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Bongjae Kim

Publications and source records attributed to Bongjae Kim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Physics-informed Machine Learning Prediction of Hubbard Interaction Parameters

Accurate determination of Hubbard interaction parameters is essential for beyond-DFT approaches such as DFT+$U$, DFT+DMFT, and DFT+$U$+$V$ in correlated materials. In practice, however, these parameters are often chosen empirically, limiting their transferability across materials. Advanced computational approaches such as the constrained random-phase approximation (cRPA) provide a rigorous route for evaluating Hubbard interactions, but their computational cost remains a bottleneck for large-scale materials screening. Here, we present machine-learning (ML) models for predicting cRPA-derived Hubbard interaction parameters: effective on-site $U_{\rm eff}$, inter-site $V$, and Hund's coupling $J$ for transition-metal oxides (TMOs). We combine ensemble-learning models with a regression-based brute-force search (BFS) approach to achieve both predictive accuracy and explicit analytical expressions. We construct features that capture electronic, structural, and atomic properties, including the TM-$d$ bandwidth and TM-$d$/O-$p$ band-center separation, as physically motivated descriptors of localization and screening. Our ensemble models achieve RMSEs of 0.148 eV, 0.062 eV, and 0.007 eV for $U_{\rm eff}$, $V$, and $J$, respectively. The derived analytical forms directly relate $U_{\rm eff}$ to electron localization and TM-$d$/O-$p$ hybridization, suggest the importance of hybridization and structural compactness in determining $V$, and indicate that $J$ is governed primarily by elemental descriptors of the TM ion. Together, the present study provides an efficient approach for predicting cRPA-derived $U_{\rm eff}$, $V$, and $J$, while offering physical insight into the factors underlying these Hubbard interactions.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Unconventional Mixed-Parity Magnetism in Rare-Earth Tetraborides

Altermagnetism has advanced the study of compensated magnets by revealing non-relativistic spin splitting, traditionally classified into strictly even- or odd-parity spin textures. Here, we unveil a fundamentally different regime: component-resolved mixed-parity spin splitting in a fully three-dimensional compensated magnet. Using first-principles calculations, tight-binding and $\mathbf{k} \cdot \mathbf{p}$ models, along with spin-group symmetry analysis, we demonstrate that the non-coplanar ground state of $\mathrm{TbB}_4$ enforces a unique momentum-space spin texture. The in-plane spin components exhibit odd-parity $p$- and $f$-wave-like textures, whereas the out-of-plane component retains an even-parity $d$-wave altermagnetic character. Crucially, the coexistence of the in-plane odd-parity textures is driven not by relativistic spin-orbit coupling, but by a staggered Berry phase arising from the inherent scalar spin chirality. This mixed-parity structure dictates distinct transport fingerprints, including bulk non-relativistic Edelstein and spin Hall responses, as well as a symmetry-allowed Berry curvature dipole. These results establish the rare-earth tetraborides as a robust platform for engineering complex spin-charge conversion phenomena.

cond-mat.str-el

Direction-selective intertwined charge, orbital, and lattice orders under uniaxial strain in hole-doped manganite: La0.75Ca0.25MnO3

The complex interplay of charge, spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom governs emergent phases in quantum materials, making strain a powerful control parameter. Recent advances in free-standing layer techniques have enabled extreme strains of nearly 8%, opening access to novel and often unexpected electronic and magnetic phases. Here, using a density functional theory approach, we investigate the effect of direction-selective uniaxial strain on the prototypical Jahn-Teller system La1-xCaxMnO3 (x = 0.25). We find that different strain directions stabilize qualitatively distinct structural, charge, and orbital responses, rather than merely different strengths of the same phase. In particular, extreme uniaxial strain selectively induces cooperative Jahn-Teller, breathing-like, and site-selective modulations, thereby enabling previously inaccessible intertwined orders in manganites. These results establish direction-selective uniaxial strain as a powerful and selective route for engineering emergent phases in quantum materials.

cond-mat.str-el

Metastable Multi-centered Polarons in BiVO$_{4}$

Polarons, quasiparticles formed through interactions between lattice and charge carriers (electrons and holes), strongly influence the electronic and optical properties of functional materials. In nanostructured BiVO$_{4}$, polaron formation and dynamics govern photocatalytic efficiency and charge transport, yet the microscopic nature remains not fully resolved. Here, using first-principles calculations, we report the formation of multi-centered polarons, in contrast to the more common single-centered states. Moreover, electron polarons exhibit pronounced anisotropy compared to the isotropic hole counterpart, reflecting a distinct character in charge-lattice coupling. These theoretical insights offer a direct interpretation of optical and spectroscopic experiments, providing strong evidence of anisotropic multi-centered polaronic behavior in BiVO$_{4}$. The presence of multiple in-gap states, especially from multi-centered polarons, introduces new channels for charge transport and recombination, possibly offering opportunities to control carrier dynamics in nanoscale photocatalytic and optoelectronic devices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Strain Engineering of van Hove Singularity and Coupled Itinerant Ferromagnetism in Quasi-2D Oxide Superlattices

