arXiv subjects

C. Pfleiderer

Publications and source records attributed to C. Pfleiderer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Orientation Dependence of the Magnetic Phase Diagram of Yb$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$

In the quest to realize a quantum spin liquid (QSL), magnetic long-range order is hardly welcome. Yet it can offer deep insights into a complex world of strong correlations and fluctuations. Much hope was placed in the cubic pyrochlore Yb$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ as a putative U(1) QSL but a new class of ultra-pure single crystals make it abundantly clear the stoichiometric compound is a ferromagnet. Here we present a detailed experimental and theoretical study of the corresponding field-temperature phase diagram. We find it to be richly anisotropic with a critical endpoint for $\vec{B}\,\parallel\,\langle 100\rangle$, while field parallel to $\langle 110 \rangle$ and $\langle 111 \rangle$ enhances the critical temperature by up to a factor of two and shifts the onset of the field-polarized state to finite fields. Landau theory shows that Yb$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ in some ways is remarkably similar to pure iron. However, it also pinpoints anomalies that cannot be accounted for at the classical mean-field level including a dramatic enhancement of $T_{\mathrm{C}}$ and reentrant phase boundary by fields with a component transverse to the easy axes, as well as the anisotropy of the upper critical field in the quantum limit.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Weak crystallization of fluctuating skyrmion textures in MnSi

We report an experimental study of the emergence of non-trivial topological winding and long-range order across the paramagnetic to skyrmion lattice transition in the transition metal helimagnet MnSi. Combining measurements of the susceptibility with small angle neutron scattering, neutron resonance spin echo spectroscopy and all-electrical microwave spectroscopy, we find evidence of skyrmion textures in the paramagnetic state exceeding $10^3$Åwith lifetimes above several 10$^{-9}$s. Our experimental findings establish that the paramagnetic to skyrmion lattice transition in MnSi is well-described by the Landau soft-mode mechanism of weak crystallization, originally proposed in the context of the liquid to crystal transition. As a key aspect of this theoretical model, the modulation-vectors of periodic small amplitude components of the magnetization form triangles that add to zero. In excellent agreement with our experimental findings, these triangles of the modulation-vectors entail the presence of the non-trivial topological winding of skyrmions already in the paramagnetic state of MnSi when approaching the skyrmion lattice transition.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Ultra-small moment incommensurate spin density wave order masking a ferromagnetic quantum critical point in NbFe$_2$

In the metallic magnet Nb$_{1-y}$Fe$_{2+y}$, the low temperature threshold of ferromagnetism can be investigated by varying the Fe excess $y$ within a narrow homogeneity range. We use elastic neutron scattering to track the evolution of magnetic order from Fe-rich, ferromagnetic Nb$_{0.981}$Fe$_{2.019}$ to approximately stoichiometric NbFe$_2$, in which we can, for the first time, characterise a long-wavelength spin density wave state burying a ferromagnetic quantum critical point. The associated ordering wavevector $\mathbf{q}_{\rm SDW}=$(0,0,$l_{\rm SDW}$) is found to depend significantly on $y$ and $T$, staying finite but decreasing as the ferromagnetic state is approached. The phase diagram follows a two order-parameter Landau theory, for which all the coefficients can now be determined. Our findings suggest that the emergence of SDW order cannot be attributed to band structure effects alone. They indicate a common microscopic origin of both types of magnetic order and provide strong constraints on related theoretical scenarios based on, e.g., quantum order by disorder.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

A Unique Crystal Structure of Ca$_2$RuO$_4$ in the Current Stabilized Semi-Metallic State

The electric-current stabilized semi-metallic state in the quasi-two-dimensional Mott insulator Ca$_2$RuO$_4$ exhibits an exceptionally strong diamagnetism. Through a comprehensive study using neutron and X-ray diffraction, we show that this non-equilibrium phase assumes a crystal structure distinct from those of equilibrium metallic phases realized in the ruthenates by chemical doping, high pressure and epitaxial strain, which in turn leads to a distinct electronic band structure. Dynamical mean field theory calculations based on the crystallographically refined atomic coordinates and realistic Coulomb repulsion parameters indicate a semi-metallic state with partially gapped Fermi surface. Our neutron diffraction data show that the non-equilibrium behavior is homogeneous, with antiferromagnetic long-range order completely suppressed. These results provide a new basis for theoretical work on the origin of the unusual non-equilibrium diamagnetism in Ca$_2$RuO$_4$.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Putative spin-nematic phase in BaCdVO(PO$_{4}$)$_{2}$

