promising candidate to understand the topological electronic structure of LnSbTe materials.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2020

Evidence of non-trivial Berry phase and Kondo physics in SmBi

Realization of semimetals with non-trivial topologies such as Dirac and Weyl semimetals, have provided a boost in the study of these quantum materials. Presence of electron correlation makes the system even more exotic due to enhanced scattering of charge carriers, Kondo screening etc. Here, we studied the electronic properties of single crystalline, SmBi employing varied state of the art bulk measurements. Magnetization data reveals two magnetic transitions; an antiferromagnetic order with a Neel temperature of ~ 9 K and a second magnetic transition at a lower temperature (= 7 K). The electrical resistivity data shows an upturn typical of a Kondo system and the estimated Kondo temperature is found to be close to the Neel temperature. High quality of the crystal enabled us to discover signature of quantum oscillation in the magnetization data even at low magnetic field. Using a Landau level fan diagram analysis, a non-trivial Berry phase is identified for a Fermi pocket revealing the topological character in this material. These results demonstrate an unique example of the Fermiology in the antiferromagnetic state and opens up a new paradigm to explore the Dirac fermion physics in correlated topological metal via interplay of Kondo interaction, topological order and magnetism.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2020

Structural anomaly in superconductivity of CaFe2As2 class of materials

Quantum transitions in Fe-based systems are believed to involve spin, charge and nematic fluctuations. Complex structural phase diagram in these materials often emphasizes importance of covalency in their exotic properties, which is directly linked to the local structural network and barely understood. In order to address this outstanding issue, we investigate the evolution of structural parameters and their implication in unconventional superconductivity of 122 class of materials employing extended x-ray absorption fine structure studies. The spectral functions near the Fe K- and As K-absorption edge of CaFe2As2 and its superconducting composition, CaFe1.9Co0.1As2 (Tc = 12 K) exhibit evidence of enhancement of Fe contribution with Co-substitution near the Fermi level. As-Fe and Fe-Fe bondlengths derived from the experimental data exhibit interesting changes with temperature across the magneto-structural transition. Curiously, the evolution in Co-doped composition is similar to its parent compound despite absence of magneto-structural transition. In addition, we discover anomalous change of Ca-X (X = Fe, As) bondlengths with temperature in the vicinity of magneto-structural transition and disorder appears to be less important presumably due to screening by the charge reservoir layer. These results reveal evidence of doping induced evolution to the proximity to critical behavior presumably leading to superconductivity in the system.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2020

Preparation, characterization and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy study of a correlated semimetal, SmBi

We report high quality single crystalline growth of SmBi using flux method. The compound crystallizes in the simple rock salt structure with space group Fm3m. The cubic structure of the single crystal was confirmed by Laue diffraction pattern. The magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal sharp antiferromagnetic order with Neel temperature of 9 K. The core level photoemission spectroscopy study of Sm 3d has been performed using monochromatic Al Kalpha source. We observe multiple features in the experimental spectra due to fonal state effect - a signature of hybridization between Sm 4f - Bi 6p states. Intense satellite features are also observed presumably due to mixed valency arising from Kondo coupling. No signature of surface-bulk difference is observed in the Sm 3d core level spectra.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2020

Preparation, Characterization and electronic structure of Ti-doped Bi$_2$Se$_3$

We report the preparation of high-quality single crystal of Bi$_2$Se$_3$, a well-known topological insulator and its Ti-doped compositions using Bridgeman technique. Prepared single crystals were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) to check the crystalline structure and energy dispersive analysis of x-rays for composition analysis. The XRD data of Ti-doped compounds show a small shift with respect to normal Bi$_2$Se$_3$ indicating changes in the lattice parameters while the structure type remained unchanged; this also establishes that Ti goes to the intended substitution sites. All the above analysis establishes successful preparation of these crystals with high quality using Bridgman technique. We carried out x-ray photo-emission spectroscopy to study the composition via investigating the core level spectra. Bi$_2$Se$_3$ spectra exhibit sharp and distinct features for the core levels and absence of impurity features. The core level spectra of the Ti-doped sample exhibit distinct signal due to Ti core levels. The analysis of the spectral features reveal signature of plasmon excitation and final state satellites; a signature of finite electron correlation effect in the electronic structure.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2019

Complex hybridization physics and evidence of structural anomaly to be a bulk property in an exotic Fe-based compound, CaFe2As2

Surface of quantum materials often exhibits significantly different behavior than the bulk due to changed topologies and symmetry protections. The outstanding problem is to find out if the exoticity of a material is linked to the changed topology at the surface or it is a bulk property. Hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (HAXPES) is a significantly bulk sensitive technique (escape depth of valence electrons is about 40 Å for 6 keV photon energy) and the probing depth can be tuned by changing the electron emission angle. Therefore, HAXPES is often used to reveal the surface-bulk differences in a material. Here, we show that the delineation of surface-bulk differences in the valence band spectral functions using this method is highly non-trivial due to the complexity arising from linear dichroic effect in addition to the change in surface sensitivity. We show that core level spectra can be used to reveal the surface-bulk differences in the electronic structure. The Ca 2p spectra exhibit evidence of significant hybridization with the conduction electrons revealing their importance in the electronic properties of the system as also found for the charge reservoir layers in cuprate superconductors. The Fe 2p core level spectra as a function of bulk sensitivity and temperature reveals an unusual scenario; while the surface electronic structure corroborates well with the observed phase transitions of the system, the bulk spectra exhibit signature of additional structural phases providing a rare evidence of structural anomaly to be a bulk property.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Anomalous ground state properties of SmB6 -- a density functional theoretical study

We studied the electronic structure of SmB6 employing density functional theory (DFT) using different exchange potentials, spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and electron correlation (U = correlation strength). All the calculations carried out in this study converge to metallic ground state indicating bulk metallicity in SmB6, which is in line with the low temperature anomalies observed in this system. We show that while spin-orbit coupling and electron correlation is important to capture the ground state properties, generalized gradient approximation provides the best description of the Sm 4f multiplets observed in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) data. The Fermi surface plots exhibit electron and hole pockets having dominant Sm 4f character; the observation of these Fermi surfaces is consistent with the recent quantum oscillation measurements. In addition to primarily Sm 4f contributions observed at the Fermi level, we discover significantly large contribution from B 2p states compared to weak Sm 5d contributions. This suggests important role of B 2p - Sm 4f hybridization in the exotic physics of this system.

cond-mat.str-el↗