Engineering van Hove singularities (vHss) near the Fermi level, if feasible, offers a powerful route to control exotic quantum phases in electronic and magnetic behaviors. However, conventional approaches, which rely primarily on chemical and electrical doping, focus mainly on local electrical or optical measurements, limiting their applicability to coupled functionalities. In this study, a vHs-induced insulator-metal transition coupled with a ferromagnetic phase transition was empirically achieved in atomically designed quasi-2D SrRuO3 (SRO) superlattices via epitaxial strain engineering, which has not been observed in conventional 3D SRO systems. Theoretical calculations revealed that epitaxial strain effectively modulates the strength and energy positions of vHs of specific Ru orbitals, driving correlated phase transitions in the electronic and magnetic ground states. X-ray absorption spectroscopy confirmed the anisotropic electronic structure of quasi-2D SRO modulated by epitaxial strain. Magneto-optic Kerr effect and electrical transport measurements demonstrated modulated magnetic and electronic phases. Furthermore, magneto-electrical measurements detected significant anomalous Hall effect signals and ferromagnetic magnetoresistance, indicating the presence of magnetically coupled charge carriers in the 2D metallic regime. This study establishes strain engineering as a promising platform for tuning vHss and resultant itinerant ferromagnetism of low-dimensional correlated quantum systems.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Correlation Effects on Magnetic Structure and Lattice Dynamics of LaMn$_7$O$_{12}$: A First-Principles Study

LaMn$_7$O$_{12}$, a quadruple perovskite oxide (AA'$_3$B$_4$O$_{12}$-type), has attracted attention for its notable bifunctional activity in oxygen evolution and reduction reactions. Here, we systematically investigate the magnetic phase diagram and lattice dynamics of LaMn$_7$O$_{12}$ using two density functional theory plus Hubbard U (DFT + U) approaches: the spin-density and the charge-only-density formalism. Phase diagram analysis as a function of U and J shows that both methods stabilize the experimentally observed antiferromagnetic (AFM) configuration (C-type AFM at the B-site and ferrimagnetic structure at the A'-site Mn ions) at U = 3.5 eV and J = 0.8 eV. These U and J values are consistent with those obtained from the constrained random phase approximation. Furthermore, we observe the dynamical stability of the AFM phase through phonon dispersion curves and analyze the Raman-active phonon modes. These results highlight the critical role of appropriate U and J parameters in accurately describing the properties of LaMn$_7$O$_{12}$.

cond-mat.str-el

Constrained Random Phase Approximation: the spectral method

We present a constrained Random Phase Approximation (cRPA) method, termed spectral cRPA (s-cRPA), and compare it to established cRPA approaches for Scandium and Copper by varying the 3d shell filling. The s-cRPA method generally produces larger Hubbard U interaction values compared to conventional approaches. When applied to the realistic system CaFeO$_3$ , s-cRPA yields interaction parameters that align more closely with those required within DFT+U to reproduce the experimentally observed insulating state, addressing the metallic behaviour predicted by standard density functionals. We examine the issue of negative interaction values encountered in the projector cRPA method for filled d-shells. We show that s-cRPA provides improved numerical stability by preserving electron number conservation, a constraint that is violated in the projector cRPA method. The s-cRPA approach addresses some limitations of standard cRPA methods, particularly the tendency to underestimate U values, suggesting its potential utility for the community. Additionally, we have enhanced our implementation to include computation of multi-centre interactions for analysing spatial decay and developed an efficient low-scaling variant employing a compressed Matsubara grid to obtain full frequency-dependent interactions.

cond-mat.str-el

Role of On-site and Inter-site Coulomb Interactions in KV$_3$Sb$_5$: A first-principles DFT+$U$+$V$ study

Nonlocal Coulomb interactions play a crucial role in stabilizing distinct electronic phases in kagome materials. In this work, we systematically investigate the effects of on-site ($U$) and inter-site ($V$) Coulomb interactions on the electronic structure and stability of charge-density-wave (CDW) phases in the kagome metal KV$_3$Sb$_5$ using density functional theory (DFT+$U$+$V$) calculations. We demonstrate that $V$ promotes the formation and stability of CDW phases, whereas $U$ suppresses these phases, highlighting a fundamental competition between local and nonlocal Coulomb interactions. By directly comparing our theoretical results with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) data, we identify realistic values of $U$ and $V$ that accurately describe the electronic band structure of KV$_3$Sb$_5$. Our findings establish a detailed $U$-$V$ phase diagram for KV$_3$Sb$_5$, offering valuable insights into the correlated electronic states in kagome metals and serving as a foundation for future explorations of correlation-driven phenomena in related materials.