We report neutron scattering and AC magnetic susceptibility measurements of the 2D spin-1/2 frustrated magnet BaCdVO(PO$_{4}$)$_{2}$. At temperatures well below $T_{\sf N}\approx 1K$, we show that only 34 % of the spin moment orders in an up-up-down-down strip structure. Dominant magnetic diffuse scattering and comparison to published $μ$sr measurements indicates that the remaining 66 % is fluctuating. This demonstrates the presence of strong frustration, associated with competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions, and points to a subtle ordering mechanism driven by magnon interactions. On applying magnetic field, we find that at $T=0.1$ K the magnetic order vanishes at 3.8 T, whereas magnetic saturation is reached only above 4.5 T. We argue that the putative high-field phase is a realization of the long-sought bond-spin-nematic state.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Ultra-High Resolution Neutron Spectroscopy of Low-Energy Spin Dynamics in UGe$_2$

Studying the prototypical ferromagnetic superconductor UGe$_2$ we demonstrate the potential of the Modulated IntEnsity by Zero Effort (MIEZE) technique---a novel neutron spectroscopy method with ultra-high energy resolution of at least 1~$μ$eV---for the study of quantum matter. We reveal purely longitudinal spin fluctuations in UGe$_2$ with a dual nature arising from $5f$ electrons that are hybridized with the conduction electrons. Local spin fluctuations are perfectly described by the Ising universality class in three dimensions, whereas itinerant spin fluctuations occur over length scales comparable to the superconducting coherence length, showing that MIEZE is able to spectroscopically disentangle the complex low-energy behavior characteristic of quantum materials.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2018

Lattice dynamics and coupled quadrupole-phonon excitations in CeAuAl$_3$

We report first principles calculations of the structural parameters and phonon dispersion of the tetragonal non-centrosymmetric heavy fermion compound CeAuAl$_3$. Taking into account weak magnetoelastic interactions of the rare-earth (RE) ions with the spectrum of phonons, we obtain an analytical expression for the hybridization of quadrupole excitations and phonons from the poles of the one-phonon Green-function. In the paramagnetic phase, we predict the formation of mixed modes that may be observed by inelastic neutron scattering. Our results show that magnetoelastic interactions, albeit being moderate, play an important role in CeAuAl$_3$. This suggests that magnetoelastic interactions may be equally important in a wide range of related compounds.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2018

Response of the skyrmion lattice in MnSi to cubic magnetocrystalline anisotropies

We report high-precision small angle neutron scattering of the orientation of the skyrmion lattice in a spherical sample of MnSi under systematic changes of the magnetic field direction. For all field directions the skyrmion lattice may be accurately described as a triple-$\vec{Q}$ state, where the modulus $\vert \vec{Q} \vert$ is constant and the wave vectors enclose rigid angles of $120^{\circ}$. Along a great circle across $\langle 100\rangle$, $\langle 110\rangle$, and $\langle 111\rangle$ the normal to the skyrmion-lattice plane varies systematically by $\pm3^{\circ}$ with respect to the field direction, while the in-plane alignment displays a reorientation by $15^{\circ}$ for magnetic field along $\langle 100\rangle$. Our observations are qualitatively and quantitatively in excellent agreement with an effective potential, that is determined by the symmetries of the tetrahedral point group $T$ and includes contributions up to sixth-order in spin-orbit coupling, providing a full account of the effect of cubic magnetocrystalline anisotropies on the skyrmion lattice in MnSi.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2018

Canted antiferromagnetism in phase-pure CuMnSb

We report the low-temperature properties of phase-pure single crystals of the half-Heusler compound CuMnSb grown by means of optical float-zoning. The magnetization, specific heat, electrical resistivity, and Hall effect of our single crystals exhibit an antiferromagnetic transition at $T_{\mathrm{N}} = 55~\mathrm{K}$ and a second anomaly at a temperature $T^{*} \approx 34~\mathrm{K}$. Powder and single-crystal neutron diffraction establish an ordered magnetic moment of $(3.9\pm0.1)~μ_{\mathrm{B}}/\mathrm{f.u.}$, consistent with the effective moment inferred from the Curie-Weiss dependence of the susceptibility. Below $T_{\mathrm{N}}$, the Mn sublattice displays commensurate type-II antiferromagnetic order with propagation vectors and magnetic moments along $\langle111\rangle$ (magnetic space group $R[I]3c$). Surprisingly, below $T^{*}$, the moments tilt away from $\langle111\rangle$ by a finite angle $δ\approx 11^{\circ}$, forming a canted antiferromagnetic structure without uniform magnetization consistent with magnetic space group $C[B]c$. Our results establish that type-II antiferromagnetism is not the zero-temperature magnetic ground state of CuMnSb as may be expected of the face-centered cubic Mn sublattice.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Reciprocal space mapping of magnetic order in thick epitaxial MnSi films