cond-mat.str-el

Revisiting LaMnO3: A density functional theory study

Density functional theory (DFT) has been widely applied to a variety of realistic materials but often struggles to explain the properties of correlated systems. The DFT + U method, which introduces a Hubbard U correction to the DFT, has been instrumental in providing the treatment of systems such as transition metal oxide. The methodological details of DFT + U and their specifics on the electronic structures and magnetic properties of the correlated systems remain incompletely understood. In this study, taking the prototypical transition metal oxide system, LaMnO3, as an example, we systematically assess the performance of the two distinct DFT + U methods, spin-polarized DFT (SDFT + U) and spin-un-polarized DFT (CDFT + U). We found that while Coulomb U acts similarly for the two approaches, Hund JH plays a fundamentally different role, particularly in the determination of the magnetic phases. Our investigation shows the active role of Hund JH on the exchange splitting, leading to distinct magnetic ground configurations in the two methods. We further investigate the associated magnetic exchange interactions and compare our results with so-called beyond-DFT methods.

cond-mat.str-el

Comparative analysis of methods for calculating Hubbard parameters using cRPA

In this study, we present a systematic comparison of various approaches within the constrained random-phase approximation (cRPA) for calculating the Coulomb interaction parameter $U$. While defining the correlated space is straightforward for disentangled bands, the situation is more complex for entangled bands, where different projection schemes from hybridized bands to the target space can yield varying sizes of interaction parameters. We systematically evaluated different methods for calculating the polarizability functions within the correlated space. Furthermore, we analyze how different definitions of the correlated space, often constructed through Wannierization from Kohn-Sham orbitals, defines the orbital localization and play a crucial role in determining the interaction parameter. To illustrate these effects, we consider two sets of representative correlated d-orbital oxides: LiMO$_{2}$ (M = V-Ni) as examples of isolated d-electron systems and SrMO$_{3}$ (M = Mn, Fe, and Co) as cases of entangled d-electron systems. Through this systematic comparison, we provide a detailed analysis of different cRPA methodologies for computing the Hubbard parameters.

cond-mat.str-el

X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering explained: role of many-body correlation and valence fluctuations

X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering with magnetic circular dichroism (RIXS-MCD) provide unparalleled insights into the electronic and magnetic dynamics of complex materials. However, interpreting their spectra in mixed-valence systems remains challenging due to intricate many-body interactions and enhanced charge fluctuations. In this study, by utilizing the Anderson impurity model with a full consideration of charge transfer (CT), many-body core-valence exchange correlation (CVEC) effects, and Jahn-Teller (JT) distortions, we systematically investigate the XMCD and RIXS-MCD spectra for a prototypical mixed-valence ferromagnet, La$_{0.7}$Sr$_{0.3}$MnO$_3$ film. We demonstrate that simple calculation with limited CT effects fails to capture characteristic substructures observed experimentally. In contrast, an adequate treatment of CT and CVEC effects yields a more consistent description of both XMCD and RIXS-MCD spectra, providing practical guidance for the interpretation of dichroic x-ray spectroscopies in mixed-valence transition-metal oxides. Furthermore, we discuss the role of the JT effect in Mn$^{3+}$ ions in the determination of their spectra.

cond-mat.str-el

Weyl Fermion with various chiralities in a f-electron ferromagnetic system: PrB4

Rare-earth tetraborides ($R$B$_{4}$) have attracted a lot of recent attention due to their intriguing electronic, magnetic, and topological properties. We have theoretically investigated topological properties of PrB$_{4}$, which is unique among $R$B$_{4}$ family due to its ferromagnetic ground state. We have discovered that PrB$_{4}$ is an intrinsic magnetic Weyl system possessing multiple topological band crossings with various chiral charges. Density-functional-theory band calculations combined with tight-binding band analysis reveal large Fermi-arc surface states, which are characteristic fingerprints of Weyl fermions. Anomalous Hall conductivity is estimated to be very large, ranging from 500 to 1000 ($Ω\cdot$cm)$^{-1}$ near the Fermi level, which also demonstrates the topological Weyl character of ferromagnetic PrB$_{4}$. These findings suggest that PrB$_{4}$, being a potential candidate of magnetic Weyl system, would be a promising rare-earth topological system for applications to next-generation spintronic and photonic devices.

cond-mat.str-el

Exploring the role of nonlocal Coulomb interactions in perovskite transition metal oxides