We report grazing incidence small angle neutron scattering (GISANS) and complementary off-specular neutron reflectometry (OSR) of the magnetic order in a single-crystalline epitaxial MnSi film on Si(111) in the thick film limit. Providing a means of direct reciprocal space mapping, GISANS and OSR reveal a magnetic modulation perpendicular to the films under magnetic fields parallel and perpendicular to the film, where additional polarized neutron reflectometry (PNR) and magnetization measurements are in excellent agreement with the literature. Regardless of field orientation, our data does not suggest the presence of more complex spin textures, notably the formation of skyrmions. This observation establishes a distinct difference with bulk samples of MnSi of similar thickness under perpendicular field, in which a skyrmion lattice dominates the phase diagram. Extended x-ray absorption fine structure measurements suggest that small shifts of the Si positions within the unstrained unit cell control the magnetic state, representing the main difference between the films and thin bulk samples.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

The multi-purpose three-axis spectrometer (TAS) MIRA at FRM II

The cold-neutron three-axis spectrometer MIRA is an instrument optimized for low-energy excitations. Its excellent intrinsic $Q$-resolution makes it ideal for studying incommensurate magnetic systems (elastic and inelastic). MIRA is at the forefront of using advanced neutron focusing optics such as elliptic guides, which enable the investigation of small samples under extreme conditions. Another advantage of MIRA is the modular assembly allowing for instrumental adaption to the needs of the experiment within a few hours. The development of new methods such as the spin-echo technique MIEZE is another important application at MIRA. Scientific topics include the investigation of complex inter-metallic alloys and spectroscopy on incommensurate magnetic structures.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2017

Reentrant Phase Diagram of $\rm{Yb_2Ti_2O_7}$ in $\langle 111 \rangle$ Magnetic Field

We present a magnetic phase diagram of rare-earth pyrochlore $\rm{Yb_2Ti_2O_7}$ in a $\langle 111 \rangle$ magnetic field. Using heat capacity, magnetization, and neutron scattering data, we show an unusual field-dependence of a first-order phase boundary, wherein a small applied field increases the ordering temperature. The zero-field ground state has ferromagnetic domains, while the spins polarize along $\langle 111 \rangle$ above 0.65T. A classical Monte Carlo analysis of published Hamiltonians does account for the critical field in the low T limit. However, this analysis fails to account for the large bulge in the reentrant phase diagram, suggesting that either long-range interactions or quantum fluctuations govern low field properties.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Low spin wave damping in the insulating chiral magnet Cu$_{2}$OSeO$_{3}$

Chiral magnets with topologically nontrivial spin order such as Skyrmions have generated enormous interest in both fundamental and applied sciences. We report broadband microwave spectroscopy performed on the insulating chiral ferrimagnet Cu$_{2}$OSeO$_{3}$. For the damping of magnetization dynamics we find a remarkably small Gilbert damping parameter of about $1\times10^{-4}$ at 5 K. This value is only a factor of 4 larger than the one reported for the best insulating ferrimagnet yttrium iron garnet. We detect a series of sharp resonances and attribute them to confined spin waves in the mm-sized samples. Considering the small damping, insulating chiral magnets turn out to be promising candidates when exploring non-collinear spin structures for high frequency applications.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Entropy-limited topological protection of skyrmions

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected whirls that decay through singular magnetic configurations known as Bloch points. We have used Lorentz transmission electron microscopy to infer the energetics associated with the topological decay of magnetic skyrmions far from equilibrium in the chiral magnet Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$Si. We observed that the life time $τ$ of the skyrmions depends exponentially on temperature, $τ\sim τ_0 \, e^{ΔE/k_B T}$. The prefactor $τ_0$ of this Arrhenius law changes by more than 30 orders of magnitude for small changes of magnetic field reflecting a substantial reduction of the life time of skyrmions by entropic effects and thus an extreme case of enthalpy-entropy compensation. Such compensation effects, being well-known across many different scientific disciplines, affect topological transitions and thus topological protection on an unprecedented level.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2017

Linearly polarized GHz magnetization dynamics of spin helix modes in the ferrimagnetic insulator Cu$_{2}$OSeO$_{3}$

Linear dichroism -- the polarization dependent absorption of electromagnetic waves -- is routinely exploited in applications as diverse as structure determination of DNA or polarization filters in optical technologies. Here filamentary absorbers with a large length-to-width ratio are a prerequisite. For magnetization dynamics in the few GHz frequency regime strictly linear dichroism was not observed for more than eight decades. Here, we show that the bulk chiral magnet Cu$_{2}$OSeO$_{3}$ exhibits linearly polarized magnetization dynamics at an unexpectedly small frequency of about 2 GHz. Unlike optical filters that are assembled from filamentary absorbers, the magnet provides linear polarization as a bulk material for an extremely wide range of length-to-width ratios. In addition, the polarization plane of a given mode can be switched by 90$^\circ$ via a tiny variation in width. Our findings shed a new light on magnetization dynamics in that ferrimagnetic ordering combined with anisotropic exchange interaction offers strictly linear polarization and cross-polarized modes for a broad spectrum of sample shapes. The discovery allows for novel design rules and optimization of microwave-to-magnon transduction in emerging microwave technologies.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Dynamical defects in rotating magnetic skyrmion lattices

The chiral magnet Cu$_{2}$OSeO$_{3}$ hosts a skyrmion lattice, that may be equivalently described as a superposition of plane waves or lattice of particle-like topological objects. A thermal gradient may break up the skyrmion lattice and induce rotating domains raising the question which of these scenarios better describes the violent dynamics at the domain boundaries. Here we show that in an inhomogeneous temperature gradient caused by illumination in a Lorentz Transmission Electron Microscope different parts of the skyrmion lattice can be set into motion with different angular velocities. Tracking the time dependence we show that the constant rearrangement of domain walls is governed by dynamic 5-7 defects arranging into lines. An analysis of the associated defect density is described by Frank's equation and agrees well with classical 2D-Monte Carlo simulations. Fluctuations of boundaries show surge-like rearrangement of skyrmion clusters driven by defect rearrangement consistent with simulations treating skyrmions as point particles. Our findings underline the particle character of the skyrmion.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Imaging and manipulation of skyrmion lattice domains in Cu2OSeO3

Nanoscale chiral skyrmions in noncentrosymmetric helimagnets are promising binary state variables in high-density, low-energy nonvolatile memory. Skyrmions are ubiquitous as an ordered, single-domain lattice phase, which makes it difficult to write information unless they are spatially broken up into smaller units, each representing a bit. Thus, the formation and manipulation of skyrmion lattice domains is a prerequisite for memory applications. Here, using an imaging technique based on resonant magnetic x-ray diffraction, we demonstrate the mapping and manipulation of skyrmion lattice domains in Cu2OSeO3. The material is particularly interesting for applications owing to its insulating nature, allowing for electric field-driven domain manipulation.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Strain in epitaxial MnSi films on Si(111) in the thick film limit studied by polarization-dependent extended x-ray absorption fine structure

We report a study of the strain state of epitaxial MnSi films on Si(111) substrates in the thick film limit (100-500~Å) as a function of film thickness using polarization-dependent extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). All films investigated are phase-pure and of high quality with a sharp interface between MnSi and Si. The investigated MnSi films are in a thickness regime where the magnetic transition temperature $T_\mathrm{c}$ assumes a thickness-independent enhanced value of $\geq$43~K as compared with that of bulk MnSi, where $T_\mathrm{c} \approx 29~{\rm K}$. A detailed refinement of the EXAFS data reveals that the Mn positions are unchanged, whereas the Si positions vary along the out-of-plane [111]-direction, alternating in orientation from unit cell to unit cell. Thus, for thick MnSi films, the unit cell volume is essentially that of bulk MnSi --- except in the vicinity of the interface with the Si substrate (thin film limit). In view of the enhanced magnetic transition temperature we conclude that the mere presence of the interface, and its specific characteristics, strongly affects the magnetic properties of the entire MnSi film, even far from the interface. Our analysis provides invaluable information about the local strain at the MnSi/Si(111) interface. The presented methodology of polarization dependent EXAFS can also be employed to investigate the local structure of other interesting interfaces.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