Employing the density functional theory incorporating on-site and inter-site Coulomb interactions (DFT+U+V), we have investigated the role of the nonlocal interactions on the electronic structures of the transition metal oxide perovskites. Using constrained random phase approximation calculations, we derived screened Coulomb interaction parameters and revealed a competition between localization and screening effects, which results in nonmonotonic behavior with d-orbital occupation. We highlight the significant role and nonlocality of inter-site Coulomb interactions, V, comparable in magnitude to the local interaction, U. Our DFT+U+V results exemplarily show the representative band renormalization, and deviations from ideal extended Hubbard models due to increased hybridization between transition metal d and oxygen p orbitals as occupation increases. We further demonstrate that the inclusion of the inter-site V is essential for accurately reproducing the experimental magnetic order in transition metal oxides.

cond-mat.str-el

Giant lattice softening at a Lifshitz transition in Sr$_{2}$RuO$_{4}$

The interplay of electronic and structural degrees of freedom in solids is a topic of intense research. Experience and intuition suggest that structural changes drive conduction electron behavior, because the large number of valence electrons dominate the structural properties. As part of a seminal paper written over sixty years ago, Lifshitz discussed an alternative possibility: lattice softening driven by conduction electrons at topological Fermi surface transitions. The effect he predicted, however, was small, and has not been convincingly observed. Using measurements of the stress-strain relationship in the ultra-clean metal Sr$_{2}$RuO$_{4}$, we reveal a huge softening of the Young's modulus at a Lifshitz transition of a two-dimensional Fermi surface, and show that it is indeed entirely driven by the conduction electrons of the relevant energy band.

cond-mat.str-el

Electronic correlations and universal long-range scaling in kagome metals

We investigate the real-space profile of effective Coulomb interactions in correlated kagome materials. By particularizing to KV$_3$Sb$_5$, Co$_3$Sn$_2$S$_2$, FeSn, and Ni$_3$In, we analyze representative cases that exhibit a large span of correlation-mediated phenomena, and contrast them to prototypical prevoskite transition metal oxides. From our constrained random phase approximation studies we find that the on-site interaction strength in kagome metals not only depends on the screening processes at high energy, but also on the low-energy hybriziation profile of the electronic density of states. Our results indicate that rescaled by the onsite interaction amplitude, all kagome metals exhibit a universal long-range Coulomb behaviour.

cond-mat.str-el

Suppressed fluctuations as the origin of the static magnetic order in strained Sr$_2$RuO$_4$

Combining first principle density functional calculations and Moriya's self-consistent renormalization theory, we explain the recently reported counterintuitive appearance of an ordered magnetic state in uniaxially strained Sr$_2$RuO$_4$ beyond the Lifshits transition. We show that strain weakens the quantum spin fluctuations, which destroy the static order, more strongly than the tendency to magnetism. A different rate of decrease of the spin fluctuations vs. magnetic stabilization energy promotes the onset of a static magnetic order beyond a critical strain.

cond-mat.str-el

First-principles study on Small Polaron and Li diffusion in layered LiCoO2

Li-ion conductivity is one of the essential properties that determine the performance of cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. Here, using the density functional theory, we investigate the polaron stability and its effect on the Li-ion diffusion in layered LiCoO2 with different magnetic orderings. The localized Co4+ polaron appears in the magnetic configurations and sets the Li-diffusion barrier of ~0.34 eV. The polaron also migrates in the opposite direction to the Li-diffusion direction. On the other hand, the polaron does not form in the non-magnetic structure, and the Li diffusion barrier without the polaron is 0.21 eV. Although the existence of the polaron increases the diffusion barrier, the magnetically ordered structures are more energetically stable during the migration than the non-magnetic case. Thus, our work advocates the hole polaron migration scenario for Li-ion diffusion. Moreover, we demonstrate that the strong electron correlation of Co ions plays an essential role in stabilizing the Co4+ polaron.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Tunable electronic and magnetic phases in layered ruthenates: SrRuO3-SrTiO3 heterostructure upon strain

Layered ruthenates are a unique class of systems which manifests a variety of electronic and magnetic features emerged from competing energy scales. At the heart of such features lies the multi-orbital physics, especially, the orbital-selective behavior. Here, we propose that the SrRuO3-SrTiO3 heterostructure is a highly tunable platform to obtain the various emergent properties. Employing the density functional theory plus dynamical mean-field theory, we thoroughly investigate the orbital-dependent physics of the system and identify the competing magnetic fluctuations. We show that the epitaxial strain drives the system towards multi-orbital or orbital selective Mott phases from the Hund metal regime. At the same time, the two different types of static magnetism are stabilized, ferromagnetism and checkerboard antiferromagnetism, from the competition with the spin-density wave instability.

cond-mat.str-el